Beginning today, Mercury is in retrograde until August 10. Mercury retrograde happens when the planet’s orbit slows down and appears to travel backward through the sky, and this phenomenon is often associated with disrupting everyday life.
If this celestial spectacle is getting you down, bring your mood up with some new décor. Not sure how to decorate? Find a new aesthetic based on your zodiac sign.
Jump to your sign:
- Aries (March 21-April 20)
- Taurus (April 21-May 20)
- Gemini (May 21-June 20)
- Cancer (June 21-July 22)
- Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
- Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
- Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
- Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
- Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
- Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
- Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
- Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20)
Aries: Maximalism
March 21-April 20
When Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Mariah Carey are all Aries, it’s no surprise that Aries love to do the most. Aries are bold, energetic, and impulsive, and their adventurous and determined spirit makes them great leaders.
No aesthetic would suit Aries but maximalism. Bold colors, abstract shapes, and statement pieces make your apartment stand out from the crowd. Go wild by mixing patterns and colors to express your big personality!
Taurus: Cozycore
April 21-May 20
Born right on the cusp of summer, Tauruses are reliable, practical, and change averse. Tauruses are loyal friends who build deep bonds, and they value straightforwardness and predictability.
If you’re a Taurus, you’re probably a homebody, so your home needs to be a place where you feel comfortable. Opt for an earthy and warm color palette and adopt a few plants to make your place feel cozy and inviting. Make your apartment the perfect place to curl up with a good book with soft knit blankets and a comfy armchair. Turn off the overhead light and place lamps around your apartment instead, giving your place a moody glow.
Gemini: Dopamine Décor
May 21-June 20
Geminis are often misunderstood as two-faced and fake because of their symbol being a pair of twins. In reality, Geminis are charismatic, charming, witty, and adaptable. If you’re a Gemini, you’re probably extroverted and prone to FOMO.
Dopamine décor encapsulates the spontaneity of Gemini. To decorate like this, fill your space with color and don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures. Find quirky things to take the humdrum out of your apartment, like vases in abstract shapes or novelty coasters. Hang some shelves to show off all your trinkets, and display photos of the people you love in colorful picture frames.
Cancer: Cottagecore
June 21-July 22
Cancers are sensitive and empathetic, often taking on a nurturing role in their relationships. They feel deeply, and their sensitivity allows them to grow deep and fulfilling bonds. If you’re a Cancer, you’re probably emotionally intelligent and conflict-avoidant, which can often lead you to put others’ needs first.
If they could, Cancers would probably retreat to the countryside to avoid confrontation. While this isn’t realistic for most people, you can still live out your fantasy by decorating your apartment like a cottage in the middle of the woods. Look for natural wood furniture to give your place a rustic look and choose throw pillows and blankets in floral patterns. Decorate with flower bouquets and vintage wall art, and open the blinds to let in natural light.
Leo: Old Money
July 23-Aug. 22
Leos are warm, creative, charismatic, and known for their big personalities. True to fire sign stereotypes, Leos like to incorporate a dramatic flair into everything. With famous Leos like Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton, it should be no surprise that Leos have expensive taste.
Even if you’re not working with a YSL budget, you can still make your apartment feel luxurious. Find vintage pieces made with leather or polished wood to give your place the old money look. Incorporate antique gold and bronze around your apartment through picture frames, curtain rods, and lamps, and opt for structured fabrics when choosing curtains, throws, and upholstery.
Virgo: Soft Transitional
Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Virgos are analytical, hardworking, and highly intelligent. They pick up on everything and are attentive and nurturing to those they care about. Virgos value calm and order and pay attention to the little details.
With soft transitional décor, it’s all in the details. Soft transitional décor combines traditional and modern elements, like a wingback armchair with linen upholstery. Clean lines, muted earth tones, and functional décor make this design style perfect for Virgos who need their home to be a source of peace and order.
Libra: Art Deco
Sept. 23-Oct. 22
Libras are social butterflies. Charming and dynamic, Libras get along with everyone and make friends easily. Libra’s symbol, the scales, represents the sign’s value of justice and diplomacy. If you’re a Libra, you likely see both sides in conflicts and act as a great mediator.
Art Deco design is known for its strong lines and symmetry. Just like you, Art Deco values balance. Incorporate Art Deco design into your apartment with geometric patterns, velvet upholstery, and elegant light fixtures. Decorate with jewel tones and pops of gold to give your place the Gatsby look.
Scorpio: Dark Academia
Oct. 23-Nov. 22
Scorpios are another misunderstood sign, earning a bad rap largely due to their symbol being the scorpion. Their tendency to be introspective and taciturn often comes off as cold calculation, but they just get lost in their own thoughts and deep emotions.
With famous Scorpios like Albert Camus, Sylvia Plath, and Fyodor Dostoevsky, it should be no shock that Scorpios tend to be introspective. Turn your apartment into a philosophical retreat with the dark academia aesthetic. Dark academia toes the line between vintage and gothic, with dark wood, gold finishes, and rich fabrics being staples of the aesthetic.
Sagittarius: Boho
Nov. 23-Dec. 21
Sagittarius is optimistic, adventurous, and free-spirited. Adaptable and open-minded, Sagittarians are on a constant quest for knowledge and can light up a room with their magnetic personality. If you’re a Sagittarius, you probably get bored when life gets stagnant, and you’re always looking for a new adventure.
Sagittarians value freedom and spontaneity, aligning them perfectly with the bohemian lifestyle and aesthetic. Boho décor is characterized by earthy fabrics and patterns; macrame wall art, natural wood furniture, and leafy plants are must-haves to achieve the boho aesthetic.
Capricorn: Neo-Industrial
Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Bridging the gap between years, Capricorn is known for being steadfast, practical, and honest. This combination can sometimes make them seem cold and aloof, but they just value structure and consistency. Capricorns are patient and disciplined high achievers, willing to put in the work to see the results they want.
Just like Capricorns, neo-industrial design represents a progressive mindset and the results of hard work. To incorporate neo-industrial design into your apartment, choose furniture made from metal or dark wood. Avoid cluttering your walls with art—neo-industrial décor is minimalistic and functional. Industrial lamps with Edison bulbs give your space a turn-of-the-century look, and minimalistic mirrors will make your space look larger.
Aquarius: Mid-Century Modern
Jan. 20-Feb. 19
Eccentric and independent, Aquarius marches to the beat of its own drum and loves it. Aquarians are quirky and creative, but down-to-earth and rational. They keep their emotions at arm’s length, instead dedicating their energy to causes they care about. If you’re an Aquarius, you’re probably an idealistic, glass-half-full kind of person.
Nothing encapsulates the innovative and progressive nature of Aquarius like mid-century modern design. Mod shapes and bright colors will make your apartment as unique as you are, and woods like walnut and rosewood give your space a retro feel.
Pisces: Fairycore
Feb. 20-March 20
Pisces are imaginative, creative, and hopeless romantics. They feel deeply, forgive freely, and have a strong intuition. Even with their head in the clouds, Pisces is highly in tune with the feelings of others and tends to be a people pleaser.
If you’re a Pisces, you probably enjoy romanticizing your life. Turn your apartment into your personal fantasy hideaway with fairycore design! Frills, florals, and delicate fabrics are staples of this aesthetic, and not a single surface should go untouched. Hang sheer curtains above every window to achieve a dreamy look, and cover your sofa in plush throws. Finish it off with fairy lights around your apartment to set the mood.
Whatever happens during the rest of Mercury retrograde, set yourself up for success with décor that speaks to your strengths. Whether you’re a headstrong Aries or a peacekeeping Cancer, your apartment should reflect your personality.
