Turn on any classic mafia movie from the past quarter century and sooner or later you’ll be met with a mobster’s opulent home, filled with dark lacquer, flashes of chrome, and a smattering of animal print. 1990’s Goodfellas is a prime example with its loud, luxe, and unapologetically over-the-top decor that serves as a perfect reflection of Lorraine Bracco’s character’s wealth and shameless bold taste. While not everyone is funding their latest design update through organized crime, the return to conspicuous wealth—inspired by a handful of iconic Italian-American films—has finally arrived. This is “mob wife” decor, a reclamation of the maximalist aesthetic after years of soft, neutral minimalism.
Obviously, the mob wife aesthetic has already hooked its perfectly manicured claws into the fashion world, prompting industry trendsetters to embrace faux fur coats, leather mini skirts, and voluminous curls. And while it’s shortsighted to reduce the entirety of Italian-American culture to a handful of Hollywood archetypes, the current trend cycle seems eager to shake off the last decade’s restrained approach and quiet “stealth wealth” in favor of something a little bit more personal and a whole lot more extravagant.
Why the mob wife, and why now?
Like the Gilded Age at the turn of the 19th century, when the division between the überwealthy and the impoverished came to a head, our modern wage gap (and all the disgruntled feelings that come with it) seems to be inspiring a return to conspicuous wealth, namely showing off what you can when you can, and nowhere is it more welcome than in people’s homes. The age of the calm California casual oasis, bedecked in taupe linen and sparse bookshelves—while still popular for a particular type of consumer—is gradually taking a backseat to richer, more opulent design.
“We’ve reached the end of an era and we’re entering something that feels more unique and personal,” says Sarah Weichel, a Los Angeles–based interior designer and founder of Swike, of the interest in more maximalist, mob-wife-inspired decor. “We’re taking bigger swings, and [design] is more reflective of people’s personalities and collections.”
It’s also no coincidence that hyper-minimalism reached an apex during the pandemic, when chaos reigned outside and we all craved a more tranquil atmosphere inside our homes. But, as Tineke Triggs suggests, now that the world has opened up, we’re finally able to embrace the roaring ’20s—and it’s time to party. “Minimalism is a very tricky thing to do well,” the interior designer explains of the outgoing trend, revealing that it typically requires a large budget to invest in a few high quality pieces. “Not everyone is that person.” Essentially, now is the time to give your maximalist side free reign for the new roaring ’20s.
Below, read our top five tips from the pros to replicate the “mob wife” look at home.
Color makes a bold comeback
While there’s no denying that white, camel, and taupe fabrics will always have a place in the design world, many designers are ready for a return to more vibrant shades. “Neutrals have been done and I’m ready for color,” says Crystal Sinclair of Crystal Sinclair Designs, noting that jewel tones in particular are poised for a comeback, whether that’s in the form of an ornate chaise lounge or a coat of dark paint on your ceiling for an unexpected accent.
