Different personalities mean different decor styles, and with so many aesthetics fighting for attention, it can be hard to pinpoint the ‘house style’ in any share house. Fear not, though, we’re here to help you. In some share houses, a makeshift bar takes pride of place on the mantle while stilettos explode out of wardrobes. In others, you’ll find mouldy cheese next to a slab of beer in the fridge, and all furniture facing the TV. Some can feel like a living jungle with fiddle leaf figs next to macrame and rattan furniture, and others have more of an ‘IKEA showroom’ vibe.
Watch now: Share house living room overhaul. So, where does your share house fit in? We’ve summarised six common share house styles below. Find the category you best fit into, and take cues from the starter packs.
The hot mess share house is pretty, but in a dishevelled way. There are hints of her sparkly personality in metallic homewares – think rose gold candelabras and a Gatsby-style bar cart. She’s got expensive taste (on the walls you might find a highly-valued artwork or three) but it’s all compromised somewhat by the piles of glasses piling up in the sink. Somehow, though, the hot mess always looks fabulous and is always good for a hang.
Hot mess starter kit:
* Neon wall art
* Fashionable floordrobe
* Vintage bar cart with cheap-as-chips gin
The beached-as share house may not have any serious surfers living in it, but you’ll definitely find a longboard or two gracing the living room. It’s all part of the aesthetic. All homewares are rattan, woven or crocheted and the colour scheme is all blues and sunny yellows. Sure, your butt might get a bit sandy sitting on the beached-as couch, but you don’t care ’cause it’s all about those laid-back vibes, brah.
Beached as starter kit:
* Hammock
* Macrame decor
* Sand… everywhere
Not unlike its inhabitants, the hippy dippy share house is full of surprises. A visit inside is always a bit of an experience, and you’ll probably find yourself questioning ‘what the hell is that?!’ in regards to some item or another in its ever-growing collection of eclectic homewares.
Hippy dippy starter kit:
* Paper lanterns
* Dream catchers
* Fairy lights
You might be mistaken for thinking the yo pro (young professional) share house is not a share house at all… but a real, grown-up home. Everything inside is new, albeit from IKEA, but new nonetheless. You won’t find any Gumtree seconds around these parts. There are always clean towels in the bathroom and the kitchen never has crumbs on the floor. And you better believe if you open the cupboard you’ll find those fancy stemless wine glasses staring back.
Yo pro starter kit:
* Pristine kitchen
* IKEA everything
* Cleaning roster
Travelling to the time warp share house feels like what we can only imagine a trip in the time machine from the second Austin Powers film must feel like – a trippy, psychedelic dream. The shag rug is cosy underfoot, the orange kitchenware is retro-tastic and the couch is well-worn and comfy, like only a velvet couch from another decade can be.
Time warp starter kit:
* Psychedelic prints
* Corduroy couch
* Gumtree everything
The bro house definitely has its downsides (sticky floor, questionable toilet state, and a lack of real glassware) but it still has its own style… you know, the discarded KFC bag and empty beer bottle look. We kid, but there is something a little scruffy in all the homewares choices – like, what is it about bro houses and black furniture? There’s no beating around the bush, the bro house could use a feminine touch.
Bro house starter kit:
* Black furniture
* Black bedding
* Black TV… at the centre of everything
In conclusion, every share house has its unique style, reflecting the personalities and preferences of its inhabitants. From the hot mess to the bro house, each style has its own charm and character. Whether you’re looking to decorate your own share house or simply want to appreciate the diverse aesthetics out there, understanding these different styles can be a fun and inspiring experience. So, which category does your share house fit into? Take cues from the starter packs and make your space your own. Read this next: 7 worst bathroom share house habits.
This article was originally published on 2 Sep 2019 at 9:00am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.
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