It's no secret that TikTok has become a (slightly unexpected) go-to platform for interior design inspiration, from finding beautiful new aesthetics to genius furniture hacks and easy-to-follow DIYs. One topic that's been dominating recently is interior design trends that were almost created by the platform.
We are talking about those micro-trends that were sparked by a few videos and snowballed into full-fledged styles that even interior designers started to follow. But which of these TikTok trends are long-lived? Which ones may have started as a gimmick and have become classic looks that we should be embracing in our homes for 2024?
We asked interior designers for their take on TikTok's influence on the interior design world and which trends have earned their place beyond the app.
8 TikTok interior design trends to follow in 2024
Whether your For You page is filled with bright, color-drenched interiors, eclectic, collected homes, or peaceful Japandi havens, these are the TikTok trends set to endure in 2024, according to the designers that love them.
1. Bookshelf wealth
One of the newest trends to emerge on the TikTok scene, bookshelf wealth is almost an anti-trend, promoting the idea of lived-in homes that aren't photo-ready. Instead, they are a reflection of the homeowner's tastes, style, and most loved possessions they've collected over time.
'Bookshelf wealth is more than just a design choice; it's a lifestyle that revolves around the appreciation of living spaces and the act of collecting meaningful items. The key to achieving this look goes beyond following a formula – it's about being an avid reader, surrounding yourself with items that fill your soul, and embracing imperfections in a perfectly imperfect way,' says Kailee Blalock, co-founder and principal designer at House of Hive.
'The aesthetic is deeply rooted in maintaining the character and integrity of one's home. It's not merely about decorating with books; it extends to art, sculpture, and intentional time spent in the space. The uniqueness of the "vibe" is individualistic, making it challenging to replicate artificially.'
'To bring this style to life, unconventional ways of decorating with art, such as in front of bookshelves or on the floor, are encouraged. Preserving historic elements like stained glass, incorporating plush and cozy furniture, creating reading niches, and embracing patterns and colors are integral aspects that set this aesthetic apart from the prevailing grey and beige "clean girl aesthetic".'
2. Eclectic chic
Eclectic interiors have surged in popularity on TikTok, and it's a trend that will endure throughout 2024. 'The trend for ‘eclectic chic’ interiors allows us to play with design conventions, be more adventurous and spontaneous, and inject our personality into our spaces,' says interior designer Matthew Williamson.
'To achieve this, I recommend mixing and matching different styles of furniture and accessories, incorporating both vintage and more modern pieces which you’re attracted to,' he advises. Whether you've inherited furniture from relatives, can't resist a Facebook marketplace purchase, or simply love a variety of styles, eclectic style is the perfect way to showcase all of your favorite pieces.
Opt for a rich color palette, experimenting with unexpected color combinations, using easy updates like cushions and throws. When it comes to accessories, focus on meaningful items that tell your story – perhaps a ceramic vase you bought on a trip or a candelabra you found whilst hunting for antiques. It’s all about embracing diversity whilst creating a balanced and functional space.'
3. Lived in homes
On a similar theme, allowing your home to look lived-in and imperfect is becoming preferable over clutter-free, perfect interiors. 'The perfectly aesthetic homes of influencers being shown on TikTok are losing traction as more and more people want to see lived-in homes,' says Luis Carmona, owner and interior designer at Verde.
'This trend typically shows what a "normal" home looks like. Fully decorated, but not curated. The sofa has indentations, the beds are not perfectly made and the kitchen countertops have clutter. This lived-in look is a lot more relatable and more approachable than its overly aesthetic counterpart, which is why it is quite popular at the moment. The average person on TikTok can relate to lived-in homes because they too live in a similar home.'
4. Brown interiors
As color trends move away from crisp white walls and neutral accessories, a desire for warmer, richer color palettes sparked a re-found love for brown interiors.
'Brown is still enjoying a resurgence which we hope to be able to take full advantage of,' says Tiffany Duggan, founder of Studio Duggan. 'Personally, I like deep bitter chocolate tones, ideally in a lacquered finish.'
Warm chocolate and refreshing coffee tones add a depth and interest to a room, but if you don't want to commit to a color-drenched space, add hints of brown with throw pillows, rugs, and small furniture items.
5. Dopamine decorating
Suppose brown-toned interiors still feel too neutral for your style. In that case, the dopamine decorating trend is a perfect alternative, encouraging people to decorate their homes in a way that insights joy. Introduce daring color palettes, busy patterns and comforting textures to create a mood-boosting space.
'The dopamine decor trend is becoming more and more popular because people are spending more and more time at home. More than ever, our homes are more than the place where we wake up in the morning and go to bed at night. Many now work from home, spend evenings at home with friends and family (versus going out), and cook more meals at home (versus going out to eat),' says Luis Carmona.
'This trend emphasizes how your home should make you happy no matter what it looks like. Decorating it shouldn't be about following design trends, but decorating in a way that brings you the most happiness. This trend brings out the personality of a space, and the person living there, usually showing a ton of color, texture and character.'
6. Moody martini
Moody colors, vintage and antique furniture paired with luxurious fabrics are at the core of the moody martini trend – and interior designers are loving the style.
'I love to create a space that beckons to entertain. In this New York City home, the gorgeous paneling and saturated color palette are the perfect complement to the moody martini vibe,' says Marie Flanigan, of Marie Flanigan Interiors.
Accessories and soft furnishings help to create a welcoming, relaxing feel the a room, and they're also a great way to inject extra personality. 'The pink silk rug is an unexpected anchor in the space and the plush soft finishes are reminiscent of a bygone era. The space feels like an intimate members-only club that is perfect for cocktails and conversation.'
7. Maximalism
Considering the top TikTok trends chosen so far, it will come as no surprise that maximalist decor is on the list. Much like bookshelf wealth and eclectic chic, maximalism is all about creating characterful interiors that pay homage to our passions and treasured collections.
'Although Maximalism is not considered a trend for us, it is on TikTok. The world of modern bohemian has officially worn itself out and we couldn’t be happier that people are embracing the change' says Lindsay Biondo, of Houz of Rebel.
'Maximalist spaces often feel lived-in and cozy and are highly lived-in spaces. The abundance of objects, art, and fabrics can create a sense of warmth and comfort, making homes feel more inviting and lived-in. This is particularly important as homes have become multifunctional spaces in recent years. We love the bold use of color, pattern and texture and we can’t wait to see more of it featured online, especially for the younger generation of Tik Tok.'
8. Vintage inspired interiors
Transitional interiors are becoming increasingly popular with younger generations, and, subsequently, TikTok too. This blended interior design style incorporates vintage and inherited pieces, something designers are certainly happy about.
'I feel like we are entering our Heirloom era. There are so many small details that are required to make a space feel old, new, and timeless at the same time,' says Bailey Todd, of White Cliff Studio.
'Having prints introduced in some way that have that nostalgic feeling that you get when thinking of your grandparents' house and all of the old items that have been passed down to them. These are the things that make a home feel like home to me. It feels handed down, collected, and personal.'
It seems TikTok trends are all leading in one direction – inviting, lived-in interiors, quite the opposite of years passed. Despite calling them trends, 2024 is setting out to be the year of anti-trends, encouraging homeowners to create spaces they enjoy, filled with the items, furniture, and decorations they love. So, say goodbye to perfectly aesthetic homes, and say hello to eclectic interiors filled with personality.
