In interior design, trends tend to return in repeating cycles. Decor elements that people considered cheesy ten or twenty years ago sometimes experience a major resurgence, albeit with a few more modern twists.
Thus, what might have seemed outdated and strange to our parents and grandparents is now enjoying a spike in popularity.
Bold Wallpaper
For a long time, floral or large-patterned wallpaper was synonymous with homes from the 1970s and 1980s, where it adorned every wall. Many homeowners spent hours stripping it off.
Wallpaper enjoyed a small resurgence in the 2010s but only as an accent (for example, on a single wall in the bedroom).
But now, it’s popular again, with these distinctive features:
· It’s still used to create an accent wall, but in a much grander way.
· Evocative designs, such as botanical or nature-inspired motifs, are preferred.
· It can now be hung in a powder room or in the entryway.
Massive Dark Wood Furniture
In the past, accepting old furniture from one’s parents or grandparents was often seen as a last resort. For years, furniture made of solid oak, walnut, or cherry wood was considered too heavy and too old-fashioned.
Many homeowners have even painted them white or grey for a more contemporary look.
Today, the tide has turned completely. Real wood furniture has become extremely sought after again, particularly in its natural finish. A traditional chest of drawers or a dining table from the 1960s to the 1980s can serve as the focal point of a modern home.
This reversal can equally be attributed to these pieces’ high-quality fabrication. Antique furniture is often made from solid wood, which lasts much longer than most furniture sold today.
Dark Colours
In recent years, warm colours have made a comeback after a decade of white and grey. Terracottas, olive greens, mustard yellows, chocolate browns, and deep blues create more welcoming and distinctive spaces.
A bit like the sorts of decor you’d see in the 1970s, but with a contemporary touch.
These shades are often incorporated as small pops of colour: an accent wall, a sofa, curtains, or a few accessories are enough to transform a room. To think that 15 years ago, these colours would have seemed out of step!
Retro Light Fixtures
Huge brass chandeliers or smoked-glass lamps once commonly adorned our grandparents’ homes.
However, these designs are now highly coveted finds in vintage shops and at flea markets. A well-chosen retro light fixture can imbue a kitchen, dining room, or living space with a distinctive character.
Colourful Tiles
Pink, mint green, and sky-blue bathrooms once made many visitors chuckle. Countless renovations in the 1990s and 2000s were explicitly undertaken to do away with these colours.
Coloured tiles are trending again, but in a more sophisticated way. Especially popular are sage green, navy blue, and burgundy ceramic tiles, often paired with natural materials like wood or stone.
The final look is far more elegant, while still giving the room personality.
Plants… Everywhere!
Back in the 1970s, hanging ferns, potted pothoses, and huge indoor plants filled countless homes, but their popularity eventually declined.
Houseplants are back in fashion today. They infuse a room with colour, softness, and a livelier atmosphere.
Monstera, fiddle-leaf figs, cacti, succulents, and hanging plants now play a prominent role in many interiors.
Decor That Tells a Story
In essence, this resurgence of old styles reflects a shift in how we decorate our homes. Perfectly uniform interiors straight out of Pinterest are gradually giving way to more personalized decors.
For homeowners looking to sell their house, this also serves as a reminder that it’s not always necessary to overhaul your rooms to bring them up to date. Features once considered old-fashioned can become trendy again with a few tweaks, such as a fresh coat of paint, more contemporary lighting, or modern accessories.