Blast to the Past: Millennial Interior Design Trends Review

Millennial interior design trends, were, um, questionable. At the time being, everyone was super into these trends (including myself), but as time passed, I realized that these trends were not my favourites. I thought it would be fun to reflect on the past trends and give my 2 cents now. To be clear, these are the millennial interior design trends that were prevalent during 2012-2017ish. Let’s explore some of the most popular design trends among millennials during this time, along with their pros and cons.

1. Mosaic Kitchen Backsplash

This kitchen SCREAMS 2013 millennial! Everything from the crystal chandelier, grey colour scheme and mosaic backsplash…

I hope the owner of this kitchen did some renovations since, because, this kitchen is looking a little dated.

Anyway, the point here is that mosaic tile for a kitchen backsplash was a HUGE trend! My issue with this trend is that it tends to look very busy and cluttered. I will say, that it can add some nice texture, colour and interest to a space, however, I think there are more subtle ways to bring in a mosaic. Like this:

The modern version of Millennial Interior Design

So, yes, the all-over mosaic kitchen backsplash is out! However, mosaic tiles are not. I would recommend using mosaic tile as an accent, as it can really give your kitchen some character and look very custom.

Trend Pro’s and Con’s

Pros:

• Visual Appeal: Mosaic backsplashes add a vibrant and artistic element to the kitchen, making it a focal point.
• Variety: There are endless design possibilities with mosaics, allowing for customization to suit personal tastes.
• Durability: Mosaic tiles are generally durable and resistant to stains and moisture, making them ideal for kitchen areas.

Cons:

• Cost: Mosaic tiles can be expensive, especially if you opt for custom designs or high-end materials.
• Maintenance: The grout between the tiles can be difficult to clean and may require regular maintenance to prevent discoloration.

2. Marble Furniture

Marble furniture/marble-looking furniture was another huge trend. When reflecting, I feel as if the marble is a little cold-looking. However, I am not opposed to marble accents in furniture pieces. Like so:

A little sprinkle of marble is digestible. A lot of marble feels a little cheesy to me.

Trend Pro’s and Con’s

Pros:

• Luxurious Look: Marble furniture exudes elegance and sophistication, elevating the overall aesthetic of a space.
• Durability: Marble is a sturdy material that can last for years if properly cared for.
• Timeless Appeal: Marble has a classic look that doesn’t easily go out of style.

Cons:

• High Cost: Marble furniture is often quite expensive, making it a significant investment.
• Maintenance: Marble is prone to stains and scratches and requires regular maintenance and careful cleaning.
• Weight: Marble pieces can be very heavy, making them difficult to move and requiring strong, supportive flooring.

3. Word Art

Ahhh, yes, the infamous word art. It doesn’t get more millennial than that. Honestly, I have never been a fan of word art. It’s a bit too corny and tacky for my taste. The whole “live, laugh, love” vibe is not it.

Trend Pro’s and Con’s

Pros:

• There are no pro’s.

Cons:

• Overuse: Word art can quickly become cliché or overdone if used excessively or without thoughtful placement.
• Limited Appeal: It might not appeal to everyone and can date the space if the chosen phrases fall out of fashion.

4. Grey Colour Scheme

How could I do a post about millennial interior design trends without mention of “millennial grey”. Remember a time when everyone was grey-crazy? I am trying to forget. I honestly cannot stand the colour grey anymore since this time period. It was just so overdone. Grey floors, tiles, upholstery…no thank you.

Trend Pro’s and Con’s

Pros:

• Versatility: Grey is a neutral colour that works well with almost any other colour, making it easy to integrate into various design schemes.
• Sophistication: A grey colour palette can create a sleek, modern, and sophisticated look.
• Timelessness: Grey doesn’t easily go out of style and can serve as a timeless backdrop for other design elements.

Cons:

• Coldness: If not balanced with warmer tones or textures, grey can make a space feel cold and uninviting.
• Overuse: An over-reliance on grey can lead to a monotonous and dull environment if not thoughtfully contrasted with other colours or decor elements.

5. Boho Style

The Boho style was pretty popular during this period as well. Everyone wanted to be all earthy and namaste. This style is cute and all, but I think it’s a bit overdone.

Trend Pro’s and Con’s

Pros:

• Creativity: Boho style embraces creativity and individuality, allowing for a mix of colours, patterns, and textures.
• Comfort: The boho style often features cozy and comfortable furniture, layered with soft textiles and cushions.
• Eclectic Mix: It allows for an eclectic mix of vintage and new items, making it easy to incorporate personal and unique pieces.

Cons:

• Clutter: The boho style can easily become cluttered if not carefully curated, leading to a chaotic rather than a harmonious look.
• Trend-Specific: While currently popular, boho style can be very trend-specific and may not have the same appeal in the future.
• Maintenance: The numerous textiles and layered elements can require more upkeep and cleaning to maintain their appearance.

6. Mirrored Furniture

I saved the best for last. The final millennial trend I will talk about is mirrored furniture. I honestly cannot even stand looking at mirrored furniture. It looks like it belongs in a fun house! Let me leave it at…I am happy this trend has died.

Millennial interior design trends could have been better

My conclusion about millennial interior design trends is that they sucked. But seriously, I am not a fan of the past trend cycle. Maybe you are, and that’s fine. Different strokes for different folks. I am a lot more into the current trends; read Home Trends in 2024, a Big Shift in Interior Design.

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