Interior design is at the forefront of Gen Z’s mind. After spending so much time indoors during the pandemic years, young people have realised the benefit of creating a warm, comfortable and appealing living space – and vintage design is how they’re doing it. While millennials leaned into minimalism for their home decor, Gen Z is pulling inspiration from the past for its unique character and the sense of nostalgia it brings.
After walking into the average young person’s apartment, you will likely feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine. Everything that trended in your childhood (and perhaps even your parents’ childhood) is back in vogue. From the groovy vibes of the ‘70s to the bubblegum pop sweetness of the Y2K era, vintage decor is king in 2024. If you find yourself wondering how to join the vintage renaissance, your search ends here. In this article, we’ll detail just how Gen Z tastemakers are bringing vintage style back to interior design.
Nostalgic Wall Art
The stylish Gen Zer will buy wall prints online that invoke feelings of nostalgia for days gone by. These prints, which are much more affordable than original art, allow young people to bring a touch of historical charm into their homes. Whether it’s a sophisticated Mattise reproduction or a nod to the modern art movement, retailers offer a wide array of prints that suit any taste. Gallery walls are a popular way for Gen Z to highlight their taste in art, pairing photos with friends, fine art prints and popstar posters for a unique blend of artwork that straddles past and present.
Retro Technology
Many modern musicians have tapped into Gen Z’s nostalgia-fueled desires by offering vinyl records, catering to a generation that welcomes retro technology (like the classic record player) into their homes as both a functional and aesthetic choice, but a practical one too. These records often line the walls of a Gen Z apartment alongside cherished memories captured by a Polaroid camera and spotlit by a glowing lava lamp. While most Zoomers can’t remember the turn of the century, this vintage technology connects them to simpler times they will never experience.
Vintage Materials
The resurgence of vintage style has sparked renewed interest in old materials and textiles, boosting demand for pieces like cozy quilt blankets, leather sofas, hardwood furniture and embroidered cushions. These items are often incredibly high-quality, having stood the test of time. Additionally, these timeless pieces feel as if they are full of memories and infuse a living space with warmth, creating a homey feel reminiscent of a beloved grandparent’s home in the wintertime. Their tactile richness and charm bring a sense of coziness and comfort that is unmatched in the more sleek, minimalist offerings of modern design.
Timeless Kitchens
Interior design extends beyond the living room or bedroom, and many Zoomers invest time into creating beautiful, vintage-inspired kitchens, too. For example, Gen Z is swapping modern non-stick pans for classic, long-lasting cast iron cookware, which was equally as appealing to Parisienne chefs in 1920 as it will be decades from now. Heritage cast iron brands create pots, pans, and baking dishes in a range of rich, attractive colours, turning kitchenware essentials into practical but gorgeous focal points of the room. Retro-style refrigerators, toasters, and blenders have also seen a surge in popularity as Gen Z seeks to blend functionality with old-school charm.
Upcycled Furniture
Unfortunately, not all vintage furniture will find its way to a new home in peak condition – many pieces are aged by the wear and tear of years gone by. But Gen Z is a generation that can see a metaphorical diamond in the rough. Upcycling (the act of turning an old item into something new) or restoring vintage furniture and decor has become a common hobby for Zoomers, who use Internet tutorials to breathe new life into old things. Scuffed, poorly painted dressers can become unrecognisable with sandpaper and wood stain, musty chairs can receive much-needed reupholstering, and vintage televisions can even become aquariums through the imagination of Gen Z doers.
Ironically, the generation that is most enmeshed with modern technology also has the strongest pull toward the home decor of the past. Gen Zers are enamoured with vintage interior design and are achieving their desired aesthetic in innovative and exciting ways. From wall art prints of iconic masterpieces to retro refrigerators, Gen Z knows how to bring history into their homes with taste. Their ability to identify high-quality vintage materials and restore old furniture to its former glory allows pieces to enjoy a second life. Because of their interest in vintage decor, Gen Z has created special, warm, and inviting interiors that truly feel like a home – rich with memories and care.
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