The influence of social media on our lifestyle preferences in contemporary times has been immense. In an age where social media trends are ever-evolving, identifying the trends that can stand the test of time instead of becoming outdated within a few weeks can go a long way in making sustainable and economical lifestyle choices without compromising stylistic preferences. This also applies to home decor. One such trend in the home decor that is rapidly gaining momentum on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok is the boy & girl apartment aesthetic. This article delves deeper into this aesthetic and explores how to make the most of it for your space.
See also: Find out which home decor suits your personality
Boy & girl apartment: What is it like?
A term coined by the netizens, boy & girl apartment aesthetic refers to a home decor trend generally meant for spaces inhabited by a man and woman. The USP of this style is its seamless blend of elements that appeal to either genders according to their preferences, which might otherwise seem discordant if incorporated together. A balance between bold and soft colours, or edgy and delicate designs are some ways in which this aesthetic is generally incorporated. Here are some key features of this style:
Colour palette: Balancing the hues
With a neutral colour such as beige, grey or taupe as the base, a contracting effect between light and dark colours is a simple way to achieve balance. Deep greens, navy blues, black, charcoal or dark wood can be used with soft pastels like blush pink, lavender, sage green, and even gold accents.
Furniture and layout: Blending the bold and cosy
Blending sleek and structured aesthetics with soft, cosy ones can give the space a unique vibe. Go for a combination of dark and plush furniture, industrial elements and upholstery and other similar eclectic options.
Personality and contrast
The main aim of this decor aesthetic is to bring out the contrast in the personalities in a cohesive manner. Whether it be through a gallery wall displaying varying types of prints, book displays including the favourite genres of both the man and the woman or lighting preferences, the choices are endless!
Popular boy & girl apartment decor ideas
If the boy & girl apartment aesthetic seems appealing to you, here are some creative ways to incorporate it in your space:
The two-tone wall
Keep an accent wall in a dark tone like navy or charcoal while keeping the rest of the walls in neutrals or pastels. To tie the colours together, you can incorporate a mix of framed art in the same colour scheme.
Source: Pinterest HomedecorInteriorDesigntips/4996249582712036
Statement couch with mixed pillows
Create a bold statement only by using cushions for your couch! Opt for a neutral-coloured couch, preferably in grey or beige, and pair it with a mix of leather, velvet and faux fur cushions with geometric and natural patterns.
Source: Pinterest HearthandPetals/243898136064639151
Bedroom contrast
For your bed, go for a dark frame paired with soft bedding in light colours. Further add a modern touch by installing warm LED strip lighting around the headboard.
Source: Pinterest alarkin9731025/1055599907912215
Combination lighting
LED strip lights under the bed or behind the TV can add an edgy look. Combine this with fairy lights or small lamps in the nooks, on the bookshelf, or around the vanity.
Source: Pinterest summerjoyyy21/492649953656961
Gaming and vanity balance
The gaming area can have a sleek, black desk and an LED monitor setup. Right next to it, you can place a vanity corner with a lighted mirror, makeup storage and maybe some small plants.
Source: Pinterest rsantosdesouza947/11681280279243201
Texture mixture
Place a dark, minimalist rug under the coffee table featuring geometric patterns and layer a smaller soft rug with a shaggy texture on top near the seating area for warmth.
Source: Pinterest amyrose1234/266556871685136260
Gallery wall
Create a mix of bold, graphic prints, delicate line art and aesthetic quotes on walls. To maintain cohesion, opt for black, white or gold frames.
Source: Pinterest DormDecoration99/33988172183274979
Glass coffee table
Opt for a modern glass-top coffee table with a black or gold frame and decorate it by placing stacked books of different genres, scented candles and a small potted plant or a vase of dried flowers.
Source: Pinterest amyhavins/42995371460615353
Mix-style organisers
Incorporate a sleek, open closer system featuring a mix of wood and metal elements, with separate sections for him and her. Think neutral storage baskets and LED-lit shelves for a cleaner space.
Source: Pinterest thetailoredcloset/140806232829006
Boy & girl apartment: Why the hype?
Still confused whether this is the one for you? Here are some reasons behind the skyrocketing popularity of this decor aesthetic:
- It provides the perfect balance between contrasting elements to result in an eclectic, visually interesting living space.
