August 12, 2024
Brat Green and Pop Girl Summer: Channeling the Brat Trend in Home Decor
Summer 2024 is sizzling with attitude, and it's not just the rising temperatures turning up the heat. The "brat" trend has taken over, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia, rebellion, and unapologetic self-expression. At the forefront of this movement is the color that's capturing everyone's attention: brat green. This vivid shade of lime is the unofficial mascot of what's being dubbed "pop girl summer," a season where bold choices and playful aesthetics reign supreme.
As the lines between pop culture, fashion, and interior design continue to blur, the brat trend is making its way from music videos and TikTok feeds into our homes. In this guide, we'll explore how to incorporate the brat trend, neon green, and the essence of pop girl summer into your living spaces. From bold color choices to Y2K-inspired furniture and accessories, we'll show you how to transform your home into a space that's as brazen and expressive as the pop anthems defining the season. And with Palazzo's home visualization tools, you'll be able to experiment with these daring design choices risk-free.
Get ready to turn up the volume on your home decor and embrace the brat trend in all its green, chaotic glory. Pop girl summer 2024 is here, and your living space is about to become its biggest stage.
What is the brat summer trend?
The brat aesthetic is a unique fusion of Y2K nostalgia, punk rock attitude, and a healthy dose of irony. It's a celebration of youthful rebellion, carefree attitudes, and unapologetic self-expression. The trend draws inspiration from various pop culture elements, including the music and style of artists like Charli XCX, whose latest album, "Brat", kicked off the summer trend in June 2024.
Move over perfect Barbie pink
In fashion, the brat trend translates to baby tees, baggy jeans, chunky platform shoes, and oversized accessories. It's about mixing high and low fashion, pairing designer items with kitschy, thrifted pieces. It’s not meant to be perfect – life is messy, and the brat style embraces that.
Color plays a crucial role in the brat aesthetic. The palette is bold, bright, and often clashing - a visual representation of the trend's rebellious spirit. And the key color, of course, is brat green. Charli XCX chose the color for her album cover specifically as an "offensive, off-trend shade of green to trigger the idea of something being wrong. I’d like for us to question our expectations of pop culture — why are some things considered good and acceptable, and some things deemed bad?"
Brat home decor
But the brat trend isn't confined to fashion and color choices. It extends to attitudes, interests, and now, home decor. In interiors, it means a bold, playful approach to design that throws out the traditional rulebook. It's about creating spaces that could be the backdrop for Charli XCX’s next music video or a viral TikTok dance.
The brat trend in home decor is all about embracing maximalism, mixing unexpected elements, and creating spaces that feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking. It goes against the minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired interiors that have dominated in recent years. Instead, brat decor says more is more - more color, more pattern, more personality.
As we explore how to bring this trend into your home, remember that at its core, the brat aesthetic is about self-expression and fun. It's about creating spaces that make you smile, that energize you, and that aren't afraid to stand out. Whether you're a longtime fan of Charli XCX looking to bring her aesthetic into your living room, or you're just drawn to the vibrant colors and playful attitude of the brat trend, there are countless ways to incorporate this style into your home. So, make it your own!
Try it out in Palazzo!
Before committing to a room fully painted in brat green, we recommend using Palazzo to visualize how these bold designs will look in your actual room layout. Below is a room we designed in Palazzo inspired by brat style - feel free to copy our prompt and try it on a photo of your room!
Copy and paste this prompt into Palazzo: Transform this room into a vibrant and bold space inspired by brat style and Charli XCX. Use brat green color for the walls and incorporate bold and vibrant furniture in hot pink, neon blue, and yellow, along with unique decorative items. Avoid minimalist decor and traditional furniture to maintain the energetic and unique vibe.
Bringing brat style home
Y2K-inspired furniture
The brat trend heavily draws inspiration from the late 90s and early 2000s. Incorporate furniture pieces that evoke this era:
Inflatable chairs and sofas
Lava lamps and disco balls
Bean bags and floor cushions
Lucite or acrylic furniture
Butterfly chairs
Photo: Mojow
Bold color palettes
The foundation of brat-inspired decor is a fearless approach to color. Gone are the days of safe, neutral palettes. Instead, embrace vibrant hues like brat green, hot pink, electric blue, and sunny yellow. These colors can be incorporated in a number of ways:
A lime green feature wall in your living room or a hot pink splash in your home office
A bright blue sofa or a set of neon yellow dining chairs to add pops of color
Colorful throw pillows, rugs, or artwork throughout your space
Kitschy accessories
Accessories are where you can really let your personality shine in brat-inspired decor. Plus, they can be a good starting point if you aren’t ready to paint your living room brat green. Look for items that are fun, quirky, and maybe a little bit ironic:
Fuzzy picture frames
Novelty clocks (think cat-shaped or hamburger-styled)
Quirky figurines (flamingos, garden gnomes brought indoors, etc.)
Neon signs
Retro posters and album covers
Photo: Clever
Modern technology
While the brat trend draws heavily from Y2K aesthetics, it's not stuck in the past. Incorporate modern tech in a way that complements the overall vibe:
LED strip lights for customizable color schemes
Smart speakers disguised as retro radios
Digital photo frames showcasing Y2K-inspired graphics
Gaming setups with neon-lit peripherals
Mix-and-match patterns
The brat aesthetic thrives on pattern clashing. It's time to throw out the rule book and have fun combining different prints and patterns:
Combine stripes, polka dots, and animal prints for a true brat vibe
Don't be afraid to mix scales - pair large floral prints with tiny geometric patterns
Experiment with unexpected combinations like plaid and leopard print
Photo: Luxury London
DIY and upcycled elements
Brat style embraces a DIY ethos, encouraging personal expression and creativity:
Hand-paint furniture for a unique, one-of-a-kind look
Upcycle vintage items with bold colors or patterns
Create your own wall art using spray paint or collage techniques
Customize plain items with patches, stickers, or decoupage
Textural elements
Don't forget about texture when embracing the brat trend. Mix and match different tactile experiences:
Fluffy rugs and pillows
Beaded curtains
Vinyl or pleather upholstery
Sequined or holographic fabrics
Faux fur accents
Photo: Elle Canada
Remember, the key to nailing the brat trend is confidence. Don't be afraid to make bold choices and express your personality through your decor. It's all about creating a space that feels energetic, playful, and uniquely you.
Balancing brat with sophistication
While the brat trend is undoubtedly fun and expressive, it's important to strike a balance, especially if you're concerned about long-term appeal once pop girl summer has changed to spooky girl fall. Here's how to incorporate brat elements without overwhelming your space:
Choose a focal point: Rather than going all-out brat in every room, choose one area to fully embrace the trend. This could be a home office, a bedroom, or a rec room.
Use easily changeable elements: Incorporate the trend through items that are easy to switch out, like throw pillows, artwork, or small accessories.
Balance with neutrals: Pair your bold brat choices with some neutral elements to create visual rest and balance.
Quality matters: While the brat trend embraces kitsch, choosing quality pieces will ensure your space still feels sophisticated.
Live your own pop girl summer
The brat summer trend offers a playful, expressive way to refresh your home decor. It's an opportunity to inject personality, color, and a touch of rebellion into your living spaces. Embrace your inner brat, break some design rules, and create a home that truly reflects your personality.
Ready to bratify your space? Try Palazzo today and bring your vision to life!