TikTok is having a moment. It was the most downloaded app of the year for 2020, and became a sounding board for political activism, musical talent, and comedy. Expanding its initial appeal during the pandemic from its teenage fanbase to millennials and older generations, it eased our collective boredom at a time when we all had nothing better to do than learn choreographed dances to the Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights”. 

But it isn’t all dancing and makeup tutorials. TikTok is having far-reaching effects on our consumption of online media, and its influence includes the very design industries that shape the latest aesthetic trends. Here are some of the ways TikTok might be inspiring even the home renovation industry and how you can tap into this creative resource in your own home. For each category, we’ve included a handful of TikTok users you might consider following to glean inspiration.

The Home Renovation Before/After or Timelapse Video Trend

What is it?

In the most general sense, home remodeling before and after and timelapse videos are trending on TikTok, as users have been posting videos of the many home DIY projects they’ve taken on during quarantine and beyond. It’s not surprising that home renovation exploded during quarantine, but that uptick has continued even after the shutdowns were lifted as the vast majority of us continue to spend more time at home than ever before. 

How can I use it for home remodeling inspiration?

What better way to get inspired for your home renovation process than to watch other people update their own space? These mesmerizing videos capture everything from the she-shed installation in one user’s backyard to major kitchen remodels. If you’re feeling stumped about how you could make the most of your space, these videos provide endless inspiration for only 15-60 seconds apiece. 

Who should I follow?

One account worth following is @renovationliving. 

The Cottagecore Video Trend

What is it?

Cottagecore is an internet aesthetic first developed on Tumblr circa 2018, but it has taken off on TikTok, especially in the wake of the pandemic. If you’re wondering why you might see videos of petticoat-clad girls wandering around the prairie, reading under trees, and feeding woodland creatures, that’s a perfect example of cottagecore. Because we were all forced home-bound during the pandemic, cottagecore was given a revival. The trend was touted by Vox as “the aesthetic where quarantine is romantic instead of terrifying”. 

How can I use it for home remodeling inspiration?

You don’t have to live in the countryside to bring the cottagecore aesthetic into your home. As long as you embrace a vibe of gardening or greenery, floral prints, animals, and whimsy, you’ll be on target.There are a number of ways you can invoke this in and around your home. For example, an outdoor patio or deck installation could be the first step in curating your outdoor space. A deck with a trellis for vines to grow or an arbor would perfectly encapsulate this vibe. If you have a green thumb, you might even consider a greenhouse installation.

In terms of indoor renovations, the cottagecore aesthetic is dependent on plenty of natural light; consider where you can knock out unnecessary walls or install additional windows to allow for a brighter space. You can bring floral prints into your home by way of wallpaper, which is making a serious comeback in the interior design industry. We’re also seeing a great deal of indoor plants. Lastly, reclaimed wood and antique furniture that capture a sense of nostalgia will further bolster the cottagecore aesthetic within your home. 

Who should I follow?

If you’re still stumped on what this looks like, @jesca.her, @aclotheshorse, and @cottagecore22 all have that dreamy cottagecore style. 

The Dark Academia Video Trend

What is it?

Another aesthetic trend that is catching on like wildfire is referred to as dark academia. At a deep contrast with the light evervescence of cottagecore, dark academia is a subculture centered around the pursuit of knowledge with moody visual cues taken primarily from European cultures. Key motifs include gothic or greek architecture, tweed and argyle prints, brown leather, brooding, skulls, and candles. Think: Dead Poet’s Society, if the entire movie were an aesthetic. Posts tagged with the Dark Academia moniker have racked up over 18 million views on TikTok.

How can I use it for home remodeling inspiration?

If cottagecore aesthetic called for pastel or jeweled tones, dark academia is the complete opposite. You’ll want to embrace earth tones, with black, brown, and tan as your main staples. A worn, leather ottoman, a tweed couch, and a taxidermied deer mount would all fit in nicely. While you’re remodeling your home office space to accommodate your work-from-home calling, you might consider a built-in bookshelf or even a cozy fireplace. Aim for a traditional study with mahogany furniture, lamps over overhead lighting, and plenty of books rather than a contemporary home office look. Hardwood floors or paneling, navy paint, and gold fixtures all harken to the moody undertones of dark academia.

Who should I follow?

If you need to see dark academia in action, we recommend following @cosyfaerie and @sinsful.

The “Cool Feature” Video Trend

What is it?

In May of 2020, TikTok user @afarles shared a video showing how she has so many cool things in her house, but people always think her black toilet is the best part. The sound bite from this video went viral, inspiring thousands of users to use that same sound clip to share the most exciting features in their homes, from a secret slide to an actual airplane simulation room. If you’ve ever dreamed of hosting MTV’s Cribs, this trend will be right up your alley. 

How can I use it for home remodeling inspiration?

If nothing else, these videos will get you thinking about creative ways to use your space, even if they aren’t the most practical upgrades. Maybe you’ve always wanted a secret room that can only be accessed by pulling the spine of a particular book in your study. Now’s your chance to entertain that childlike wonder. The sky’s the limit with this trend, and the more creative you can get with it, the better. 

Who should I follow?

This isn’t a trend that’s limited to a particular kind of account, but these users have posted some of the most mind-blowing videos we’ve seen so far – this house with a fire pole between floors, this secret room, and this indoor slide. 

Next time you find yourself succumbing to TikTok’s endless feed, consider how you can apply its content towards your own home situation. Spatial and budgetary constraints are going to dictate your remodeling process just as they always have, but you can stay on trend even with modest changes to your living space and outdoor areas. Be sure to document your home renovation adventures on TikTok, and who knows? You may find your own home has gone viral, inspiring other budding DIYers and contractors across the globe.