Charli XCX is at it again, and this time, she’s serving up a fresh dose of pop culture rebellion with her latest album Brat, and the iconic “Brat Summer” aesthetic. If you’ve been scrolling through your feeds, you’ve probably noticed the electric vibes of Brat Summer — an unapologetic mix of the late ‘90s, early 2000s nostalgia, punk flair, and neon-soaked energy. This isn’t just a summer fling; it’s a full-on movement. And the best part? You can channel that same fearless energy into your Los Angeles home, NYC apartment, or Chicago rental home, by following the Rent. guide to creating a space that’s just as bold and unapologetic as the Brat aesthetic itself.
Defining Brat Summer
Brat Summer is a visual and lifestyle movement that draws from the late ’90s and early 2000s, with a heavy dose of playful rebellion. Imagine bold colors, retro-futuristic elements, and a blend of punk and pop aesthetics. It’s about making a statement and embracing individuality with a touch of irony and a lot of fun.
Charli XCX’s Brat album embodies this vibe through its music, visuals, and fashion, inspiring fans to translate that into their everyday lives. The aesthetic is cheeky, youthful, and full of attitude — think neon hues and eclectic decor that doesn’t shy away from being loud.
“As for the color theme for brat – that vivid neon green – feel free to apply it to your decor or wardrobe, but this isn’t what Charli has been doing,” shares Antonino Tati, editor of Cream Magazine Australia. “She simply adopted the color for her album art to look rough/basic/version 1.1, if you know what I mean. The color takes us back to a more basic time in web presence when pixels and the color green were most popularly used online. It just ties in with that cheeky aesthetic and ironically helped the record go viral.”
“I once interviewed Charli XCX and asked if she felt she should be a model for her fans,” Tati continues. “She responded that, ‘I know that responsibility sometimes comes with the territory – especially in pop music – but I didn’t get into music to be a role model. I guess, in part, I am a good role model but I also make mistakes. I’m human and I’m definitely not perfect. And I think my fans know that about me.’” This is important to the ‘Brat’ aesthetic, it isn’t perfect and it shouldn’t be.
Bringing Brat Summer into your home decor
This era is about embracing a rebellious yet playful vibe, blending the nostalgic with the futuristic, and infusing spaces with a youthful, unapologetic energy. If you’re looking to bring the essence of Brat Summer into your home, here’s how you can capture that spirit long after the season ends.
Bold colors and patterns
Bold is brat.
- Go neon: Brat Summer is all about making a statement with color. Think neon green (of course), even electric blues, and vibrant purples as well. “The ‘Brat’ aesthetic embodies bold confidence and an unapologetic attitude,” explains the Brat Generator Team. “In interior design, this can be expressed through vibrant green walls or accessories, echoing Charli XCX’s album cover. Pair this with minimalist white furniture to create a striking visual contrast. Incorporate playful text-based art or posters to further emphasize individuality and rebellious spirit. This style encourages self-expression and breaking conventional norms.”
- Mix and match patterns: Don’t be afraid to clash prints and materials.
“Think bold and unapologetic when designing for the ‘Brat’ aesthetic,” recommends Jacob Owen with Fashion Open Studio. “Incorporate edgy elements like leather, messy textures, and a rebellious color palette — lime green is a must. The goal is to create pieces that embody a chaotic yet stylish vibe, perfect for those who dare to stand out. At Fashion Open Studio, we embrace this energy by blending luxury with a touch of grunge, ensuring our designs capture the essence of “Brat Summer” while keeping our unique, fashion-forward approach.” - Lean into maximalism: “To embrace the “Brat Summer” aesthetic, channel vibrant maximalism with a playful twist,” shares Elmo Chong, founder and CEO of Sonical.ly. “Consider bold color palettes featuring hot pinks, electric blues, and neon greens to create a lively and energetic atmosphere. Mix and match eclectic furniture pieces with daring patterns, such as leopard print or geometric shapes, to add a rebellious flair. Incorporate oversized mirrors or whimsical art pieces to complete the look, embodying the carefree, confident spirit of the “Brat” trend,” Chong notes. “This aesthetic invites you to experiment and express your unique personality through your living space.”
