This is perhaps the most well-known term of the Gen Z aesthetic lexicon. Early appearances of the suffix ‘core’ specifically document the rise of fashion trends such as normcore and gorpcore. In 2020, cottagecore exploded onto the scene, offering a utopian, vernacular fantasy of secluding yourself from the world – and urban life – on your own terms. Cottagecore was the first instance in which the suffix ‘core’ was used in the common consciousness to refer to architectural and interior styles, when previously it had been used exclusively to describe trends in fashion. From that point onwards, adding ‘core’ after any object became shorthand to describe an aesthetic inspired from that base word. Barbiecore, fairycore, arcadecore, and every other ‘core’ refers to a hyper-specific style, but the base word immediately generates a strong visual to take reference from, making the communication of ideas easier.
Dopamine Decor
Samantha Copper
Dopamine is another word that has recently entered the common consciousness, and is used to refer to anything that brings you joy. Dopamine decor is derived from the fashion trend of dopamine dressing, with both following a very basic principle – adorn yourself and your space with what makes you happy. Dopamine decor is all about creating a space that is a true reflection of yourself, encouraging the mixing of aesthetics and styles, an amalgamation of all the ‘cores’ that inspire you. This trend encourages a childlike indulgence and picking things based on intuition rather than following a rulebook. Ultimately, dopamine decor resonates with GenZ because it speaks to our desire for authentic individual expression.
Curated Chaos
Harshita Nayyar
Harshita Nayyar
Curated chaos is the final evolution of Gen Z interior design trends. If dopamine decor encourages intuitive indulgence, curated chaos shows you how to make aesthetic sense of the various patterns, collectibles, textiles, and furniture packed into one space. This is the embodiment of Gen Z’s move towards maximalism, fuelled by the need for personalisation, and the familiarity of overstimulation. The digital world consists of a revolving door of aesthetics, nothing lasts for more than five seconds, and what’s in today may disappear into the annals of the algorithm tomorrow. Holding on to physical items like trinkets, vinyls, and posters are tangible reminders of the real, physical world and the memories associated with it. Curated chaos may appear overwhelming, unappealing, and messy to an onlooker, but for most of Gen Z it feels like home.
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