Movies and TV shows—ranging from The Summer I Turned Pretty to The Hunger Games—influenced every corner of pop culture and style this year, and interior design trends isn't an exception. Barbie undoubtedly led the pack, driving pink-themed Barbiecore fashion and decor obsessions like Ken Dens, rom-com core, and the Nancy Meyers aesthetic.
As 2023 comes to an end, the latest media-influenced decor trend is here to close out the year. Meet the Scott Pilgrim aesthetic, inspired by a recently-released rendition of a beloved series of graphic novels that follows indie band bass player Scott Pilgrim as he falls in love with a local delivery girl. On Netflix now, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off offers a graphic, groovy aesthetic you’ll be excited to introduce to your home decor.
With their bright colors and detailed illustrations, comic books and graphic novels offer the perfect jumping-off points for designing any room of the house. But is it possible to channel a graphic novel while still maintaining a sophisticated look? Based off of Scott Pilgrim’s aesthetic, it's totally doable. Here are expert tips you can use to create a polished, modern design based on the style of these classic graphic novels—it’s time to get doodling.
What is the Scott Pilgrim aesthetic, and why does it resonate with so many people?
Bold and colorful visual elements draw in the eye, whether they’re featured in fashion, interior design, or illustration. And that’s the name of the game when it comes to the Scott Pilgrim aesthetic.
“One of the big reasons I think people are drawn to comics is that there are more levels that you can connect with the work,” says Drew Brockington, an graphic novel author and illustrator. “With comics and graphic novels, the visuals draw you in first. You can learn a lot about the characters at first glance by checking out what they’re wearing and what expressions they’re making.”
Mastering the Scott Pilgrim look means drawing your guests and family into a space with bright colors and graphic elements—creating a fun and fabulous oasis that tells your very own story.
“That instant connection is key,” Brockington says. “When I’m looking for new comics to read, I’ll often gravitate toward books that I think the art style is ‘cool’ first, and then find out if it’s a story I want to read. In my own work, I try to keep my artwork fun, bright, and full of visual jokes, so that the reader really enjoys looking at each panel of the comic as the adventure unfolds.”
The comic book aesthetic also brings a nostalgic feeling that’s grown in popularity over the last few years, popping up in everything from grandpa chic to the old money aesthetic. Sophisticated, curated interiors and playful, Y2K-inspired decor both have dominated, taking you back to the good old days—even if they’re not necessarily our own.
Comic books and graphic novels often riff on timeless themes like the battle between good and evil and coming-of-age stories with exciting twists that ultimately provide the reader with the knowledge that everything works out in the end. It’s easy to see why something that’s both fun and comforting provides the ideal design style for a time when you're looking for a refuge and escape from an ever-unpredictable world.
How can you add comic-inspired design to your home while keeping it sophisticated?
Figuring out how to strike the balance between joyful and juvenile proves to be the main challenge with the comic book aesthetic, but you can achieve a happy medium. Here are a few steps to infuse this punchy style in your home while keeping it elevated.
The first thing you want to keep in mind is maintaining high contrast. Part of what makes the images “pop” in comic books is the stark difference between black and white (plus vibrant bursts of color), so don’t be afraid to paint your room a vivid hue to set the tone for graphic-novel style decor. If you can’t paint (or don’t want to), you can also introduce high-contrast elements to the room by choosing curtains or rugs in intense primary colors.
Opt for bold, colorful furniture with clean lines to complement this style. One of the hallmarks of comic book illustrations is they tend to have a very flat, intentionally-2D quality and a simple sketch style. To mimic this in your design, look for sleek silhouettes like mid-century modern styles, and stay away from anything overly fussy—adding in too many accessories creates visual clutter and detract from the overall simplicity you’re looking to achieve.
Put the final touch on the comic book aesthetic with art, of course. Pop art—think artists Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring—embodies the bright colors and clean lines often found in comic books. Lichtenstein’s work is particularly referential if you want a more literal nod to the literary genre. And no, you don’t need originals—prints are often affordable and look elegant when framed. Select simple, black frames to make the art the focus, and to keep the accents in line with the overall look.
With these tips, you can have a house that feels graphic novel-inspired but made-for-grown-ups in no time. By choosing pieces that are bold but versatile, you can create decor with longevity—even if you decide to transition into a different design scheme down the road.