Looking for millennial interior design trends 2020? It’s no longer only a topic for homeowners settling down in a residence they commit to for life. Instead, home design today branches out across varying levels of income, spaces, style, age, gender, and more, particularly when it comes to the millennial generation. Oh and in case you’re wondering what exactly is “millennial” age, this term usually refers to anyone born between 1981 and 1996.
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Home Design and Millennials
Young people take good interior design seriously, but their home-related needs differ a lot from their predecessors. A few of these differences are:
- The millennial generation typically doesn’t make as much money
- They move more frequently than their parents
- Differences in values
- Generally live in smaller spaces than the past generation
This list of differences means shifts to interior design trends to meet the changing needs of the millennial generation. Here are just a few of the design trends that resulted from the changing demands of this young group.
1. Exposure
In the past, younger generations weren’t exposed to as much innovative design as millennials are today. For the millennial generation as a whole, a well-crafted space with good aesthetics have become a valuable part of any home, no matter its size.
Furthermore, social media has made it easier to see trending styles and sources for furniture inspiration. Just look at online influencers who post about their latest home redesign. And then there are bloggers who share their DIY creations. Celebrity designers often launch home décor lines too. All of this makes exposure to interior design mainstream for many young people, as well as for people with a few more years on them.
As for what home design trends millennials gravitate toward, they seem to take a cue from mid-century modern and focus on pieces that are more functional but don’t sacrifice aesthetics. Instead, they develop a market full of clean, minimal styled pieces instead of ones that are overly bulky or ornate.
Minimalism in design lends itself to the re-purposing of furniture, easy moving, and more free space within a small home or apartment.
2. Interior Design Trends 2020: Self-Expression
Lastly, the millennial generation generally does not conform to traditional styles of interior design. Instead, the younger generation is open to trying new styles and also combining ones that have been around for ages. There is currently a trend toward eclectic furniture and using interior design as a way to express themselves.
A few of the ways that millennials today are branching out from their predecessors’ design expectations are by using:
- Bright colors
- Unconventional furniture silhouettes,
- Striking patterns, and
- Layered textures
If you’re not sure quite how to incorporate color into your existing decor, CreativeLive offers an online class exactly for that purpose. Sign up for Using Color in Home Design today or check out CreativeLive for other creative courses.
3. Smaller Spaces
The millennial generation lives in smaller spaces than those before them. Instead of houses, many live in apartments, studios, and condos. These small areas have a lower commitment, but they also have less space or less freedom with interior design. Therefore, furniture manufacturers have had to accommodate these changing spaces or risk going out of business.
For example, sofas and love seats are more compact than ever. And many millennials would never even dream of owning a sectional in their limited space. And there’s also limited room for storage space, so the home design industry has begun producing more items for storage purposes. In general, interior design pieces that are multi-functional and still compact are popular for accommodating the shrinking sizes of living spaces.
Downsizing is a big part of many millennials’ lifestyles. Rising rents don’t make it any easier for people to invest in big spaces to hold larger pieces. So many in the millennial generation take the less-is-more approach and adopt a minimalist feel in their space. Not only does this style of home design appear clean, but it’s also cheaper. The days of maximalism no longer make sense for working millennials or those who are in college and on a budget. In response, their interior design styles include only the essentials.
3. Eco-Friendly Interior Design Trends 2020
The millennial generation has also shifted toward sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. in their living spaces. That’s because of increasing worries that weren’t as apparent in their parents’ youth.
With so much waste in industries like fashion, food, and more, many furniture and decor suppliers have taken a greener approach, much to the delight of many consumers. As millennials frequently emphasize the importance of upcycling and buying second-hand materials to avoid waste, many businesses make it their goal to operate under green standards. Some examples are:
- The use of recyclable materials
- 3D printing
- Production methods that minimize environmental damage
- Waste reduction efforts
Some companies also offer products that actively improve the home’s environment, such as curtains that purify the surrounding air. This IKEA invention is helps purify the air within the living space. While many people don’t realize it, indoor pollutants are a reality. The odor from our cat litter box is an example.
The younger generations have also taken this approach to what they buy. For example, the millennial generation typically streamlines furniture and storage. And they generally focus on the functionality of the pieces they invest in, instead of a tired “more-is-more” approach that older generations used for interior design.
The result is less wasteful buying and less subsequent tossing of unnecessary pieces. It is a more effective approach for eco-friendly enthusiasts. Furniture companies are stepping up to meet the changing demands of customers, at least if they want to continue to be successful.
Last Words on Millennials and Home Design
The listed millennial preferences for interior design trends differ from when their parents were young. Living rooms back then were seen as a space that ought to appeal to anyone invited there. But today this young group takes more chances and supports designs that they themselves like, first and foremost.
What are some other millennial trends that you see in the home or elsewhere? Are you a minimalist? Let’s talk about design trends 2020!
I’ll admit, as having been born in the late 80’s I’m always hesitant to read articles that define ‘Millenials’ but as far as general aesthetics, you are bang on. I decorate how I want, I love colour, mid-century modern and layering textures. Bang on read!
Side note- The blue tone paint in your title picture is to die for!
Color me happy!!
Love minimalism, but also love a classic old European look as well. Something about feeing like you’re in London in the early 1900’s is so romantic to me. Maybe I’ve read too many books haha
The romance in some styles is amazing, right?! Keep reading, it’s lots of fun to get lost in the pages of a great book :)
Bravo! This might be one of the best posts I’ve read on WordPress to date. Absolutely spot on.
Your comment made my day!
I think minimalism is a beautiful midset as it helps you focus on more important things rather than small details that no one even notices, and i think it gives a sense of freedom and flexibility, less rigidity.
I love wehat you say about the benefits of minimalism, Giselle!
Really interesting read Christy. Thank you! I’m a Millennial (83) and I like a lot of different styles. I usually style my home to suit the architecture of the house. I.e if I lived in a modern condo I would lean towards mid-century or minimalist. But currently I live in a rustic Prairie style house in the woods so I’ve chosen more rustic pieces. I agree though that it’s all about self-expression. As long as the style reflects ‘you’ that’s all that matters.
Hi! I’m glad this post piqued your interest. Totally agree that it’s about self-expression when it comes to style, whether that’s for your home or what you wear. Be confortable and, in turn, confident! Rock it :D
I’m sending this one to my daughter, Christy, as she definitely fits the profile and is setting up a new place right now !
I’m flattered that you would share the interior design post with her, Amy. HUGS!
This is an interesting article. As a millennial, I’m recognizing the “less stuff” side of things now.
So you’re a minimalist then at heart xo
Yes, I believe so.
:D
I am always confused. Am I or am I not a millennial? I have been questioning that and get different answers. I was born in 1978. The last generation website I looked on said millennials were from 77-95 but I have also seen the years you have here. I do share many of the qualities of the millennial. It feels like the generation between 76-96 is kind of the unknown generation.
I think that given your birth year you’re Generation X :) After that is the millennial generation and then post-millennials. But really they’re just names and the most important thing is to find what’s right for you, irregardless of birth year. I appreciate your comment!
I’m a “xennial,” hehe, but I have subscribed to many of these millennial sentiments. :) I love the eco-styles, and the focus on smaller living areas, and things like that. And I’m wishing you a happy Friday!
Eco-style is great in my opinion because it’s functional and aesthetically pleasing, all at the same time! Great to see you, C :D
Lots of metal and cold type enviornments, as well as the rustic farmhouse trend
Rustic is great!