What Is an ‘Un-Grammable Hang Zone’ and Does Your Home Need One?

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Do it for the ‘gram? More like don’t do it—and save the look just for yourself.

Yup, that’s the gist behind a special spot in the home that’s so perfectly comfy and even a bit messy that it’s earned a cute little moniker: the “un-grammable hang zone.” And this less-than-pretty, no-gram space is having a moment.

In fact, none other than Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has taken to Twitter to ponder the existence of this special zone in the home. And if you’ve even glimpsed Instagram lately, with all the pretty people living their best hygge-curated lives, you’ll understand that this is the complete opposite.

And why not embrace something that’s a little ho-hum or even tacky if it makes you feel good? We’re living with major inflation, a war in Europe, and the vestiges of a global pandemic—which means we’re pretty much due for something very basic (that happens to be cozy, too).

And frankly, must we post every perfectly curated nook and cranny of our homes? Nope! So enter the un-grammable hang zone, which can be shortened to UGHZ.

Next up, a deep dive into the world of un-grammable rooms, with help from real estate and organizing pros in the know. Here’s what this look entails, why it’s suddenly hot, and how to create the best worst look for you.

What is un-grammable exactly?

This easy look is what everyday homeowners secretly crave and likely already have in their houses. A sort of disorganized, personalized hang space where they can be themselves. (And it’s about dang time!)

“I have been seeing this trend where people are putting their homes on social media, and it’s not picture-perfect,” notes Marie Bromberg, a real estate agent with Compass in New York City. And by “less than perfect,” Bromberg doesn’t mean it’s boho chic or some other designer look.

“These rooms look cozy, with some intentional mess, like a pile of clothes in the background, some dishes in the sink, or pillows that aren’t fluffed,” she explains.

Why is un-grammable trending now?

“This trend is gaining traction because it feels authentic,” points out Bromberg. Homes with an UGHZ can still look pretty amazing, but the folks living there just “seem more relatable.”

And according to Katie McCann, the organizing brain at Haven, having an UGHZ means that “you actually live there and you’re not just existing on the internet.”

McCann, who lives and breathes decluttering, notes that she wants people to “feel welcome and like they can stretch out—and not as if they’re sitting in a museum that’s too perfect to hang out in.”

Bromberg backs this sentiment wholeheartedly.

“I personally gravitate to those kinds of feeds and homes because they’re giving me real advice from someone who’s there right now,” she says.

Plush seats for an un-grammable look

Photo by David Charlez Designs

McCann votes for “plenty of comfortable seating with comfy pillows,” since you can’t hang out in a relaxed way on a hard chair. A warm sheepskin on the back of the piece or underfoot is another smart addition. Grab a throw or a random blanket from your bed when an extra layer is called for.

Warm lighting for the win

Photo by Tim Cuppett Architects

McCann also suggests warm bulbs in light fixtures, though swapping out regular switches for ones on dimmers can also help to create an UGHZ.

“Make sure the space is inviting and doesn’t look too sterile or perfect so you or your guests can feel at home,” she suggests.

Add pillow piles and lean your art

Smoothing the bedspread and straightening picture frames on the wall smacks of the perfect Instagram post. Instead, let those pillows pile up in an “I just woke up like this” way. Ditto for artwork. Too many wall galleries are crafted “just so,” but the result can be boring.

Instead, take some pictures down and lean them along the floor or in front of a side table. This way, the eye travels around in a natural way and your artistic life skews more toward the way you actually live.

Make hot spots less stressful

Photo by California Closets HQ 

“Give yourself grace and allow areas to get disorganized, but know that if you have a system in place, you can always put them back together when you have the time and energy,” says McCann.

If you have a few totes or baskets at the ready in your hot spots (entryway, playroom) or in your UGHZ, you can easily stash piles in them for a quick cleanup. But most of all, try to release stress. Let your hang zone reflect who you are, in all its comfy glory.

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