Cheugy is a word that has been buzzing on social media lately. It’s a term that was coined by a high school student in 2013 to describe things that are out of date or trying too hard to be trendy¹. Some examples of cheugy things are live, laugh, love signs, Minion memes, and anything that says girl boss on it.
But not everything that is cheugy is bad. In fact, some home trends that might be considered cheugy are actually loved by designers and homeowners alike. Here are some of them:
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Shiplap
Shiplap is a type of wooden board that is often used to create a rustic or farmhouse look in homes. It became popular thanks to HGTV shows like Fixer Upper, but some might say it’s overdone and cheugy now. However, shiplap can still add warmth and texture to a space if used sparingly and creatively. For example, you can use shiplap as an accent wall, a backsplash, or a headboard.
Gallery Walls
Gallery walls are collections of framed photos, art, or objects that are arranged on a wall to create a personalized and eclectic display. They can be a great way to showcase your personality and style, but some might argue that they are too busy and cheugy. However, gallery walls can still look chic and modern if you follow some simple rules: choose a cohesive color scheme, vary the sizes and shapes of the frames, and leave enough space between them.
Succulents
Succulents are plants that have thick and fleshy leaves or stems that store water. They are easy to care for and come in a variety of shapes and colors. They have been a staple of home decor for years, but some might think they are too basic and cheugy now. However, succulents can still add life and beauty to your home if you choose the right ones and display them in interesting ways. For example, you can use succulents as centerpieces, terrariums, or wall hangings.
Macramé
Macramé is a craft that involves knotting cords or yarns to create decorative patterns. It was popular in the 1970s and has made a comeback in recent years. It can be used to make wall hangings, plant hangers, curtains, or rugs. Some might find macramé too boho and cheugy, but it can still add charm and texture to your home if you choose the right colors and designs. For example, you can use macramé to create a cozy and cozy vibe in your bedroom or living room.
Mason Jars
Mason jars are glass jars that are typically used for preserving food. They have also been used for various DIY projects, such as candle holders, vases, or soap dispensers. They can be seen as too crafty and cheugy by some, but they can still be useful and stylish in your home if you use them wisely. For example, you can use mason jars to store spices, herbs, or snacks in your kitchen or bathroom.
The bottom line is that cheugy is a subjective term that depends on your personal taste and preference. What might be cheugy for one person might be cool for another. So don’t let the internet dictate what you like and don’t like in your home. Just have fun with it and express yourself!
More Cheugy Home Trends That Designers Still Love
If you enjoyed the previous list of cheugy home trends that designers still love, here are some more for you to consider:
Farmhouse Sinks
Farmhouse sinks are large and deep sinks that have a front that extends over the edge of the countertop. They are often made of porcelain, fireclay, or stainless steel. They are a classic feature of farmhouse or country-style kitchens, but some might say they are too common and cheugy now. However, farmhouse sinks can still add functionality and elegance to your kitchen if you pair them with the right faucet, countertop, and backsplash.
Subway Tiles
Subway tiles are rectangular tiles that are usually white and glossy. They are named after the tiles used in New York subway stations in the early 20th century. They are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom walls, but some might think they are too plain and cheugy now. However, subway tiles can still look fresh and stylish if you play with the size, color, pattern, and grout of the tiles.
Faux Fur
Faux fur is a synthetic material that mimics the appearance and texture of real fur. It can be used to make blankets, pillows, rugs, or throws. It can add warmth and coziness to your home, but some might find it too tacky and cheugy. However, faux fur can still be chic and sophisticated if you choose the right quality, color, and quantity of faux fur.
Edison Bulbs
Edison bulbs are light bulbs that have a visible filament that glows when turned on. They are named after Thomas Edison, who invented the first commercially viable light bulb in the late 19th century. They are often used to create a vintage or industrial look in homes, but some might consider them too overdone and cheugy now. However, Edison bulbs can still add character and ambiance to your home if you use them sparingly and creatively.
Chevron
Chevron is a pattern that consists of inverted V-shapes that form zigzag lines. It can be found on rugs, pillows, curtains, or wallpaper. It can add movement and contrast to your home, but some might think it’s too dated and cheugy now. However, chevron can still be fun and modern if you use it in small doses and in unexpected places.
Remember, cheugy is not a bad word. It’s just a way to describe things that are not very current or original. But that doesn’t mean you have to get rid of them or avoid them altogether. You can still enjoy them and make them work for your home if you have confidence and creativity.
