Your bedroom should reflect your personality and style. For many, this means choosing a design aesthetic that feels right for them. Two trending yet wildly different aesthetics are Normcore and Weirdcore. While Normcore is all about simplicity and a no-frills approach, Weirdcore embraces a dream-like strangeness, using surreal elements and nostalgic oddities. Whether you’re leaning toward a minimalist vibe or a bizarre wonderland, here’s a guide to help you design your bedroom with either Normcore or Weirdcore.
Less is More with Normcore
Normcore emerged in fashion and design circles as a reaction to loud, over-the-top trends. It promotes a laid-back, unfussy approach, with an emphasis on functional, everyday items. Think of it as the anti-fashion fashion, or in interior design terms, the anti-design design.
Neutral Colour Palette: Normcore thrives on soft, muted tones. Think beige, white, grey, and light pastels. The idea is to avoid bold colours that scream for attention.
Simple, Functional Furniture: Choose basic, sturdy furniture without intricate designs. A plain wooden bed frame or a simple metal lamp can elevate the space without overwhelming it.
Uncluttered Spaces: Normcore bedrooms should feel spacious and free of clutter. Keep surfaces clean and limit accessories to only those that serve a purpose.
Textured Materials: While the palette is neutral, you can create depth through materials like cotton, linen, and light wood. These add warmth without cluttering the visual space.
Vintage Inspiration: Normcore often draws from a late-90s to early-2000s aesthetic. Go for retro details like a classic alarm clock, vintage electronics, or even a Polaroid camera casually placed on a shelf.
Normcore Bedroom Tips:
Balance function with beauty by incorporating pieces that are practical yet visually pleasing. Think of a classic IKEA-style bed frame paired with soft, organic cotton sheets or the durability of a light wood floor with a soft, neutral-coloured rug.
Focus on minimal décor, but don’t hesitate to include personal touches like a favourite novel on the nightstand or a family photo on the wall.
Avoid statement pieces. The goal is not to have any one element stand out but rather to create a cohesive, serene space that feels lived-in and relaxed.
A Surreal Adventure with Weirdcore
On the other hand, Weirdcore is an internet-born aesthetic that draws heavily from surrealism, childhood nostalgia, and dream-like imagery. The goal here is to create a space that feels slightly off-kilter, almost like stepping into an alternate reality.
Unexpected, Bold Colours: Weirdcore is often characterised by contrasting, clashing hues. Neon greens, purples, and deep reds can be combined in ways that create a disorienting but intriguing effect.
Dream-Like Imagery: Think bizarre, almost childlike visuals. Posters or artwork featuring distorted landscapes, liminal spaces (like empty hallways), or strange combinations of objects (e.g., a flower with eyes) can give your bedroom that surreal vibe.
Clashing Eras and Styles: Don’t be afraid to mix and match. A velvet chair from the 1970s next to a plastic nightstand from the early 2000s? Totally Weirdcore! Mismatching furniture can add to the intentional disjointedness of the space.
Found Objects and Retro Tech: Weirdcore often borrows from the ‘found object’ aesthetic. Display old CRT TVs, vintage toys, or unusual knick-knacks from thrift stores.
Overstimulation and Clutter: Unlike the minimalism of Normcore, Weirdcore embraces chaos. Let your room feel like a dreamscape by adding an eclectic collection of items that don’t traditionally “belong” together.
Weirdcore Bedroom Tips:
Be fearless with patterns. Combine polka dots with stripes or florals with checkered patterns. Think about parquet vinyl combined with a vibrant, geometric rug. The more surreal, the better.
Focus on lighting. Soft, ambient lighting like neon signs, colourful LED strips, or lava lamps can enhance the dreamlike quality of the room.
Create nostalgia by incorporating objects that evoke personal memories or an eerie sense of familiarity. Maybe an old stuffed animal, a faded poster from your childhood, or furniture that feels outdated.
Choosing Between Normcore and Weirdcore
Deciding between these two aesthetics depends on your personal tastes and how you want your space to make you feel. Normcore is perfect if you crave a peaceful, organised space that feels calm and understated. It’s ideal for creating a retreat from the chaos of daily life. On the other hand, Weirdcore is for those who want their bedroom to be an immersive experience, a space where reality blends with fantasy, sparking creativity and curiosity.