The world of home and lifestyle design has been forever transformed by the rise of TikTok. What was once the domain of professional interior designers and lifestyle gurus is now a free-for-all, with trends spreading like wildfire across the social media platform. But which of these viral sensations are worth embracing, and which should we relegate to the dustbin of history?
To get the inside scoop, we spoke to a panel of industry experts - from color specialists to professional organizers - to get their take on the TikTok trends that are worth your time, and those that are better left to the teens. The verdict? Some classics are making a comeback, while others are entering their "cringe era" faster than you can say "cottagecore."
The Trends Experts Love
One trend that's earned the seal of approval from the pros is color drenching, the practice of coating every surface in a room in a single, enveloping hue. "By extending one shade across walls, ceilings and woodwork, a room gains depth and unity, allowing architectural details and natural light to define the space rather than color contrast," says Patrick O'Donnell, Farrow & Ball's brand ambassador.
Another trend that's caught the eye of interior designers is the resurgence of the sunken sofa. "It isn't just a trend - it's rooted in mid-century design," explains Ben Selby-Chase of Jewel Design Studio. "When you have the space, it can be an incredibly effective way of creating a deliberately social space that also offers a sense of separation and intimacy without walls."
The Trends Experts Loathe
But not every TikTok trend is a winner in the eyes of the experts. One that's already starting to show its age is the ubiquitous "cottagecore" aesthetic, with its bucolic floral prints and rustic accents. "While the vibe is cozy and nostalgic, it can quickly feel impractical and borderline garish," warns Rebecca Bobroff, an interior designer.
The experts also have little love for the explosion of "themed" spaces, where a room is entirely decked out in a specific pop culture or design motif. "Overly themed spaces can be a little too much," says Cheryl Clendenon, creative chief of In Detail Interiors. "They may be fun in the short term, but they're unlikely to stand the test of time."
What This Really Means
The rise of TikTok has democratized home and lifestyle design, empowering regular people to experiment and share their creativity. But as these trends go viral, it's clear that not all of them are built to last. The key, according to the experts, is to embrace the classics - like color drenching and sunken sofas - while avoiding the temptation to fully commit to the latest craze.
As Alice Tate, a writer and PR consultant, puts it, "There's always going to be an appetite for the perfect clutter-free shot, but I think people want to get more of an idea of how it might translate into their world, so more lived-in content offers that." In other words, the future of home design lies in finding the right balance between aspirational and authentic.