The younger generation bids farewell to minimalism in their homes

For years, minimalism was synonymous with good taste. Clean lines, neutral palettes, extreme functionality, and an aesthetic that seemed to say more through what it concealed than what it revealed. But the new generations are forging their own path.

The so-called Gen Z, born during the turn of the millennium and raised in a digital world, has decided to break away from the rules of Scandinavian minimalism and embrace a new way of living: freer, more expressive, bolder. In this article, we delve into this macrotrend in the design world that Cosentino has identified in its new study “Shaping tomorrow”, which will inspire designers and architects in the coming years.

The home as an identity space

For Generation Z, the home is more than a refuge. It is an extension of their identity. They do not seek perfect homes; they seek spaces that speak of them, that celebrate the eclectic, the emotional, the imperfect. Their interiors are a mix of cultural references, digital influences, and a constant desire for originality. In their homes, saturated colours, vintage objects, recycled furniture, and contemporary design pieces coexist without hesitation.

Instead of hiding chaos, they integrate it. Instead of following rules, they reinvent them. This generation has grown up with Pinterest boards, TikTok videos, and Instagram feeds filled with hybrid styles and multicultural references. The result: spontaneous, creative interiors full of personality.

Colour, textures, and conscious maximalism

One of the most visible gestures in this paradigm shift is the return of colour. While minimalism favoured “greige,” Generation Z now seeks saturated greens, bright lilacs, energetic oranges, and electric blues. Even the once-feared pink-red combination is now trending. Shades that create contrast, stimulate the senses, and break monotony.

But this is not about overwhelming maximalism; it is emotional maximalism, where every choice responds to a desire for expression. The new is mixed with the old, the luxurious with the accessible, the artisanal with the digital. Above all, personal experience is prioritised over any decorative canon.

Textures also take centre stage: rough walls, glazed tiles, glossy surfaces, velvet, recycled woods, coloured metals. Design experts know this, and in recent years, the use of ribbed textures has multiplied. From claddings to furniture and accessories, grooved finishes are everywhere.

This trend has inspired the UKIYO collection designed by Claudia Afshar, who brings us her reinterpretation of ribbed textures for Dekton and Silestone.

Surfaces with great personality: the boldest colours of Dekton, Silestone, and Sensa

For Generation Z, home is more than a shelter. It is an extension of their identity. They don't seek perfect homes; they seek spaces that speak about them, that celebrate the eclectic, the emotional, and the imperfect. Their interiors are a mix of cultural references, digital influences, and a constant drive for originality. Saturated colors, vintage objects, recycled furniture, and bold contemporary design pieces coexist in their homes.

In this article, we dive into this macrotrend within the world of design that Cosentino has identified in its new study “Shaping tomorrow,” which will inspire designers and architects in the coming years.

Dekton has become a canvas for expression thanks to its more than 60 available colours. Some of its boldest proposals fit perfectly with the youthful and fearless style:

• Somnia: captivating details of warm browns and oxidised whites blend with a deep black tone in a grid of fine lines.
• Ceppo: the characteristic multiform structure in grey-blue of the Italian stone Ceppo di Gré inspires this unique colour. Ideal for both interiors and exteriors, its timeless design makes it a perfect choice for classic or modern settings.
• Umber: Terracotta colour inspired by the natural umber pigment with a reddish hue. This design with a warm tactile relief is ideal for spaces with a touch of personality.
• Awake: Reinterprets the iconic attributes of the precious Paonazzo stone. A thick veining with gradients of light greys and creams with delightful oxidised terracottas and subtle inked blues.
• Trance: Fluid colour with a bluish veil. The background reveals a combination of creams and greys, a blend of tones that merge within white palettes. Fine veins move between oxides and fade into reddish gold.

Silestone: colour and creativity without compromise

Silestone, our leading hybrid mineral surface for interiors, has also launched collections in recent years that invite playfulness and creativity:

• Cala Blue: a light, fresh, Mediterranean blue that serves as a chromatic base for cheerful and carefree spaces.
• Posidonia Green: an organic and vibrant green, connected to sustainability and the naturalist spirit of the new generations.
• Jardin Emerald: thanks to a sophisticated pattern of golden veins with metallic reflections and notes of black and cream, this colour reinvents the natural beauty of the most exclusive green marbles, creating a versatile finish with great graphic depth.
• Ffrom03: this original colour, designed by the Forfamantasma studio, features a hypnotic and elegant anthracite background with recycled PET flakes scattered across the surface, reminiscent of the night sky or a geological specimen.

Sensa: sophisticated nature with unique character

For those who value authenticity and seek unique pieces, the natural stone with stain-resistant treatment Sensa is an emotional choice. Each slab is different, connecting with Generation Z's quest for originality. Here are some of the most special colours from its collection:

• Itara: its luminous white and sandy veins on a watery green background, reminiscent of a stormy sea, are the perfect ally for designing any kitchen or bathroom worktop.
• Oihana: its black base is sprinkled with infinite white veins and golden speckles in a whimsical pattern reminiscent of the extensive and elegant silk rows of a spider's web.
• Nahoa: this exclusive Brazilian quartzite with a brown background and intersecting black and beige veins is full of personality and warmth.
• Moak Black: deep and dark high-quality granite, arriving directly from India with a spectacular matte finish that allows you to feel the essence of natural stone.

Get inspired by Cosentino to design a home with character

What is happening is not just a decorative trend: it is a cultural shift. The home is no longer a showcase of perfect order but a space for play, expression, and authenticity. And in this play, colour, materials, and textures are fundamental elements.

Against the coldness of minimalism, younger generations respond with emotional warmth. Against neutrality, they opt for impact. Against repetition, they choose difference. And on this path, they find in brands like Dekton, Silestone, and Sensa the perfect tools to create spaces with character and soul.

Visit one of our Cosentino City locations to discover all the latest innovations and launches for the comprehensive design of your home.

You can also explore all the colours, applications, spaces, and projects created with our Silestone, Dekton, Scalea, and Sensa surfaces on our website.