Marcio Vasconcelos
For some, it might be the first time hearing about the word “cheugy” (pronounced chew-gee), especially those who were born before 1996. This word is used by the Gen Z generation (those who were born between 1997 and 2010) to describe anything that is considered dated, or passes the feeling that it’s trying too hard, yet holds a sense of endearing or no stalgic charm.
It's not about being uncool; rather, it's about embracing certain aesthetics that were once the height of trendiness but are now considered passé by the cutting-edge standards of fashion and design.
I'm sure that even though this is a new word, the feeling it passes isn't. Many of us, when seeing a typography art that says “Live, Love and Laugh” hanging on somebody's wall, thought how “corny” that was. But please, if you like word art with motivationals phrases, don’t feel offended. At the end of the day what really matters is how you want your house to look.
What is Cheugy Decor?
Cheugy home decor is a celebration of past trends that are no longer in the limelight of contemporary design. It's the live, laugh, love signs, the shabby chic furniture, and the overuse of mason jars for everything from drinking glasses to plant holders. This style might include:
Typography Art
Those inspirational quotes in fancy fonts, often on rustic wooden signs are on top of the cheugy decor list. I know that many of you already had one of these at home and thought it to be the trend of the moment. But nowadays, for some, it has become something to joke about, since this kind of decor is going downhill according to specialists.
Modern farmhouse
Barn door, cow, horse, and chicken pictures are just a great example of cheugy decor, unless your house is actually in a farm. I know that sliding doors have its own charm, and a chicken picture can be cute to hang on, but if you don’t have anything to do with the rural area, the Gen V generation advise you to stay away from this decor.
Shabby Chic
I’m sorry to break it to you, but the style that used distressed furniture to create a vintage element, and used romantic colors and textures to create a worn and welcoming look is considered cheugy today. I know, it might sound unfair for some of you, but there’s a way to bring that antique feeling to your house without sacrificing the style, the boho chic.
Mason Jars Overload
Mason jars experienced a surge in popularity in the early 2010s. They became a symbol of rustic and vintage aesthetic, often used in DIY projects, weddings, and home decor. But as interior design trends moved towards minimalism and sleek modernity, the rustic charm of mason jars began to feel outdated, landing them in the cheugy category.
Accent Walls
Accent walls became popular as a way to add a pop of color or pattern to a room without overwhelming it. They were a go-to trick for a quick and impactful room update. The cheugy aspect of accent walls lies in their earnest attempt to be a focal point, sometimes clashing with the evolving preference for more harmonious, less contrasting interior designs.
Gallery Walls
Gallery walls became a trend for personalizing space with an eclectic mix of photos, art prints, and other hangable items. As interior design trends evolved towards simplicity and fewer, more meaningful pieces, these crowded gallery walls started to feel overdone.
They reflect personal histories and tastes, which is very much in line with the cheugy ethos of embracing what's personally meaningful, even if it's not the height of current fashion.
What Is an Example of Cheugy Home Decor?
Imagine walking into a living room. There's a gallery wall with mismatched frames, each one holding a family photo or a motivational quote. On the coffee table, there's a mason jar repurposed as a vase, holding sunflowers.
The couch is adorned with throw pillows, each bearing a witty or inspirational message and the bathroom door is a sliding barn door. This is a quintessential example of cheugy home decor.
Why choose cheugy decor?
The charm of cheugy decor lies in its relatability and warmth. It’s not about being on the cutting edge of trends, but rather about creating a space that feels homey, familiar, and inviting. It's a nod to the simpler times and a wink at the earnestness of past trends.
Many elements of cheugy decor are easily accessible and affordable. Items like mason jars, gallery wall frames, or certain types of typography decor can be found in thrift stores, budget-friendly retail outlets, or even DIY projects. This accessibility makes cheugy decor a practical choice for those who want to decorate their homes stylishly without breaking the bank.
In a world where trends come and go at an increasingly rapid pace, there's a certain appeal in sticking to what you love, regardless of its current status in the trend cycle. Cheugy decor represents a break from the pressure of keeping up with the latest styles, offering a refreshing reminder that it's okay to embrace what genuinely makes you happy, even if it's not considered the height of fashion.
Embracing Cheugy in Your Home
Embracing cheugy in your home is about celebrating personal style and comfort over cutting-edge trends. It involves integrating elements like inspirational quote art, shabby chic furniture, and the creative use of mason jars into your decor.
Cheugy style often features gallery walls filled with an eclectic mix of frames and artwork, accent walls in bold colors or patterns, and a general sense of coziness and nostalgia. The key is to mix these cheugy elements with modern touches to create a balanced, unique aesthetic that reflects your personality.
By doing so, you can craft a space that feels both familiar and inviting, showcasing a blend of past trends and contemporary sensibilities in a way that is uniquely yours. This approach not only adds a quirky charm to your living space but also allows for a sustainable way of decorating, as many cheugy items can be thrifted, repurposed, or DIYed.
People also ask
What is the appearance of chic decor?
Modern Chic Interior Design Aesthetic | Carpets Suitable for Chic Settings
Straightforward and uncluttered – The Modern Chic interior design aesthetic is marked by straightforward, uncluttered lines and basic forms. This implies that furnishings and decorative items ought to possess streamlined and uncomplicated designs, free of any superfluous decorations or adornments.
What is the successor to shabby chic?
The latest trend being identified is known as bohemian or boho chic. This style maintains an eclectic vibe but emphasizes incorporating an artistic flair, more vibrant hues, and furniture that doesn't appear as weathered. Picture it as a richer, more vivid reinterpretation of Shabby Chic.
What signs indicate that my bedroom in cheugy?
Signs such as the presence of "wine not" quotes, which are often found on wall art or pillows or coffee mugs. Ugg slippers, a comfy yet overdone trend, add to the cheugy vibe. An obsession with owl decor, which was a popular motif, signifies this trend, as does the abundance of Disney merchandise, reflecting a nostalgia for childhood.
Chevron-patterned comforters, which were once a staple in contemporary decor, and Rae Dunn pottery, known for its unique font and phrases, are other indicators of a cheugy bedroom decor.
