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What is Kindercore?

Updated: Jun 7, 2023

For the past few years, home decor has gravitated towards the minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic. From clean, sharp lines to pure white color palettes, many top designers have focused on the "Less is More" look. But times are changing, and between the rise of maximalism and a shift towards bolder, brighter spaces, we're making unusual applications with more colors and designs.

Kindercore lounge with pink and gray armchairs
Image Credit: Unknown

What is Kindercore ?

This design aesthetic is just emerging. Definitely a movement that brings positive energy, this trend focuses entirely around primary colors and almost childlike pieces.


Black and white and tan leather kindercore armchair
Image Credit: Gestalt New York


The key element of Kindercore is simplicity. It's a style that's flawed and a little silly, but also expressive. Kindercore style seems to be a compassionate, inclusive response to the stressors of our time and our collective desire. In other words, in a world where we are bombarded with bad news, as designers we try to add a happier aesthetic to brighten your mood. Kindercore is a bit modern, a bit vintage, and has a multi-personality integrity. While the foundation of Kindercore focuses on bringing together simple, bold colors, we're also seeing more and more of the solid bold pieces like side lamps in fire engine red and neon green.






What is Chubby Furniture?


Along with the rise in Crayola-friendly colors, we're starting to see more furniture designers exit the straight, seamless lines we know and love from Mid Century Modern decor and experiment with "chubby" styles. A Kindercore-like aesthetic, the chubby decor is a little unexpected and a lot of fun.


Parisian apartment with chubby furniture
Image Credit: Chateau de Fabregues

A chubby piece will have rounded edges, bold edges, and feel just the right amount of childishness. This style of furniture is incredibly cozy and comfortable, making it quite interesting next to the sharp lines of most contemporary furniture pieces.


Chubby vintage green sofa
Image Credit: themillievintage

Chubby furniture may look a little odd, but it can still create an elegant and sophisticated perception. It's hard not to smile when you see a chubby sofa or an attractive chair, and this is proof that Kindercore is a design move we're definitely ready for.


How Should I Incorporate Kindercore into My Home??


When it comes to decorating with Kindercore design, it's best to take small steps. While some other design moves are subtle and easy to decorate the entire house (eg: Scandinavian), starting with a few accents is the best way to bring this design move into your own space. Consider swapping out your bedside lamp for one that's a little younger, or add a few colorful pillows.


Comfy living room with a dark blue chubby sofa
Image Credit: living.corriere.it

Pantone's spring colors are the perfect inspiration to bring Kindercore into your home. From Flame Scarlet to Classic Blue, these colors are bold, bright and perfect for adding a lot of color to your space.


Colorful wall painting
Image Credit: SF Girl by Bay


Don't block out the striking colors and add round-edged items to the space. Besides that, half moons and cylinders are shapes that are becoming more popular and go against the more symmetrical designs we are used to. If the primary colors representing Kindercore are too much for you, it may be a little easier to add a few chubby pieces to your home. Look for rounded edges that almost hug you, like the furniture seen in this space. Chubby furniture is not only comfortable but still feels welcoming while being assertive. Bold, heavy shapes take up space (both visually and spatially) and instantly create a focal point in any space.



Where Kindercore Came From?

While Kindercore is a very new design idea, many of the elements are similar to those of famous architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld and artist Piet Mondrian. The design movement most similar to Kindercore is Memphis, which was founded in the early 80s by an Italian design group that opposed the trends of the time with innovative and radical designs.


Kindercore dining room from a reflection of a mirror
Image Credit: Unknown


While the key elements of Kindercore aren't entirely new, the reemergence of primary colors and childlike design is a stark and welcome contrast to the monochrome and simple approaches that have dominated over the past decade. Are you ready to make a Kindercore design for your home? Want more design advice? Click to get design consultancy from Therapinterior. Design Application

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