Retro-futuristic furniture
The past and the future converge in this brat-inspired home decor. Good news if you’re old enough to remember the Y2K era.
- Channel the 90s and 2000s: “If you’re having a Brat Summer, you’re much too busy out and about to make any curated choices,” notes Anastasia Salazar. “But you might end up with some photo booth strips from the club. These are essential on your fridge. And of course, ‘Brat’ is closely tied with 2000s core, so inflatable green chairs, a thin hot pink velvet throw, and posters on the wall — must be unframed.” Furniture that harkens back to the ’90s with rounded edges and bulky shapes is also perfect for this look. Think of bubble chairs, inflatable couches, or bold, plastic pieces that scream fun.
- Tech-forward: Integrate modern tech gadgets with a retro twist — like a neon-lit gaming setup or a sleek smart speaker surrounded by colorful vinyl records.
DIY decor for your new Brat aesthetic
Prefer to make your own home decor instead of buying everything premade? That’s very brat in the best way.
- Homemade finishes: Brat Summer celebrates individuality, so embrace DIY projects that reflect your personality. Customize your walls with hand-painted murals, collage art, or even quirky posters that nod to pop culture. Unique light fixtures are also encouraged.
- Stay true to your preferences: “Brat Summer is all about being your true, authentic self – and that of course applies to your interior design style as well, shares Carissa Nicole with designedbycarissa. “To me, the ‘Brat’ lifestyle is whatever you want it to be. If you love color, maximalism, and eclectic decor, that is so ‘Brat’. But if you also love neutrals, minimalism, and simple decor, that is another version of ‘Brat’. As long as you fully commit to what you love and an interior design style that makes you happy, you’re automatically embracing the meaning of ‘Brat Summer’.”
Statement art and accessories
Whether it’s prints of apples or splashes of electric green, make sure your walls and floors have statement pieces worthy of becoming conversation starters.
- Pop art: Incorporate pop art-inspired pieces that are both eye-catching and playful. Look for prints of iconic figures, comic-style graphics, or abstract art that doesn’t shy away from bright colors.
- Unexpected and upcycled accessories: From oversized sunglasses as wall decor to funky lava lamps, the more unexpected, the better. “Brat summer enables Gen Z to be at their resourceful best,” shares Alex Atherton. “Accessories such as cushion covers, table mats, and mugs are relatively cheap. They allow for a stand-out look without breaking the bank. It does not need an expensive designer look to make it happen.” Brat Summer is all about pushing the boundaries of traditional decor while being savvy.
- Neon signs: Nothing says Brat Summer like a bold neon sign. Choose phrases that are cheeky, empowering, or just plain fun.
An envisioned brat summer home
When these tips all come together, they curate the brattiest home. “The quintessential brat summer home has dashes of Y2K energy mixed with intentional chaos,” shares Cody Raisch with the rollercodester.com. “A brat home is decorated with nostalgic relics like a thrifted boom box from the year 2000 and a prized CD collection. The art is all hand-framed personal pieces that the brat collected from event posters and concert tickets. The living room looks like an eclectic museum of trinkets from trips abroad, and books stacked on the floor as decor because the brat’s bookshelf is overflowing,” Raisch continues. “Lastly, the bedroom is filled to the brim with accessories like sunglasses and handbags on full display, and a full-length mirror for maximum selfie potential, which they’d insist on taking on their digital camera with flash.”
Making Brat Summer last all year
The beauty of the Brat Summer aesthetic is its versatility. While it’s rooted in a specific season, its elements can easily transition into year-round decor. Keep the vibrant colors and playful spirit, but adapt the materials and textures to fit the changing seasons. Swap out lighter fabrics for cozier ones as the weather cools, but keep the attitude and the edge that makes Brat Summer so unique.
Incorporating the Brat Summer aesthetic into your home is about more than just decor — it’s about embracing a mindset that’s fearless, fun, and unapologetically you. Whether it’s through bold colors, retro furniture, or quirky DIY projects, channel your inner brat and make your space a reflection of your unique style.
