Gen Z for the (shui) win!

this article caught my attention earlier this month, and I can’t stop smiling about it!

as Gen Z decorates their first apartments (I have two Zee babes of my own I’ve watched do this!), they’ve incorporated all 5 elements with fabulous finesse – let’s unpack!

first up, the squiggle mirror. mirrors bring in the WATER element, and they offer us “reflection” – which is why they are tied to self-esteem. I LOVE that this one gives ample mirror coverage (so no one feels left out or that they “don’t fit”); it’s wrapped in flannel (so no sharp edges); and the water element keeps energy in a home flowing!

next up, we get a similar “ripple” feel in their preference for the stacked planter look! I mean, the fact they’re already buying plants and keeping them in their spaces – WIN! plus, a little WOOD element encourages trying new things, branching out and breaking new ground. yes, please!

Gen Z also LOVES lighting strips, and listen, I am here for having more than one lighting option in any room. no matter the light source, it brings in the FIRE element perfectly!

moving on, it’s move over “millennial pink” and make some room – checkerboard is here to get things squared away and checked off the list. I adore anything that introduces the grounding presence of the element EARTH – so, I hope this trend lingers!

and finally, while they haven’t completely taken METAL off the map, they’re not embracing the all-grey-everything aesthetic. instead, they’re making it work by choosing décor that favors the pastel palette!

whether this aesthetic has you feeling inspired or not, here’s what I want to emphasize:

when all 5 elements are present in a space, our nervous system draws upon that collective strength and we immediately feel better. and when we feel better, positive change is inevitable! so, CHEERS to Gen Z for nourishing their nests with this party of five – and reminding us all we can have fun doing it! xo