2023 Interior Design Trend: Dark Academia & "Wednesday"

The latest iteration of the dark academia interior is slightly darker, sleeker and more feminine than previous dark academia looks.

This eye catching design trend of 2022 is best embodied in the sets and styling of Netflix's Wednesday. Wednesday is a modern spin on the classic The Addams Family. The show depicts an adolescent Wednesday Addams (played by Jenna Ortega) at the illustrious "outcast" boarding school Nevermore. 

The quick humor, gorgeous setting of Cantacuzino Castle in Bucharest Romania make Wednesday a joy to watch. Features from famed actors such as Christina Ricci, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Luis Guzmán take the show to the next level.

Despite the monster-hunting content, the culture seems to be most intrigued by the outfits and styling of the show. From Jenna Ortega's Alaïa prom dress to the custom uniforms worn by pupils at the Nevermore Academy, academy-award-winning Wednesday costume designer Colleen Atwood hits it out of the park every time. 

Media outlets from Teen Vogue to Harper's Bazaar and SSENSE have written about how to recreate Wednesday's iconic looks in your wardrobe.

At this point, you are probably wondering, how do I recreate these iconic, modern dark academia, Wednesday-inspired looks in my home? Never fear! The Fig Linens and Home blog explores how to create stylish, chic, and timeless looks out of the dark academia design trend. 

Based on Colleen Atwood's description of considerations when building Wednesday's looks, we curated this list of interior and bedding ideas to bring contemporary dark academia to your home... even if you don't live in a Romanian castle.

This guide recommends bedding and home decor from top luxury linens brands like Frette, Designer's Guild and Matouk to create Wednesday-Addams-approved interiors.

In her interview with Harper's Bazaar, Wednesday costume designer Colleen Atwood describes the importance of pairing black with contrasting shades to create visual interest. 

In the world of bed trends, this advice corresponds to investing in white bedding with black details.

All black bedding can be a bit depressing, while bedding with contrasting colors appears crisp and modern. Simple black bedding like the Frette's Bold Bedding in Milk and Black (pictured to the right) or Matouk's Lowell Black and White can help offset some of the busyness of the maximalism this trend can bring, and create your perfect dark academia bedroom. You can add additional dimension to black using textured decorative pillows or throws.

This advice can be recreated in the bathroom with towels or a shower curtain with sleek black details like Matouk's Newport Collection.

The 2022 Wednesday Addams has been described as more vulnerable and sympathetic than her predecesors. 

To offset the potential harshness of so many clean lines, soften the look with floral details and velvety textures. Adding a signature scent like Nest's Rose Noir and Oud Fragrance Collection can help add warmth to your space while maintaining its dark academic DNA.

Dark academia is a maximalist aesthetic. Thus, a variety of room embellishments like throw pillows, decorative accessories, and blankets that tell a story are required to create the look. 

Throw pillows by Christian Lacroix and Designer's Guild inspired by traditional decoupage are the perfect addition to add brightness and surrealist detail to your living room. They also coordinate well with the aforementioned bedding trends.

Cashmere throw blankets from Saved New York can help tell a story by incorporating gothic details like snakes and astrological symbols.

Though Wednesday is allergic to color, we can't help but feel she'd approve of these eccentric touches.