Round Table China
Stainless steel: the new interior design star?
Apr 30, 2025
Discover the rise of 'Prison-core,' a striking interior design trend that swaps warm woods for sleek stainless steel, perfect for modern urban living. The hosts debate how this style resonates with millennials and Gen Z, drawing parallels with popular culture. They also explore the tension between industrial aesthetics and traditional Chinese design philosophies, encouraging personal expression in home decor. Plus, listeners hear insights on navigating career challenges in a shifting job market and the importance of language skills in international trade.
25:37
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Quick takeaways
- The rising 'prison core' trend, characterized by stainless steel in interiors, reflects a shift toward low-maintenance, sleek aesthetics embraced by young urbanites.
- This evolving interior design landscape showcases a desire for innovation and personal expression, contrasting sharply with traditional warm and cozy styles favored by older generations.
Deep dives
The Rise of Prison Core Design
A popular trend gaining traction among young people in China is the 'prison core' interior design style, characterized by stainless steel elements that evoke a minimalist and industrial aesthetic. This design is seen as low-maintenance and sleek, appealing to those drawn to technology and individuality in their living spaces. Despite its popularity, older generations often perceive it as cold or harsh, which is in stark contrast to the warm, cozy designs like cottagecore that dominated before. The trend's social media presence has significantly boosted its popularity, with thousands of posts showcasing various interpretations of this stainless steel chic style.
