Home Design Micro Trends with Staying Power

Micro trends in the realm of home design have captured the spotlight on TikTok. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, micro trends refer to rapidly emerging aesthetic styles that gain immense popularity, often as quickly as they fade away—examples include Barbiecore, mermaidcore, or the presently trending “quiet luxury” style. Nevertheless, a select few of these trends display more enduring potential and could potentially evolve into long-lasting macro trends in the near future. Here are three home design micro trends that are poised to stand the test of time, along with recommendations on seamlessly integrating them into your home decor.

Lime Wash

Katie Mack, renowned for her enchanting California home and her distinct style, which she showcases on her Candy Colored Home account, has embraced a notable micro trend—lime wash paint. She believes that lime wash is a trend that will endure, with anticipated variations ranging from more pronounced brush strokes to subtler applications. In her words, “It truly enriches and adds depth to the walls, surpassing the appeal of regular paint. Lime wash allows bolder colors to exude elegance when layered. I particularly adore how hues like eggplant and mustard take on a luxurious appearance when applied in limewash.”

Katie Mack has personally incorporated lime wash in her own residence, stating, “For lime wash, I love to blend various shades within the same color family to achieve a customized hue.” She reveals that she used JH Wall Paints 154 and 159 in layered fashion to craft a warm and inviting clay-inspired ambiance in her bedroom.

Mack encourages homeowners not to shy away from painting the ceiling with lime wash as well, as it adds visual intrigue to the space and imparts a sense of expansiveness to the room.

Stained Glass Windows And Doors

Stained glass, often associated with older homes and religious buildings, has experienced a resurgence in popularity, evident by the staggering 1.3 billion views for #stainedglass on TikTok. This trend has captivated many due to its ability to infuse spaces with charm and character, and the best part is, it’s an easy and cost-effective transformation. Stained glass films, available for less than $10 on platforms like Etsy, offer an accessible way to achieve this aesthetic. Katie Mack, a proponent of this trend, highlights its appeal, especially for renters, saying, “I think the colored film and stained glass film is a really fun and adorable way to spruce up your space, especially if you’re renting. Stained glass accents for bathroom or kitchen windows, in particular, have a timeless quality and serve as a fantastic upgrade.”

Mack acknowledges that while stained glass may not be a perpetual trend on the platform, it’s important to remember that this aesthetic has maintained its appeal since ancient times, suggesting that it’s more of a timeless classic than a passing fad.

Eclectic Gallery Walls

According to Katie Mack, the trend of unique and eclectic gallery walls is here to stay. Instead of relying solely on store-bought art, she notes a growing preference for incorporating unique sculptures, varying sizes and dimensions, and thrifted items. Mack particularly appreciates the trend of upcycling frames with rub and buff or painting over and onto thrifted art pieces, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind gallery wall displays.

The enduring appeal of gallery walls can be attributed to several factors. Mack shares her perspective: “Personally, I think gallery walls will always be in style because it’s a beautiful way to display more art in your home, especially if you have size constraints and a small home like me.” She also highlights that gallery walls have evolved to become more curated and personalized. The process of creating a gallery wall is akin to an art project in itself, allowing for creative styling and self-expression.

While frames and art can be costly, Mack emphasizes that affordability is attainable. Thrift stores are treasure troves of unique and budget-friendly options. She recommends mixing different sizes and shapes while maintaining a cohesive color theme. Mack suggests experimenting with the layout by arranging the pieces on the floor first before measuring and hanging them on the wall.

Regarding the spacing between each piece, consistency is advised, but creative freedom is encouraged in other aspects. Mack encourages adding dimension with 3D elements like wall-hanging sculptures, chains, wall sconces, and other unconventional items. She personally incorporates items like a snake cobra sconce, a wooden telephone, and various sculptures, appreciating the dynamic dimension they bring to the gallery wall.

Creating a gallery wall that truly reflects your personality and style is an art form in itself. It’s a beautiful way to display a diverse collection of art and objects that resonate with you, turning your home into a personal gallery of memories and aesthetics. Whether you live in a cozy apartment or a spacious house, a well-curated gallery wall can transform any space.

One of the appealing aspects of the modern gallery wall trend, as highlighted by Katie Mack, is the embrace of uniqueness and eclecticism. Gone are the days when gallery walls consisted solely of store-bought framed prints or paintings. Today, the possibilities are endless, limited only by your creativity and imagination.

