Discover the Latest Home Decor Trends: City Glow vs. Cottage Flow
Home decor is embracing two distinct styles this year, aptly named “city glow” and “cottage flow.” These trends were prominently featured at notable international design fairs, including Maison et Objet in France and Ambiente in Germany. Both events showcased a wide range of art deco furnishings, island-inspired rattan seating, and an emphasis on sustainability. However, two aesthetics, in particular, captivated attendees.
Capturing the City Glow
The “city glow” style is characterized by an energetic urban vibe, featuring vibrant highlighter-hued pillows, surrealist art, street art motifs, and Brutalist-style furniture. This trend includes heavy steel or concrete consoles and lamps that make bold statements in any room, complemented by rugs and wallcoverings adorned with graffiti-style designs.
Gretchen Rivera, an interior designer based in Washington, D.C., notes that this style resonates particularly with younger generations who have grown up in a digitally influenced world. She remarks, “There’s a mix of surrealist art, energetic colors, and playful designs that feel almost toy-like.”
Anton Liakhov, another interior designer from Nice, France, agrees, saying, “This aesthetic is loud and demands attention, appealing to those seeking creativity and self-expression.” For color inspiration, consider Benjamin Moore’s fiery orange Bryce Canyon or the playful bubblegum-pink Springtime Bloom. Brands like Daydream Apothecary are offering bright neon wall paints for risk-taking decorators.
Sisters Ana and Lola Sánchez of the luxury brand Oliver Gal in South Florida embrace art as a prominent form of self-expression. They create handcrafted, bold statement pieces, including large acrylic gummy bears and wall art inspired by modern surrealism. Their latest collection, Rococo Pop, introduces rococo-inspired frames in high-gloss acrylics paired with vibrant graphics. Ana Sánchez describes it as “a cheeky, pop-art reinterpretation of 18th-century opulence,” while Lola highlights the celebration of contrast — “a blend of Old World charm and modern mischief.”
Embracing the Cottage Flow
In stark contrast to the urban aesthetic is the “cottage flow” style, which evokes tranquility and connection to nature. Liakhov describes this trend as a “peaceful sanctuary” filled with textured elements like nubby woolen throws in soft hues, vintage quilts, and dishes adorned with gingham and floral patterns.
Recent trends from Etsy’s 2025 spring/summer report indicate that searches for "French cottage decor" have surged by over 26,000% compared to the previous year. New York-based interior designer Kathy Kuo observes that this style reflects a desire for a slower pace of life. She explains, “After two decades dominated by fast-paced hustle culture, aesthetics like cottagecore suggest a shift towards appreciating simpler, nature-centric living—regardless of where one resides.”
Complementary paint colors, such as the calming sage green Quietude, named HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ color of the year, further enhance this aesthetic. Little Greene’s collection features soothing tones like Rolling Fog and Tea with Florence.
Mixing the Styles
As attendees explored various booths at the design fairs, it became clear: home decorating can be as versatile and creative as you want. Whether you revel in high-energy city nightlife or prefer the coziness of country cottages, there’s a place for both styles in your home.
Kuo emphasizes the fluidity of design trends, stating, “There’s endless potential to merge these aesthetics.” Many urban dwellers seek refuge in nature while still desiring to honor their city roots within their living spaces. Therefore, it’s increasingly common to see sleek, modern interior designs that incorporate organic textures and biophilic elements.
Here are some elegant suggestions for blending these two styles:
- Contrast Modern and Vintage: Display contemporary glass bowls on a curvy walnut credenza or mix vibrant botanical-patterned cushions with sleek furniture.
- Layer Textures: Incorporate soft materials such as bouclé or velvet alongside industrial elements, like polished concrete floors or metal lamps.
- Create a Style Journey: Consider using sliding partitions to transition between rooms, allowing for distinct design experiences within the same home.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the upcoming months will be filled with exciting decor options for every style preference. Get ready to explore the best of both worlds and let your home flow with creativity.
For more inspiration and tips on home decor trends, explore our blog at ChatbiHouse.
