Known for thinking outside the box and creativity, millennials are transforming the way we approach interior design, drawing inspiration from old memories, reinterpreted in a more contemporary way. Always in search of practical and functional objects to incorporate into their home design, millennials want their homes to reflect their personal style and character, while making a strong statement.

Let’s take a look at how the millennial generation furnishes their homes and what are the most distinctive features of their interior design concept.

But…Who are the millennials?

Before explaining how millennials are redefining design, it’s better to clarify who they are exactly: often referred to as Generation Y, following Generation X, most believe this demographic spans from 1980 to 1995. Imagine for a moment what this generation has witnessed so far, all the dictates imposed by parents, and how this has shaped their upbringing. There you have it. The main traits of this generation seem to be a strong sense of duty and an awareness of the local and global community.

Try to translate all this information into home design.

Millennials and the home

Essentially, millennials do not strive to live like those who came before them; among the things they prioritize are:

• A home that is small but functional rather than sprawling and multi-story.
• No mass-produced homes; here, singularity and uniqueness are appreciated.
• They prefer DIY and desire original and personal homes that reflect who they are (and they are willing to purchase homes that need complete renovation).

The beauty of simplicity

Millennials tend to design their spaces with simplicity in mind: this is their typical approach to furnishing. They understand that an impactful look can be achieved by mixing personality with what they have in front of them, creating a living space that may not always be balanced, a bit loud, but functional and genuine.

This attitude towards furnishing and design allows them to work with any budget they have, making living spaces more interesting and seemingly grander than they actually are.

millennial trends

The ingredients of millennial decor style?

• Touches of industrial and vintage style,
• flexible furniture for multifunctional spaces,
• wood,
• custom neon signs,
• wallpaper,
• plants and natural fabrics.

Bold colors are always popular, among whites, the dirty ones are the most favored and should easily top the list of neutrals, even with warmer tones: the color combinations to use are greens, pinks, and blues.

These shades will find their way onto countertops, cabinets inside kitchens, paintings and coverings, artworks and mirrors in bathrooms, with greens leading the charge in line with the nature theme, so dear to millennials. Similarly, wood tones continue to enjoy extreme popularity.

Dominant colors, natural styles, sustainability, and integrated technology, along with other important trends that include more flexible use of space and, in particular, the multifunctionality of space. All these elements make up the millennial aesthetic for interior design.