Millennials are a fickle bunch, or so we’ve been told. Social media addicts, bad with money, anti-marriage, etc. We might be all of those things, but one thing’s for damn sure, we know how to curate. Specifically—for those no longer living in their childhood bedrooms—we’re serious about curating our living spaces. Okay, and our Instagram accounts. Whatever.
There’s an unofficial formula that goes into fine-tuning a millennial apartment’s aesthetic. Less is usually more (except when it comes to plants, in which case more is always more), little trinkets are encouraged, as is affirmation artwork; oh, and bonus points if your living or bedroom includes exposed brick. Now, you’re really millennial-ing.
On a serious note, there are certain items we’ve seen pop up in a lot of friends-of-a-certain-age's homes. And, that’s not a bad thing. When I was putting this story together, I noticed that I, too, own 80 percent of what's listed. We may be particular when it comes to certain things, but we’re consistent. And caring about our living space is a vital form of self-care, particularly in these stressful days.
Click through to see the pieces that make up a true millennial’s living quarters.
Bedroom
Ah, the bedroom, where the magic happens. Your bed is covered with a white comforter that you have to wash every month, but it looks so good on social. You hang your clothes on a rack to show them off, despite having a closet, because they’re pieces of art and deserve an audience. You have a desk that you swear you’re going to utilize when you work from home, but somehow end up neglecting for your bed, time and time again. So, instead, it doubles as a place where your dirty clothes pile up. Above it, a corkboard riddled with inspirational cutouts and quotes for your off-days. We’ve also got crystals for good vibes, a floor-length mirror for prime #ootd snaps, and if your apartment doesn’t include a record player, are you even a millennial?
1. Elmer's Foam Board, $56.99, available at Joann.
2. ABC Home, Glass Jug Pendant, $585-$750, available at ABC Home.
3. Honey-Can-Do, Expandable Steel Rolling Garment Rack, $19.38, available at Home Depot.
4. Ikea, Mongstad Mirror, $99.99, available at Ikea.
5. Crosley, Spinnerette Portable Turntable, $129.99, available at Target.
6. FoxLark, Large Rose Quartz Point, $118, available at Etsy.
7. Urban Outfitters, Factory Side Table, $69, available at Urban Outfitters.
8. Clara Clark, All-Season Down Alternative, $39.49, available at Overstock.
9. Urban Outfitters, Saints Desk, $349, available at Urban Outfitters.
10. Structube, Luxe Dining Chair, $63, available at Structube.
Living Room
The couch might not be millennial pink, but it is velvet and that’s something. Accessory items include a completely stocked bar cart, accent pillows, a fur chair (that’s mostly for show, not necessarily for sitting), a brightly colored throw, and woke coffee table books to show off how cultured you are. At the center of the room: a neon sign with a bold, and borderline controversial message.
1. Crate & Barrel, Hobbs Bar Cart, $269, available at Crate & Barrel.
2. Sygns, Neon Sign F-Word, $385.12, available at Etsy.
3. A&G Merch, Margot Sofa, $2,199, available at A&G Merch.
4. Aha, Pinstripe Tray, $100, available at Aha.
5. Urban Outfitters, Magical Thinking Embroidered Eye Pillow, $39, available at Urban Outfitters.
6. Ikea, Vittsjo Nesting Tables, $59.99, available at Ikea.
7. Room & Board, Case Study Planters With Walnut Stand, $189, available at Room & Board.
8. Urban Outfitters, Amped Fleece Throw Blanket, $59, available at Urban Outiffers.
9. Kerry James Marshall, Mastry, $65, available at The Met.
10. Anthropologie, Shag Puffing Dressing Chair, $898, available at Anthropologie.
Bathroom
The bathroom probably takes up the least amount of time decorating wise, but it’s no less important. One of the first things you see when you enter someone’s lavatory is their shower curtain. It should read chic but not boring or childish, and a marble print strikes a perfect balance. A body-positive mat is ironic but fun! Ditto, a quippy towel! An air plant is perfect for bathrooms, as they thrive in humid temperatures, and add a bit of charm. You’ll want to show off your shelfie skills, along with the beauty products you probably spent way too much money on, which is where an actual shelf comes in handy. To line the sink, there's a used-up Diptyque candle that doubles as a makeup brush holder and hand wash from Instagram-friendly brand Aesop. You'll reach Glossier #ITGTopShelfie levels of fame in no time.
1. Urban Outfitters, Black + White Marble Shower Curtain, $49, available at Urban Outfitters.
2. Diptyque, Roses Candle, $32, available at Diptyque.
3. Aesop, Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash, $39, available at Aesop.
4. Urban Outfitters, Get Naked Bath Towel, $29, available at Urban Outfitters.
5. Bed Bath & Beyond, Cabo Wastebasket In Copper, $39.99, available at Bed Bath & Beyond.
6. Cold Picnics, Private Parts: Torso, $220, available at Cold Picnics.
7. Loon Peak, Double Spring Bathroom Shelf, $80.99, available at Wayfair.
8. The Sill, Tillandz With Xerographica, $35, available at The Sill.
