Move over, coastal grandmother. A new chic family member has arrived, and that’s the eccentric aunt.
What exactly is the “eccentric aunt” aesthetic that’s been receiving tons of social media buzz lately? When it comes to home design, this look calls for maximizing color, vibrance, and eclectic, whimsical touches into a space.
“People are craving a return to interiors that are personalized, adding layers of warmth by showcasing items that are quirky, whimsical, and bring them joy,” says Sophia deDomenico, the founder of Et Sal Interiors. What could be better than that?
Here, interior designers share their top tips for achieving the eccentric aunt aesthetic in no time.
Start Small
There’s no need to revamp your entire apartment to achieve eccentric aunt status; even seemingly simple yet strategic updates will go a long way. According to deDomenico, doing something as small as displaying an assortment of teacups on a shelf or experimenting with quirky tableware can get you started.
Morgan Cartier Weston agrees. “If you’re not ready to fully jump into this aesthetic, dip your toe in by mixing up your picture frames, starting a collection of something that brings you joy, or covering your sofa in mismatched throw pillows,” offers the founder of Cocoon Design Studio.
Shop Secondhand
Going the vintage route is an excellent way to source unexpected pieces that play to the eccentric aunt style perfectly. “Wander flea markets and antique shops and purchase items that instantly take your breath away or make you smile,” deDomenico suggests. Whitney Anderson, the founder of House of Vitrail, agrees. “It doesn't matter what era or or style it’s from,” she says. “If it speaks to you, it’s in. High, low, old, and new; everything goes as long as you love it!”
Embrace Unexpected Arrangements
To perfectly achieve eccentric aunt status, be sure to think a bit outside the box when selecting decorative accents to display, deDomenico advises. The designer is all for showcasing collections of “clocks, cloches, and quirky found objects,” for example. Look out for surprising color combinations, patterns, and materials. Everything doesn’t have to match to make an impact either.
Play to Your Personality
Pros appreciate how much the eclectic aunt style involves trusting one’s own personality during the design process. “The eccentric aunt aesthetic allows people to play with their spaces because there are very few best practices or rules,” deDomenico says. “Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, this is one-size-fits-YOU,” Anderson echoes of the decor style.
So, instead of adding as many pieces as possible to your cart, think about what will bring you joy in the long run. As Cartier Weston reflects, “What made my aunts’ homes memorable wasn’t that they looked like a catalog—it was all of their cool stuff, and how they unabashedly displayed it.”
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Country Living. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
