Article courtesy of Forbes, cover photo courtesy of CALISSA
One of the most talked about interior design and fashion trends this year was the “Tomato Girl,” aesthetic. Hardly a microtrend, #tomatogirl has more than 25 million views on TikTok, and #tomatogirlfall has more than 14 million views. It’s clear this trend isn’t going away any time soon. There’s a good reason for this—it’s polished yet whimsical, with a touch of grand millennial mixed with a dash of quiet luxury.
No one understands this more than tastemaker Joey Wolffer. “To me, the tomato girl aesthetic is more than just embodying a certain look, clothing, or make-up trend, it’s all about embracing the simplicity and nostalgia of a wholesome, countryside lifestyle. It’s a way to connect with nature, embrace simplicity, and share an appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors—which is something we practice at Wölffer Estate all year long.”
Here’s how to give your home a tomato girl aesthetic no matter the season.
Consider New Colors
Neil Marcus, in-house interiors expert, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder HomeThreads (a curated e-commerce site that sells home furnishings) says it’s best to think cozy, rustic, and cottage when creating a tomato girl look. These elements include “vintage furniture and rugs, floral patterns, earthy tones, and a focus on sustainable and handmade items.”
When converting a room from tomato girl summer to tomato girl fall, Marcus recommends swapping out bright and vibrant summer colors for richer, warmer fall tones. “Incorporate shades like deep reds, burnt oranges, mustard yellows, and earthy browns.”
A fresh coat of paint is a bold way to get the job done but it’s far easier to do it with accents and decor. “You can replace lightweight summer fabrics with heavier, cozier textiles. Switch out lightweight cotton throws for chunky knit blankets and update your cushion covers with fall-themed patterns like plaid or fall foliage,” says Marcus.
How To Tomato Girl A Bedroom
A bedroom can have a very tomato girl feel with the right furniture and accessories. “For your bedroom, choose a vintage-style iron bed frame or a wooden four-poster bed to serve as the centerpiece of your bedroom,” explains Marcus. The Chapman King Four Poster Bed is a great example of this.
Then decorate with antique or distressed furniture pieces, such as a weathered dresser, a vintage vanity, or a shabby chic wardrobe, like the Durette Rustic Handmade Wood and Cane Nightstand Cabinets.
Finally, Marcus advises finishing off the aesthetic with a print accessory. “Use gingham-check or floral-patterned bedding, curtains, and throw pillows for a classic tomato girl look. Consider a floral or gingham wallpaper accent wall or choose wall art featuring botanical and floral themes.”
Create A Tomato Girl Living Room
A tomato girl living room is just as cozy as it is stylish. Think farmhouse but with more sophisticated. There is absolutely no presence of a sign that reads Gather.
Add plants for a touch of nature as well as flowers and other natural elements including pumpkins, gourds, and pinecones. “Arrange them on tables, shelves, or as centerpieces to infuse your space with autumn vibes,” says Marcus. “Replace fresh summer flowers with fall blooms like sunflowers, mums, or dried flower arrangements. Incorporate them into vases and wreaths for a seasonal touch.”
One location that embodies this trend perfectly is Calissa, which is one of the hottest restaurants on the east end of Long Island. “We like to think of it as Mykonos in the Hamptons,” says Kylie Monagan, Civetta Hospitality partner and co-owner of Calissa. “The restaurant was designed with Mediterranean aesthetics in mind—white plaster walls (created by a master painter from Greece), floating banquette benches with custom Italian linen cushions, lots of airy curtains and warm candles, and cut Carrera marble tiling on the floor surrounding the bar. Our indoor lighting features rattan and straw pendants, which give the light a dappled, super cozy glow.”
To give your own dining space a similar look, Monagan tells me its best to focus on neutrals with lots of texture such as rattan, straw, plaster, wood, and stone. “In terms of seasonal decor, keep it natural—bowls of pomegranates or artichokes in the cooler months, Grecian-inspired urns of water reeds in Spring, tomatoes and fresh herbs in the summer. Simple touches might include terracotta-potted herbs in the kitchen, incorporating antique wooden pieces painted white, and even swapping out a trash can for a woven bucket.”
A Tomato Girl Tablescape
Even if you can’t redesign an entire home or a room to have a tomato girl vibe—doing this as a tablescape is incredibly easy, especially during the holiday season. “I would suggest using handmade ceramics with whimsical designs and highlighting the season’s harvest to let them be the star of the show,” says Wolffer. “Next, I would layer the look with tapered candles, linen tablecloths and napkins, chic tableware, and add lots of flowers to add dimension and complete the look.”
Integrate the natural colors of the season and harvest with apples, pomegranates, pumpkins, corn, and butternut squash on the table. “Embrace the new season by cooking or baking with these seasonal ingredients and savoring the unique flavors that fall offers,” shares the tastemaker.