It will come as no surprise that TikTok trends have had a major impact on interior design lately. From colors of the day From styling hacks to the do’s and don’ts of makeovers, there’s a lot to learn from these viral videos.
However, if you are not constantly online like me, you may be wondering what this “modest” trend is all about? And why am I suddenly seeing everyone describing things, including their homes, as very modest and very mindful?
Not to worry, because I (along with some TikTok-savvy interior designers) have officially debunked the trend for you to explain how this TikTok trend made its way into interiors. Here, I’ll show you how to go more pared-back with your decor to create timeless, calm, serene, beautiful spaces.
What is the viral demure trend?
(Photo credit: Carley Summers)
While it may seem far-fetched that a tongue-in-cheek TikTok video would cause a stir in home trends, it’s actually the case here. TikTok creator Jools Lebron started the trend with a satirical video in which she describes her pared-back and understated makeup for work as “very understated, very mindful.” The video has now been viewed over 35 million times.
And the whole thing has developed into a movement, a lifestyle and an aesthetic that influences how we dress, how we put on makeup and how we design our homes.
Perhaps in response to the equally viral “clean girl” aesthetic, a pared-back interior design style focuses on subtle and understated elegance, similar to the quiet luxury trend. “Spaces that feel calming, warm, inviting, and collected over time are the most restrained and mindful,” explains Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors.
So you can be very restrained when it comes to interior design
1. Pay attention to timeless style – not trends
(Image credit: Ellerslie Interiors)
This may sound counterintuitive in the context of a trend, but at its core, a simple home follows a timeless principle.
“I’m excited to see the design world reinterpreting the traditional concept of understated design with a fresh and inspiring take,” says interior designer Emily Brown, founder of Emily Lauren Interiors. “The key to understated interiors is intention. It’s about creating spaces that are not only visually appealing, but functional and meaningful.”
The best advice you can take from the understated trend is that you want to make your home authentic Youwithout following trends and passing fashions. Take time to refine your personal style with pieces you have collected over time and always consider first if something really suits your space.
2. Stick to soft colors
(Photo credit: Emily Lauren Interiors / Photography Madeline Harper)
To make your home look cozy and elegant, a reduced color palette with soft tones is best.
“Subtle and sophisticated, understated decor is perfect for a bedroom or living room design where relaxation is the priority,” suggests Helen Shaw, marketing director at Benjamin Moore. “Choose a warm, neutral color like Chantilly Lace OC-65, Hazy Skies OC-48 or Steam AF-15 as a delicate and elegant base color. Then enhance the colors with layers of texture: dark woods, tactile bouclé textiles and smooth stone surfaces like marble and quartz complete this transitional look.”
Designers prefer neutral base colors layered with soft, timeless colors and prints to create a timeless look. To create a warm and romantic atmosphere, avoid harsh overhead lighting from large lamps and instead focus on wall, floor and table lamps, as well as candles.
“Lighting is crucial in a simple interior, as the goal is to create a warm, inviting atmosphere,” adds Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville. “Natural light should be maximized, while artificial light should be kept soft and atmospheric.”
Cordless, portable lamps are a genius invention. Pooky, the famous British lighting brand, is now in the US and offers a wide range of rechargeable lamps and wall lights like this reed lamp with a handcrafted marble shade.
Nothing is as timeless as this triple wall light from McGee & Co. With pleated linen shades and three antique brass arms in a traditional style – perfect for a cozy corner.
Table lamp “Marble Medium Ridge”
Crafted from sturdy marble, this sleek yet sturdy lamp base is the epitome of elegance and can be paired with a variety of shades to suit your style. This lamp bears the seal of superior craftsmanship, ensuring durability and lasting appeal.
3. Be modest when decorating
(Photo credit: Jennifer Barron Interiors)
Try not to overdo it with your furnishings and accessories. Find a place for things that don’t need to be seen, tidy up and treat your belongings with care. But be gentle with yourself, a home is for living in and we don’t want our spaces to feel empty.
“It’s important to remember that understated doesn’t mean impersonal,” adds Emily Brown. “Fill your space with personality by incorporating collected art, vintage finds, or special pieces you’ve found on your travels. An understated interior should tell a story and reflect the unique character of the people who live there.”
“Ultimately, understated design is about balance. It’s about creating spaces that are both calming and inspiring, sophisticated yet inviting. It’s a style that allows individuality to shine through while maintaining a sense of meaningful, timeless beauty.”
4. Buy second-hand items consciously
(Image credit: Gilded Hearth Interiors)
A crucial element of the pared-back trend is being mindful of how you source pieces for your home. Creating a gently eclectic space by mixing new and old with antiques and secondhand pieces will go easy on both the plants and your wallet.
According to TikTok creator Kelly (@deepylmadlymodern), “Secondhand shopping is very low-key, very cute. It doesn’t matter if you find it in the trash, very mindful,” she says in her latest video.
Emily Brownell of Gilded Hearth Interiors likes to work with vintage in her designs. “For a more understated look, stick to classics, but with a twist,” she suggests. “To create that understated feeling, combine new with old. In our Tarzana project (check out the 1950s remodel tour here), we added a vintage cabinet to add character and give the design a sustainability factor. I’d say there’s nothing more understated than conserving our resources, and that’s as easy as buying vintage.”
5. Mix prints and textures
(Photo credit: Shannon Eddings)
Admittedly, this is a pretty minimalist design aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean we can’t play with patterns, prints and textures. A simple home might focus on pared-down color palettes and an understated decorating approach, but that doesn’t mean less is more here.
“When I think of the word ‘modest’ in the context of interior design, I think of a look that is quite traditional but has a youthful twist – lots of classic and timeless silhouettes paired with bright and feminine color palettes and patterns,” explains Kathy Kuo. “As with any current trend, it’s always best to see where you can find the timeless elements and go with the ‘modest’ moment of the dayI would look for floral patterns, chic European-inspired silhouettes and details, and fabrics that not only feel luxurious but are durable too!’ Very thoughtful indeed.
Emily Brown agrees, saying, “Soft textures like velvet, linen and silk combined with subtle small patterns like stripes or florals add depth and excitement without overwhelming the space. Quality materials are essential to create a luxurious feel. We like to use unlacquered brass or polished nickel, natural wood finishes and calm natural stone.”
Poiret Grasscloth Wallpaper
Lulu & Georgia’s Fall 2024 collection is full of subtle florals and prints that have an understated appeal. The simple floral motif of the Poiret collection is found on wallpaper, bedding, lighting and décor.
Turkish Vintage Hand Knotted Wool Rug No. 314, 6’4″ x 8’8″
A vintage rug exudes great, understated energy. Faded and worn, this fully handmade, hand-knotted Turkish rug is one of a kind and will make a beautiful focal point for your space.
Featuring a light and neutral color palette, the intricate floral and stripe pattern of the Nettles cushion cover adds subtle beauty to your sofa vignettes. The 100% linen block printed cushion cover is in high demand.
While most viral trends tend to be passing fads, pared-back interiors seem to be the exception to this rule. The pared-back style offers a timeless aesthetic and means investing in pieces (both new and old) that will stand the test of time, feel understatedly luxurious, and be livable. Will you welcome a very pared-back, very mindful home?