So, let’s dive deeper into the world of gallery walls, exploring why they’re here to stay, how to create your own, and why this trend continues to captivate homeowners and interior enthusiasts alike.

Why Gallery Walls Are Timeless

1. Artistic Expression: Gallery walls provide an opportunity for artistic expression. Each piece you select, whether it’s a painting, photograph, sculpture, or thrifted find, tells a part of your story and reflects your unique taste. The ability to curate and arrange these pieces allows you to create a visual narrative within your home.
2. Maximizing Space: For those living in smaller spaces, gallery walls offer an efficient way to make the most of limited square footage. Instead of trying to find room for large individual artworks, you can layer multiple pieces vertically and horizontally on your walls, creating a visually rich and stimulating environment.
3. Personalization: The trend towards unique and eclectic gallery walls aligns with a broader shift in interior design towards personalization and individuality. People are increasingly seeking ways to make their homes feel distinctively theirs. Gallery walls provide a canvas for this personal touch, allowing you to mix and match pieces that hold sentimental value or simply resonate with you on a visual level.
4. Budget-Friendly Options: One of the most appealing aspects of gallery walls is their accessibility. You don’t need to break the bank to create an impressive display. Thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces offer affordable options for art and decor. Upcycling frames or transforming thrifted items into art adds to the cost-effectiveness of this trend.

Creating Your Unique Gallery Wall

Creating a gallery wall involves more than simply hanging art on a wall. It’s a thoughtful and creative process. Here are some steps to help you craft your own distinctive gallery wall:

1. Curate Your Collection: Start by collecting a variety of pieces that speak to you. These could be family photos, vintage finds, artworks you’ve created, or items you’ve collected over the years. Remember that diversity in style, size, and texture adds visual interest.
2. Select a Focal Point: Determine a focal point for your gallery wall, often a larger or central piece that anchors the arrangement. This could be a favorite painting, a statement mirror, or any item that you want to draw attention to.
3. Plan the Layout: Lay out your pieces on the floor or a large table to experiment with different arrangements. Consider the balance of color, size, and shape. It’s important to find a layout that feels cohesive and visually pleasing.
4. Frame it Right: Frames play a significant role in the overall aesthetic. You can choose uniform frames for a cohesive look or mix and match for an eclectic feel. Upcycling old frames with rub and buff or painting them to fit your color scheme can be a fun DIY project.
5. Measure and Hang: Once you’re satisfied with your layout, measure the wall space and mark the desired placement of each piece. Use a level to ensure straight lines. It’s essential to maintain consistent spacing between pieces, typically around 2 inches.
6. Add Depth and Dimension: To take your gallery wall to the next level, incorporate 3D elements. Consider wall-hanging sculptures, decorative sconces, or unique objects that break away from the traditional flat artwork. These additions add depth and intrigue to the arrangement.

Why Gallery Walls Continue to Captivate

Gallery walls continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of homeowners and interior design enthusiasts for several reasons:

1. Endless Creativity: The possibilities are limitless when it comes to designing a gallery wall. From mixing art styles and genres to playing with unconventional elements, you have the creative freedom to design a wall that truly reflects your personality.
2. Versatility: Gallery walls can be tailored to suit any space, whether it’s a cozy bedroom, a formal dining room, or an eclectic living area. Their adaptability makes them a go-to choice for interior designers and decorators.
3. Ever-Changing: Gallery walls are not static; they can evolve over time. You can easily swap out pieces, add new finds, or reconfigure the layout as your tastes and interests change. This adaptability ensures that your home’s decor remains dynamic.
4. Showcase Memories: Gallery walls allow you to showcase cherished memories, family photos, and mementos alongside traditional art pieces. They become a living history of your life and experiences.
5. Conversation Starters: A well-curated gallery wall is often a conversation starter. Guests are drawn to the array of unique pieces, prompting discussions about your travels, interests, and artistic inclinations.

the trend of unique and eclectic gallery walls is not a passing fad; it’s a design approach that continues to thrive and evolve. As long as people seek ways to infuse their homes with personal style, creativity, and meaningful decor, gallery walls will remain a timeless and beloved trend in the world of interior design. So, unleash your creativity, collect your favorite pieces, and embark on the journey of creating a gallery wall that tells your unique story—one frame at a time.