Home interior design reflects personal style, mood, and how we interact with the spaces where we spend the most time. Among the trends gaining popularity, two stand out for their unique combination of comfort and charm: the Urban Aunt Aesthetic and the Coastal Auntie Aesthetic.
Both styles capture the warmth of a familial home while offering distinctly different vibes. Whether you’re drawn to the sophisticated city life or the breezy beachside, these two aesthetics provide plenty of design inspiration.
The Urban Aunt Aesthetic
The Urban Aunt Aesthetic is a chic, eclectic blend of city sophistication and personal, lived-in comfort. Imagine the home of a cool aunt who lives in the city – perhaps in a stylish apartment or a renovated loft – where every corner is thoughtfully curated, yet nothing feels too precious. This aesthetic leans into modern urban life but softens it with nostalgic touches, vintage finds, and pops of colour.
Eclectic Mix: This style celebrates a mix of modern and vintage pieces. Think mid-century modern furniture paired with family heirlooms or unique flea-market finds.
Bold Colours and Textures: While neutrals are the foundation, expect bold splashes of jewel tones – deep blues, mustard yellows, and rich burgundy hues. These contrasts create a space that feels both cosy and stimulating.
Art and Books Everywhere: Urban aunts love to display their intellectual and artistic side. Art prints, gallery walls, and stacks of well-loved books fill the space, creating a thoughtful, cultured atmosphere.
Practicality with Style: The Urban Aunt Aesthetic often merges functionality with a sense of flair. Storage baskets might be tucked under an antique table, while a patterned rug over solid dark wood flooring adds warmth to the richness.
Plants, But Make It Edgy: Urban spaces might be limited, but that doesn’t stop the incorporation of greenery. Expect to see statement plants – like a bold fiddle-leaf fig or succulents in sleek ceramic pots – strategically placed in sunlit corners.
The Coastal Auntie Aesthetic
The Coastal Auntie Aesthetic is a dreamy, relaxed interior style inspired by life near the ocean. Imagine an aunt who lives by the shore – her home is filled with the natural light of a sun-soaked cottage, with a design that echoes the ebb and flow of the sea. It’s comfortable, breezy, and full of soft colours that evoke calm and ease.
Soft, Natural Palette: This aesthetic thrives on muted tones – think sandy beiges, crisp whites, soft blues, and seafoam greens. The palette reflects the soothing coastal environment.
Light, Breezy Fabrics: Linen, cotton, and other lightweight fabrics dominate this style. Curtains sway with the wind, while cushions and throws invite you to sink into soft textures after a long day.
Wicker and Rattan: Natural materials like wicker, rattan, and jute play a starring role. Whether it’s a coastal-inspired armchair or a woven basket, these elements bring warmth and texture to the space.
Sea-Inspired Décor: Coastal Auntie interiors often have a playful nod to the sea without becoming overly nautical. Shells, driftwood, and soft watercolour paintings of ocean scenes are subtle reminders of life near the water.
Open, Airy Spaces: The Coastal Auntie aesthetic embraces open spaces and natural light. Large windows, light wood floors, and minimal clutter give the home a sense of calm and serenity.
Indoor-Outdoor Flow: It’s common to see an easy transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces. A sunroom filled with plants or a patio set for entertaining merges the cosy home with the fresh ocean breeze.
Choosing Between the Two
Both aesthetics are highly personal and speak to different moods and environments. If you’re deciding between them, consider the following:
Location: Geography plays a role. If you live in the heart of a city, the Urban Aunt Aesthetic may feel more natural and achievable. Conversely, if you’re close to the coast or crave a more relaxed, nature-inspired look, the Coastal Auntie vibe could be perfect for you.
Vibe: Do you want your home to reflect the bustling energy of city life or the calm and peace of the ocean? The Urban Aunt aesthetic thrives on contrasts and bold choices, while the Coastal Auntie style is more about creating a serene, cohesive environment.
Personal Style: Finally, think about your own style preferences. Do you love the idea of mixing old and new, layering different patterns and textures, and displaying art? Or are you drawn to neutral tones, simplicity, and organic elements?
Bringing the Aesthetic to Life
Whether you lean toward the modern sophistication of the Urban Aunt Aesthetic or the breezy calm of the Coastal Auntie Aesthetic, the key is to make it feel personal. Don’t hesitate to mix elements from both styles and adapt them to fit your home’s unique character. After all, the best interiors are those that feel authentically you.
