A rising trend, which explores how couples are blending separate design styles under one roof, is being seen across social media. 

In an effort to bridge this gap, the trend – dubbed the ‘boy–girl apartment’ – highlights how young couples are navigating shared living spaces and the décor compromises that come with them. 

In fact, Sofology’s recent Ultimate Interiors Report found that 22% of young adults feel that disagreements with their partner act as a barrier to design changes.

Interestingly, the interiors shown in these collaborative spaces often align with the characteristics of mid-century design, using pops of colour but rooted in natural, simple styles. Sofology has also spotted that people are searching for inspiration, with searches for ‘mid-century apartment’ having risen by 33% over the last year. 

Laurenne Bailey, Senior Buyer at Sofology has offered insight into this rising trend: “Interior trends have long thrived on TikTok, where micro-trends constantly evolve within broader design movements, and the ‘boy–girl apartment’ trend is a prime example.

“The rise of the ‘girl flat’ trend previously highlighted the expressive, feminine spaces women were creating, which has then sparked interest around how blended spaces can look for two people with separate styles. The ‘boy–girl apartment’ trend perfectly showcases how differing tastes can come together in shared homes.

“And it seems that mid-century design is inspiring many shared living spaces. Typically, the look brings together opposing styles, blending softer elements like houseplants, pops of colour, and playful patterns with deeper, moodier tones and materials such as leather, dark woods, and structured finishes.”