Social media has long influenced fashion, beauty, and even food trends, but in 2025, its reach extends further into the world of interior design. Renters are no longer flipping through magazines or browsing showrooms for inspiration. Instead, they are turning to TikTok and Pinterest to curate the look and feel of their homes. A new study, the Rently 2025 Apartment Design & Decor Trends Report, shows that 30% of renters use TikTok for design inspiration, while 31% curate their spaces using Pinterest. These platforms have transformed the way renters think about decorating, providing them with a steady stream of creative ideas that are both stylish and accessible.
The Power of Viral Decor Trends
Social media has made interior design more dynamic than ever. Trends emerge at a rapid pace, with viral aesthetics quickly making their way into rental spaces. The rise of “core” trends, such as cottagecore, Japandi, and dopamine decor, can be directly linked to their popularity on platforms like TikTok. Users share short-form videos showcasing their design choices, which are then replicated by thousands, sometimes millions, of viewers. Renters eager to refresh their spaces are finding inspiration in these viral trends, giving their apartments a personalized touch while staying connected to what is currently in vogue.
One of the biggest advantages of these digital platforms is their ability to make design more inclusive. In the past, high-end interior design was often limited to those with substantial budgets or access to professional decorators. Now, renters can explore a vast array of styles through social media, with content creators offering ideas that cater to different budgets, space limitations, and personal preferences. The accessibility of these ideas encourages experimentation, allowing renters to embrace evolving trends without making permanent changes to their spaces.
DIY and Budget Hacks Gain Popularity
The popularity of TikTok and Pinterest is also fueling the rise of do-it-yourself and budget-friendly transformations. Renters, many of whom are working with limited space and financial constraints, are drawn to solutions that maximize their design potential without requiring major investments. DIY hacks, upcycling projects, and renter-friendly renovations are among the most shared content on these platforms, making home improvement feel approachable for those who may not have prior experience.
The appeal of DIY trends lies in their ability to create high-impact changes without violating lease agreements. Peel-and-stick wallpaper, temporary backsplash tiles, and creative furniture flips have become go-to solutions for renters looking to refresh their spaces without making permanent alterations. Many TikTok and Pinterest influencers focus on repurposing affordable materials to achieve high-end aesthetics, demonstrating how renters can transform their spaces in cost-effective ways.
Budget-conscious design is a recurring theme across social media, with content creators emphasizing that renters do not need to break the bank to create a stylish home. Rently’s report highlights that renters are increasingly mindful of their spending, gravitating toward trends that allow them to personalize their spaces affordably. The ability to see real-time transformations through social media makes it easier for renters to visualize changes in their own homes and take actionable steps toward achieving their ideal aesthetic.
The Role of Influencers in Shaping Design Choices
Influencers have become key players in shaping what is considered trendy in interior design. Their curated content reaches millions of viewers, influencing purchasing decisions and guiding design preferences. Many renters look to these personalities for advice on color palettes, furniture choices, and layout ideas, trusting their expertise in making stylish yet practical home updates.
The endorsement of specific products by influencers often drives sales and shapes consumer preferences. When a design trend gains traction on TikTok or Pinterest, retailers quickly take notice, adapting their inventory to meet demand. This cycle has led to a shift in how home decor products are marketed and sold, with social media dictating the aesthetics that dominate the market. Renters are increasingly influenced by these trends, choosing decor elements that align with what they see online.
What sets social media influencers apart from traditional interior designers is their ability to showcase real-life applications of decor trends. Unlike staged magazine spreads or showroom displays, influencers share personal experiences with design, including successes and challenges. This authenticity resonates with renters who want practical and achievable inspiration rather than unattainable perfection. Watching an influencer transform a small apartment on a budget makes the process feel more relatable, encouraging renters to take on projects they might not have considered otherwise.
How Online Communities Are Shaping Interior Trends
The impact of digital platforms on apartment aesthetics is undeniable. As renters continue to seek inspiration from TikTok and Pinterest, the influence of these social media sites will only grow. The visual nature of these platforms makes them ideal for sharing decor trends, allowing ideas to spread rapidly across communities. Renters who may not have previously considered interior design a priority are now engaging with content that helps them see their homes as creative spaces with endless possibilities.
In the past, design trends were dictated by industry professionals, but today, they are shaped by online communities. The ability to instantly access thousands of ideas has changed how renters approach decorating, making it easier than ever to find styles that align with their tastes. Whether it’s a renter learning how to create a gallery wall, experimenting with bold color choices, or maximizing storage in a small space, digital platforms provide a wealth of knowledge that empowers users to personalize their homes.
The accessibility of social media design trends has also shifted expectations about what is possible within a rental space. Many renters now view decorating as an ongoing process rather than a one-time effort. As trends evolve, they are more willing to make adjustments, swapping out decor elements and refining their spaces to reflect their changing tastes. This flexibility has led to a more fluid approach to interior design, where renters feel free to experiment without the fear of long-term commitments.
The Digital Future of Apartment Design
The ability to document and share design journeys has also created a sense of community among renters. Many TikTok and Pinterest users engage in conversations about their home transformations, exchanging advice and recommendations. This collaborative environment has strengthened the role of social media in shaping renter aesthetics, as users actively contribute to the evolution of design trends rather than simply consuming content.
Digital platforms have become the primary driver of apartment aesthetics, proving that design inspiration is always just a scroll away. TikTok and Pinterest continue to shape how renters approach decorating, offering a constant stream of innovative ideas, practical solutions, and influencer-backed trends. As renters embrace these platforms as their go-to source for design inspiration, the future of interior decor will be defined not by traditional design rules but by the creativity and ingenuity found in the online world.