8 It-Girl Interior Finds That Will Instantly Make Your Home Cool
There is one undeniable perk to an endless Instagram feed: the interiors inspo just keeps coming. This season’s aesthetic is all about the cool-girl abode – think high-shine chrome, squishy modular seating, and a nostalgic colour palette bathed in glowy sunset-lued lighting. Here, we’ve curated the must-have pieces to help you nail the look. Scroll to shop the It-girl interiors edit.
1. In-the-know artwork, books & magazines
From a well-loved stack of fashion books to a collection of design tome greats, your literature and art choices are the backbone of personality in your home. You can’t go wrong with the timelessness of black-and-white photography: think blown-up, candid moments with friends or iconic archival prints from the world of fashion, film and music.
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2. Chrome accessories & finishes
Chrome is everywhere right now, but it’s more than just a viral moment; it’s a design staple with longevity, practicality, and cool-girl credentials. To nail the look, lean into space-age lighting: think structured Bauhaus silhouettes or playful ’60s mushroom lamps. Beyond lighting, look for mid-century furniture with chrome accents or sculptural silver dinnerware to elevate your next dinner party. Our top tip? If you can, skip the high street and thrift a vintage steel for true authenticity.
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3. Animal print (but not in a cheesy way)
Leopard might be a neutral in our wardrobes, but in a living space, it’s the main event. A zebra print rug or leopard sofa looks incredible if you let it breathe, but make sure it is the standout boujee piece and keep everything else stripped back and low-key. If the rest of the room is too busy, you veer into ‘eccentric grandmother’ territory.
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4. Chubby seating
2026 is all about the squish. Chubby furniture is taking centre stage, and we love that it sits somewhere between vintage-cool and ultra-modern. We love Sofa Club’s modular Marylebone design in rich mocha to anchor a neutral room, and if you’re looking for a colourful accent, the bubble chairs at Urban Outfitters are a fun addition.
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5. Cool coffee tables
Whether you opt for a space-age acrylic block or a mid-century chrome classic, your coffee table should be an intentional choice. It’s the ultimate canvas for self-expression; layer it with big, beautiful design books, candles, and vintage finds to tell a story. It’s not just a space to lay your coffee cup, but a space dedicated to a stage for all your favourite things.
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6. Music-led spaces
Whether you have space for a dedicated listening room (the dream), a tiny nook that just about fits a record player, or a wall space that can showcase all your favourite vinyl, there are few things cooler than music-led spaces in your own home.
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7. Retro colour palettes
Colours dictate the whole vibe, and we’re currently obsessed with retro-inspired palettes that are being reimagined all over Instagram. Think chocolate and pale blue, or the unexpected pop of mint with raspberry. If you prefer something more grounded, try a mix of forest green, burnt ochre, and comforting cream. You don’t have to go big – curated details like a single cushion or a coloured glass are often enough to liven up a neutral space.
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8. Glowy sunset lighting
Finally, there is something about warm, sunset-inspired lighting that oozes nonchalant cool. Whether you opt for a burnt orange-hued mushroom lamp on a console table, an unexpected pop of red in a ’60s floor light, or a glowing amber orb on your bedside table, the rules are clear: cool girls never, ever use the big light. Think of it as golden hour in your home, at all times.
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The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