- Whether you are a couple, roommates, or even individuals looking for a mixed-aesthetic space, there is something for everyone.
- The overall aesthetic makes for great setups for your Instagram and Pinterest feeds. Flaunt your space on the social media with hashtags like #BoyGirlApartment and #NeutralApartmentAesthetic!
- Considering the current wave of minimalism, this style makes space for warmth and comfort while ensuring organisation, giving you the best of both worlds.
- There is ample scope for incorporating modern technology while not letting it visually overpower the space.
- The implementation is pocket-friendly and easily customisable, making it easier to stay up to date with evolving trends.
Boy & girl apartment: Avoiding stereotypes
In a trend that attempts to combine opposing aesthetics based on gender, it is very easy to succumb to stereotyping and gender profiling. However, the true essence of this aesthetic does not lie in conforming to societal standards of gender preferences, but in creating a space that best reflects the personalities of the occupants in a cohesive manner, without overpowering each other. Here’s how you can implement this aesthetic in a more sensitive manner by keeping gender stereotypes at bay:
Focus on individual preferences
Instead of equating dark and edgy to masculine and delicate pastels to feminine, take into account the preferences of both the occupants. Asking and reconfirming the preferences of each other is better than assuming. Opt for mixing modern, cosy, minimalist and colourful elements based on style rather than gender.
Use a cohesive colour palette
Look beyond the default blue vs pink and black vs pastel and go for earthy, neutral or muted tones as the dominant shades. You can then incorporate colours based on personal preference as accents and other elements for visual interest.
Mix softness and structure
The thumb rule of the boy & girl aesthetic is to blend instead of dividing, and trying to view the styles as separate entities instead of a cohesive unit is detrimental to its essence. Layering materials like metal, wood and textiles, and opting for furniture that combines curves and clean lines can help create a balanced space.
Consider shared interests
Going for shared hobbies and interests instead of the strictly divided gendered decor can help find a middle ground as to what decor to incorporate. This can be easily applied to art prints, books, vinyls, plants and tech elements.
Comfort is key
A common mistake while implementing this aesthetic involves getting stuck up on style stereotypes while overlooking comfort and usability. Elements such as seating, lighting and storage solutions should work for everyone instead of just fitting the aesthetic.
Encourage collaboration
The spirit of this aesthetic is not just about the outcome, but also the design process, that is shared and intentional. It involves collective effort and the act of making all kinds of ideas heard in order to truly cherish its spirit. More than the blend of masculine and feminine, it is the blend of personal aesthetics and comfort.
Housing.com POV
The boy & girl apartment aesthetic helps create a space that reflects contrasting personalities in a creative and cohesive manner. With the spirit of collaboration and cohesion at its core, it aims to strike a perfect balance of aesthetics without compromising either comfort or visual interest. While it is easy to fall prey to stereotypes during the implementation process, it is important to remember that preferences don’t necessarily conform to societal norms and designing personal spaces should be more about expressing your own style.
FAQs
What is the boy & girl apartment aesthetic?
Boy & girl apartment aesthetic refers to a home decor trend meant for spaces inhabited by a man and woman, featuring a seamless blend of elements that appeal to either genders according to their preferences.
Who is the boy & girl aesthetic best suited for?
This aesthetic is for couples, roommates or even individuals who prefer a blend of bold and soft decor elements.
How to incorporate the aesthetic without stereotyping?
Focus on individual preferences instead of assuming, go for a cohesive colour palette, try to blend elements instead of highlighting the differences and choose decor based on shared interests.
What are some must-have decor elements for the aesthetic?
A balanced colour scheme, layered lighting, a mix of modern and cosy furniture and aesthetic wall decor are some must-haves.
How to make a boy & girl apartment feel cohesive?
Stick to a few colours, use matching materials, balance hard and soft elements and keep spaces free of clutter.
What mistakes to avoid while implementing the aesthetic?
Overdoing aesthetic styles, ignoring comfort, relying only on social media trends and focusing on gendered decor are some common mistakes.
Is this aesthetic expensive to achieve?
You can easily achieve a boy & girl apartment on a budget with the help of e-commerce sites, thrift stores and DIY projects.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
