Is your house decor ‘cheugy’? Ten items branded ‘opposite of trendy’ by Generation Z

It’s hard to keep up with the changing interior design fashions of the day – but if you thought grey walls, decorations of phrases and marble counters were in, then you have a ‘cheugy’ set-up, according to Gen Z youngsters.

The term means ‘basic’ and ‘opposite of trendy’ and has previously been used to criticise millennial fashion, however, now interior styles of that age group are under scrutiny.

Research from British Tap Warehouse discovered the ten interior items that are ‘cheugy’ – including geometric print walls and mirrored furniture.

Dom-Lees Bell, interior expert at Tap Warehouse said: ‘You may be surprised to discover that seemingly on-trend interiors are in fact cheugy in the eyes of gen z.

‘However, ultimately gen z style is about not trying too hard and having fun with your decor. Less about having a faultless Instagram ready home. And, the most important aspect of all: decorating with your own sense of style.’

Here, the interior design expert reveals the ten items branded the ‘opposite of trendy’ by today’s young adults – and the styles you could swap them out for…

Here, the interior design expert reveals the ten items (pictured) branded the ‘opposite of trendy’ by today’s young adults – and the styles you could swap them out for…

Swap grey for greige

For decades, grey has been hugely popular and the colour choice for interior paint – however young adults have a different view on the go-to neutral tone, with users on TikTok dubbing the colour ‘cheugy’.

Ditch the phrase signs

Phrase signs such as ‘home sweet home’, ‘live laugh love’ and ‘gin o’clock’ have all been deemed cliche by young social media users, according to the research.

Instead, house-proud Britons who want to show their guests how fashionable they are when it comes to interior design should fill their walls with art prints.

However, grey isn’t totally out of the question, said the expert, as long as you avoid very cool-toned shades and opt for warmer hues instead. 

Or, to prove you’re completely on-trend, embrace greige which is simply beige with the addition of grey.  

Adding grey to beige creates a richer shade, one that can work in both cool and warm colour schemes.

Upgrade macrame to embroidery

Macrame is a popular decor item that can be found adorning plenty of furnishings, from cushions, walls, plant hangers, and even light shades. 

It is a form of textile produced using knotting techniques, and was once a regular feature on Instagram-worthy interior design photographs. 

However, according to Generation Z, this interior item has officially had its moment.

Mr Lees-Bell said rather than sticking to the out-dated macrame, opt for handmade embroidered pieces or go for woven tapestry wall hangings.

Change up tribal prints for abstract art

Mr Lees-Bell said: ‘Tribal often means various patterns from different tribes across the world, which can be problematic as indigenous tribes can’t simply be grouped together under one umbrella term of “tribal”. 

‘Perhaps the controversy behind this print is why [the youngsters on TikTok] are calling the style “cheugy”.’

If it’s a boho-chic look you’re wanting to present, go for art styles with block, abstract, prints that have a bohemian feel. 

Refresh geometric print walls with wood panelling 

‘The 8th most “cheugy” interior item is geometric print walls – which is a go-to look for DIY-ers as the wall art can be created easily with masking tape and paint,’ said Mr Lees-Bell.

‘But, the popularity of this wall art has proved to be part of its demise, according to those on TikTok.

‘An inexpensive way to add character and dimension to a room is by creating a wood panelled wall. Simply use strips of MDF or wood and drill onto the wall in whichever pattern you desire. Use wood filler to cover the drill holes, then paint over.’

 

Switch out chevron for herringbone

The chevron consists of zig-zag patterns of two colours and has proved hugely popular for some time – much to TikTok users’ disappointment.  

With that in mind, the pattern is being hailed as tired, according to many social media users.

‘But, if you’re not ready to give up the chevron pattern just yet, why not try herringbone?,’ said Mr Lees-Bell.

The pattern is similar with zigzags arranged from rectangles, so will certainly add an effortless bold look. But, thanks to its ornate details, it is a lot more timeless.’

Out with neutral marble and in with coloured counters

The expert said: ‘Does marble ever go out of style? Many pick marble for its classic design that matches well with most colour schemes. 

‘While the use of it is certainly not new, it has gained popularity in recent years. But despite this, the material is being dubbed as basic.

‘If you want to avoid a “cheugy” home, but still want to keep within the marble style – mix it up with coloured marble. 

‘Alternatively, opt for a marble with interesting veins that hasn’t been overdone,’ he added.

Phrase signs such as ‘home sweet home’, ‘live laugh love’ and ‘gin o’clock’ have all been deemed cliche by young social media users, according to the research (stock image)

Phrase signs such as ‘home sweet home’, ‘live laugh love’ and ‘gin o’clock’ have all been deemed cliche by young social media users, according to the research (stock image)

Go for hare’s tail dried grass instead of pampas

‘Instagram homes are flooded with pampas grass, well, what’s not to love?,’ said the interior design stylist. 

Use mirrors as decor rather than furniture 

Mirrored furniture was a popular furniture staple in the 1980s and the trend has had a revival in the last few years. 

The trend fits a very glam aesthetic, which appears to be slightly over the top for the younger generation with them naming the furniture outdated.

So, if you want to impress Generation Z, use mirrors as decorative pieces rather than furniture.

 

‘Its neutral colour will go with any home style, not to mention it’s evergreen – perfect for novice plant lovers. 

‘Still, the younger generation are in fact deeming this Instagram staple as outdated and basic.

‘However, this could be a good thing. Pampas is an invasive plant in some parts of the world, so the growing of it could push out other plants and vegetation. 

‘Thankfully, there’s plenty of other alternative decorative grasses that aren’t unfashionable or bad for the environment. Try miscanthus, golden oats, or hare’s tail dried grass.’

Try cottagecore in place of farmhouse

The 10th most “cheugy” interior style is farmhouse decor. 

This interior style uses rustic wood elements with soft neutral colours and often whitewashed items. 

If you have this interior trend in your home and don’t want to feel the wrath of TikTokers, an easy way to update the look is by going for farmhouse styles in honey hues, said the expert.

He added: ‘Alternatively, swap to country chic interior styles. Rather than the distressed look, country chic is a much cleaner and updated farmhouse style. Think crisp white fabric, matched with colourful patterns.

‘Or, go for cottagecore, a feminine and whimsical take on farmhouse. To achieve a cottagecore style, go for muted and mellow colours. The style is focused on the great outdoors, so bring in greenery and flowers to your home. Finally, purchase vintage and reclaimed furniture for a cottagecore look.’

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