If you're a follower of interior design trends, you may have noticed that many of the major home trends are also key fashion trends.
From quiet luxury to Coastal Grandmother, a large proportion of the biggest trends have strong links to the fashion industry. But why are so many of these trends being translated to both industries? According to designers, the two may be a lot more closely linked than first anticipated.
Here, interior designers discuss how the trend cycle works between fashion and interiors, and why we're starting to see these trends emerge at a quicker rate than ever before.
We've also rounded up six of the biggest interior design trends that have also been major players in fashion. Read on to hear from designers on some of the most viral interior-fashion trends of recent years.
The typical trend cycle from fashion to interiors
According to interior designers, trends generally originate in the fashion industry and then show up in interiors in due course. 'Fashion often informs interiors by inspiring the choice of silhouettes, color palettes, and materials,' explains interior designer Marie Flanigan. 'Sometimes fashion trends take a few seasons to trickle down to interiors, but always forecast the direction of interior design.'
Brady Tolbert, interior designer and Creative Director at Bobby Berk highlights that color trends are a classic example of this. When a color is popularized in the fashion industry, it's more than likely going to be embraced in interiors years down the line: 'You may not have paid attention to it, but if you look at the color trends in fashion five or more years ago, you'll see that a few years later, they typically bleed into the color trends in home design.'
'Fashion has always been where color trends start, and then they trickle down into multiple other industries,' continues Brady. 'For that reason, Meryl Streep's famous monologue from Devil Wear's Prada rings true today more than ever.'
Although fashion and interiors are very different in some ways, the way in which major trends are translated between the two may make them more similar than first anticipated. Designers Kailee Blalock and Taylor Troia of House of Hive explain the similarities of the two industries:
'In our view, the trend cycle bridges interior design and fashion because these two mediums aren't all that different. They both revolve around evoking emotions and creating a particular ambiance. Nowadays, if someone identifies with a particular fashion style, it can easily translate into their interior design preferences.'
Why are we seeing so many fashion trends show up in interiors?
While it's clear that fashion has for a long time played a key role in informing interior design trends, it doesn't go unnoticed that in recent years, there appears to be increasing crossover. From quiet luxury to the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic, trends that were not long ago established in fashion have firmly made their mark in home decor too, at a quicker rate than the typical trend cycle described above.
The most obvious reason for this quicker cycle of trends is the acceleration of social media, namely TikTok which by nature, speeds up to process of viral trends.
'We've noticed a growing convergence between interior design and fashion trends, and TikTok seems to be a significant driving force behind this,' say House of Hive's Kailee and Taylor. 'The platform dominates the trend cycle, with new videos emerging each week showcasing the latest trends.'
In addition, a general theme that's present across the creative industries as a whole is personality-led style, whether that's in fashion choices or how we style our homes. We're seeing more and more become welcoming of self-expression, rather than keeping styles submissive to design rules. With this, it makes sense that we're seeing an acceleration of fashion trends replicated in our homes with people feeling inspired to try brave and bold ideas, where previously there may have been more restraint when it comes to interiors.
'When you are drawn to something, it doesn't matter if it's a blouse or a chair, you just know you like it,' explains interior designer David Samuel Ko, founder of Maison Co. 'Fashion is a form of self-expression, and so is interior design. Just as you would tell a story with a new outfit, you can do the same with your home and now more than ever, designers and companies are starting to realize that as they are making pieces that feel very fashion-forward, or creating a space inspired by a runway trend.'
6 leading interior trends that began in fashion
Proving just how many of the recent interior trends are shared with the fashion industry, we've rounded up six of the most popular below.
1. Quiet luxury
While the quiet luxury trend originated before 2024, it's fair to say it has been one of the most impactful interior trends in recent years.
Celebrating understated design, quiet luxury began as a way of redefining luxury in the world of fashion, marking a shift from heavily branded garments. Within home decor, quiet luxury is all about the elegance of simplicity and the use of high-quality materials. Out of all the recent trends, it's the one we expect to continue for many years.
'The quiet luxury trend is one of my favorite fashion-to-interiors crossovers as of late because it really speaks to the importance of quality materials and timeless design,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'I honestly don't love to think of design in terms of ephemeral trends – the best pieces, be they pieces of furniture or pieces of clothing, are going to have the ability to transcend the trend landscape and last for years to come because they're beautifully made with an emphasis on craftsmanship and versatility. Quiet luxury may be billed as a trend, but I think of it as a more enduring lifestyle choice.'
