What Does It Mean To Have An Aesthetic House?

Here at AURA Modern Home, we're all about creating your dream space (duh). And that depends completely on what your personal vibe is like - because creating a house aesthetic is 100% unique to you.


So let's talk about creating an aesthetic house that you love. In this article, we'll discuss what an aesthetic house is, different ideas for how to decorate it, and tools to get started.

What does the term "aesthetic" mean, anyway?

An aesthetic house is all about creating a wonderful space that reflects your personality and taste, despite what social media trends might tell you. It's about cultivating a place where you can feel comfortable and stylish at the same time. It's what is attractive to you - nobody else.

The term "aesthetic" itself is a super trendy term right now. But its definition means different things to different people. For example, according to Urban Dictionary, "aesthetic" means "a combination of things that are pleasing to look at."

OK, yeah. That's a little broad.

On social media platforms like TikTok, it's common to see the term aesthetic alongside an interior design descriptor. For example, "modern aesthetic", in reference to a modern house, or "cottage core aesthetic", in reference to the popularized decorating aesthetic of cottage core, which means creating a space that looks and feels like it belongs in a fairytale cottage.

So, when we're talking about aesthetic houses, we're really talking about creating a space that is pleasing to look at and reflects your personal taste. 

What are some popular aesthetics?

Truly, there are endless aesthetic home types to choose from. But some popular aesthetics you might've heard of include:

Dark academia

A mix of classic and gothic elements, often with a focus on books and learning. This is a fun one - and so popular right now!

Boho chic

This aesthetic combines vintage and modern pieces to create a unique, bohemian-inspired space. Undoubtedly, one of the most popular aesthetics right now

Coastal

Decor that evokes feelings of being by the ocean, with elements like seashells, driftwood, and seaglass. A clear glass door with a view of the water welcome. We see you, coastal grandma.

Minimalist

This aesthetic is all about keeping things clean, simple, and uncluttered (we're also big fans of Japandi, which also focuses on keeping things simple)

Industrial

This aesthetic combines raw, unfinished materials with clean lines and geometric shapes.

Scandinavian

This aesthetic is characterized by its use of light woods, neutral colors, and simple Scandinavian design. An essential style for those creating a relaxing abode.

Modern farmhouse

This aesthetic mixes vintage and rustic elements to create a warm and inviting space.

Can you only pick one aesthetic style?

Nope! You can totally mix and match aesthetic styles to create a space that's all your own. No judgment here.

For example, you might love the warm and inviting feeling of a farmhouse aesthetic but also appreciate the clean lines of a minimalist aesthetic. In that case, you could mix and match elements from both styles to create a unique aesthetic that feels right to you. There are no rules.

Side note: the AMH team loves mixing and matching their own interior aesthetic. Our founder has an awesome midcentury modern style in the living room, and a minimalist aesthetic in the bedroom (you know, for soothing sleep).

What factors should you consider when creating an aesthetic house?

When you're thinking about creating an aesthetic house, don't forget to keep these in mind:

-Your taste: This is an essential factor to consider when creating an aesthetic house. After all, it's your space. You should feel comfortable and stylish in your own home. Also, don't fall into the trap of feeling pressure from social media to create a certain style of space. Do you - and what feels true to you.

-Your budget: As much as we'd love to spend the big bucks on home decor, remember to be realistic about what you can afford when it comes to decorating your home. There's no need to break the bank in order to create a space you love. Have extra budget to spend? It might be worth investing in a professional interior designer for help. Or, if you're more strapped, consider focusing in one area, like the first floor, to start


-Your lifestyle: Consider how you actually live in your home when you're making aesthetic choices. If you have young children, for example, it might not be realistic to choose super delicate or fragile items as part of your aesthetic.

-Your home's layout and architecture: The layout of your home will also play a role in your aesthetic choices. If you have an open concept floor plan, for example, you'll want to be mindful of how your aesthetic choices flow from one room to the next.

-The natural light in your home: Light can have a big impact on the overall aesthetic of your space. If you have a lot of natural light, you might want to consider using lighter colors and materials to help reflect that light.

-Your climate: The climate you live in will also play a role in your aesthetic choices. If you live in a warm climate, for example, you might want to consider using light and airy materials to help keep your home cool.

What are quick ways to make my home more aesthetically pleasing?

Add a few plants: Plants are one of the most universal and essential additions to any home, as they're aesthetic-agnostic (for the most part!)

-Hang some art: Art is a great way to personalize your space and make it feel more like your own. We love a chic gallery wall for longer walls that look bare, or a dramatic statement piece above a sofa in the living room

-Switch out your light fixtures: Something as simple as a new light fixture can make a big impact on the overall aesthetic of your home. Especially depending on your ceiling height!


-Rearrange your furniture: Hello, feng shui refresh. Sometimes all you need is to switch up your furniture layout to give your space a quick makeover.

-Declutter: This is one of our greatest hobbies. Getting rid of clutter can help make any space feel more welcoming. Plus, you'll feel better getting rid of unnecessary items (including all of those items you've put off selling on eBay...)

-Organize, organize, organize: A little bit of organization can go a long way in making your home more aesthetic. We're constantly plugged into The Home Edit for the latest and greatest organization advice (trust us, they're a must-follow and true professional organizers!)

So what's the best first step toward finding more ideas?

Pinterest is a great place to start, but don't get overwhelmed by all of the options. Start narrow, and then expand from there. Once you have a general idea of what you like, it'll be easier to make choices that fit your aesthetic.

And if you ever get stuck, we're always here to help!