Is The Urban Aunt Interior Trend Your 2024 Aesthetic?
By
11 months ago
Another day, another inexplicably named TikTok style trend.
Move over coastal grandmother, we’re moving back to the city for our first interiors fad, sorry, fashion of 2024. Something of a push-back on the more-is-more eclectic and clashing maximalist interiors that show no signs of disappearing, the urban aunt trend is all about chic, understated elegance with a side helping of flair. Sorry, we’re shooting for rizz now, aren’t we? Let’s dive straight into this decor detail that’s sure to last (for a week or two).
What Is Urban Aunt Decor?
The urban aunt interiors trend piggybacks on the urban aunt lifestyle movement, the chic child-free city dweller who has money to spend on being (and looking) fabulous and needs the perfect party pad for hosting. Her home (likely a city apartment) is packed with personality, colour and creativity, but it’s chic and sophisticated, too. Maybe she’s coastal grandmother’s niece or great-niece. She mixes heritage prints with modern finishing touches (like the marble worktops in the gorgeous LINLEY Odyssey kitchen, pictured top), avoids clutter, and knows that the devil is in the detail. Clean and classic furniture, chunky coffee tables, chic and cosy sofas, elevated with statement lighting and bold printed fabrics and designer glassware.
Actually, the more we talk about this urban aunt, the more appealing her home sounds. Maybe there’s something in it after all.
What Are The Experts Saying?
Carole Annett, Country & Town House’s Interiors Editor says: ‘It’s a mix of sophisticated and homely like the Beckhams’ kitchen with its raw oak shelves contrasted with lavish marble. Just add home made pickles (bought from Borough Market and home-made by someone else) on the shelves. Colours are unexpected, ochre walls in a bedroom with a chest or chair painted in the same hue sitting against the wall. A forest green or mole velvet sofa in the sitting room with deep seats and a low back – so you can kick off your shoes and sit cross-legged with an expresso Martini (from your own bar or antique drinks trolley) The space is uncluttered, no tv, cashmere throws draped over a stool. An eclectic mix of art – framed drawings from nieces and nephews alongside paintings from recognized artists and the occasional black and white fashion photo. A dried flower arrangement hangs from a hook – the bouquet from her first wedding which has lasted longer than the relationship. I think Shiv from Succession could live like this if she bought a Shoreditch warehouse. I’d be happy to go and stay.’
What Is TikTok Saying?
@locationhouseofbeau Period features that are NOT original. I personally would never rip out an original feature but when someone else already has, reinstating them on a budget is definitely possible. eBay, Antique fairs and even Amazon sell beautiful replica or second hand items to replace what’s been lost. And of course there’s always DIY panelling to add that period vibe 🤩 #housetour #vintagehome #darklivingroom #wallpanelling #neutraldecor #vintagedecor #victorianhouse #wherewedwell #realhomesoftiktok #periodproperty #houserenovation #apartmenttherapy #myhousethismonth #housebeautiful #periodfeatures #realhousetour ♬ Strangers – Kenya Grace
How Do We Get The Look?
Having a house or apartment that is set-up for an urban aunt aesthetic is enormously advantageous here. Think exposed brickwork, dark wooden fittings, exposed steel and solid, functional furniture. Bring chic, minimalist and urban layouts to life (making them habitable for the chicest urban aunt) with trinkets and finishing touches from a life well-lived. ‘Oh this? I picked it up at a Parisian flea market?’ ‘This handwoven silk rug? An absolute steal in Santorini.’
And if you haven’t flitted around the planet picking up interior finds? Go second-hand and opt for interesting centre-pieces, art, glassware and lighting from those that have.
Urban Aunt Interiors Buys
