Although divorce rings are a popular way to commemorate the end of a marriage, the home redesign that comes following a divorce may be even more empowering. Known as “divorced mom core” on TikTok, the trend is all about divorcees reclaiming their spaces and filling it with things they love: diamond chandeliers, “Live, Laugh, Love” wall art, and macrame placemats at the dinner table.
At its core, divorced mom core is about women surrounding themselves with home products that make them happy and comfortable. This could be the pink front door an ex never agreed to, a floral bench they picked out just for themself, or some Bath & Body Works candles that turn their living room into a “warm vanilla sugar” oasis.
With divorced mom core, divorcees no longer have to negotiate over art choices or compromise on painting the walls sage green – the space is simply and unapologetically theirs. Natural light floods the rooms, seashell decor is scattered artfully around, and there’s a certain peace that comes with knowing every item in the house reflects their taste.
Part of what’s so alluring about divorced mom core is its stark difference with divorced dad core. Because if divorced mom core is a fully furnished, well-decorated home that feels like a clean, safe place, divorced dad core is an empty apartment filled with mismatched furniture, paper plates, and one singular bottle of ketchup in the fridge.
Divorced mom decor isn’t just about the aesthetic choices, though. It’s the feeling that comes when you step foot into the space. It’s warm, inviting, and probably smells like baked chocolate chip cookies since they likely had some earlier for girl dinner.
While divorce, and, really, any breakup for that matter, often leaves people feeling lonely and fragile as they work through post-split feelings, divorced mom core encourages women to celebrate their independence.
The best part about the trend, though, is that even if you’re not a divorced mom yourself, you can still implement the divorced mom core aesthetic into your space. (No gatekeeping here!) All you have to do is simply buy and decorate your space in a way that makes you happy, regardless of what’s considered “cheugy” or “over the top.”
At the end of the day, divorced mom core is all about cultivating a space that’s nurturing and welcoming, where everything feels thoughtfully put together and reflects a new chapter of self-care and confidence. It’s the freedom to create a home that serves no one but yourself, filled with everything that makes you feel good – especially if it includes a reminder on the wall to “Live, Laugh, Love.”
Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at PS who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more.