Brady Tolbert is also a huge fan of the shift towards quiet luxury interiors: 'When it comes to stylistic trends, I have really loved seeing quiet luxury bleed into the design world from the fashion world. It's all about restraint in color palette and materials, and it focuses on the use of high-quality and luxe materials in dramatic ways rather than having a lot going on in the room.'
2. Layering patterns and textiles
Another popular fashion trend that's progressed into interiors in recent months is layering. In fashion, we've seen popularity around combining unexpected prints and patterns, creating a maximalist look. In interiors, the same can be said for layering textiles which creates a slightly bohemian, eclectic feel.
Director of Design, Christine Carney at Blackberry Farm Design weighs in on this living room which demonstrates the layering of patterns, explaining: 'We love using pinstriped worsted wool on furniture or as drapery – think fine suits – and it makes for a cheeky upholstered desk chair. Layering patterns and textures such as florals and stripes with chunky wovens is another example that gives bohemian, effortless vibes.'
Marie Flanigan also observes layering in interior design as a key interior trend for 2024, adding that it can be an effective way to add depth to a room: 'Mixing materials that are seen on the runway, like textured velvet or gauzy linen, might be incorporated into upholstery or drapery choices, adding texture and depth to interiors while reflecting current style trends.'
3. The coquette aesthetic
The coquette aesthetic has taken the fashion world by storm in recent months and has unsurprisingly made its way into interior design, too. This style is all about ultra-feminine pieces with a retro feel. Think pastel pinks, florals, and delicate fabrics such as lace.
Within this trend, the use of bows (in both fashion and home decor) became hugely popular, becoming the trademark motif of this aesthetic. 'One trend that was insanely popular during the holidays was this "coquette" and the bow trend,' explains David Samuel Ko.
'Bows were everywhere. On candlesticks, on glassware... you name it. We are used to seeing this ribbon and bow look on clothing and sweet, lacy, detailing. But now that frilly and girly look is something that can be found in the form of ceramics, decor, and so much more.'
4. Eclectic Grandpa
A standout trend that dominated TikTok algorithms is the Eclectic Grandpa aesthetic. Linking to vintage home decor, rich colors, and a general welcoming of an eclectic style, the Eclectic Grandpa trend goes hand in hand with the popularity of shopping vintage furniture trends, creating homes that feel full of character.
'Our preferred design trends originally stemming from the realm of fashion are Eclectic Grandpa and Coastal Grandmother,' says House of Hive's Kailee and Taylor. 'While both share a common aesthetic thread, Eclectic Grandpa channels a vintage Ralph Lauren vibe. Eclectic grandpa fashion and interiors boast plaids, navy tones, luxurious leathers, jewel tones, and intricate layering.'
5. Coastal Grandmother
Similarly, the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic has gained plenty of popularity across social media feeds in recent years, but its aesthetic remains timeless. An effortless take on coastal decor, the Coastal Grandmother interior design style embraces a coastal color palette to create spaces that feel light and airy.
'Coastal grandmother embraces stripes like seersucker, knits reminiscent of fashionable sweaters, and an abundance of Americana motifs, often incorporated into blankets and decor,' explain Kailee and Taylor.
6. Unexpected red theory
Last but by no means least, the unexpected red theory took the fashion world by storm at the beginning of the year, and it's fair to say it made its mark on the interior world too.
Essentially, the unexpected red trend is based on the idea that adding red in small amounts to any spaces without our homes (or outfits) enhances their visual appeal. Interior designer Natalia Miyar elaborates on this below, explaining that it's a particularly effective trend for small rooms:
'Red lends itself beautifully to smaller spaces. It creates such an intense and dramatic feel that elevates a small room that can often feel forgotten. A small home office space with textured red wallpaper continued across the ceiling creates a sophisticated and impactful room.'
Intrigued by this color theory idea? See for yourself the impact red can make by shopping the below home decor items.
These six trends have played a significant role in shaping interiors in recent years. While some appear to be more seasonal, others, such as quiet luxury show no signs of stopping.
