10 Design Trends from the Past That Are Weirdly Back in Style
Design styles always come and go, and the results are often surprising. Some design choices that seemed old or strange in the past are now making a comeback, which shows that trends can come back in strange ways.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Even though design trends change all the time, some old styles have come back, sometimes in strange ways. Things that were once thought to be out of date, like bright colors and strange home decor, are now being embraced again. This article looks at 10 design trends that came back out of nowhere, giving styles that were once thought to be “out of date” a new look. Understanding how these trends are being rethought now helps us understand how design cycles work and how nostalgia affects current trends.
1. Shag Carpets
Pixabay on pexels
Shag carpets were both daring and warm. Once loved for comfort, their soft, thick texture quickly lost favor because they were hard to keep up. It’s surprising, but shag carpets are making a comeback. You can find them in retro-style rooms or as statement pieces in living rooms.
2. Wallpaper with Bold Prints
Max Vakhtbovycn on pexels
Wallpaper with big patterns, like flowers, stripes, and geometric shapes, was common in the 1960s and 1970s. For a while, it wasn’t as popular because people wanted their walls to look less busy. But now, bold printed wallpapers are again used in bedrooms and feature walls. They give modern homes a nostalgic feel.
3. Wood Paneling
Max Vakhtbovycn on pexels
Wood paneling, which often covered whole walls in living rooms, became a sign of mid-century modern homes. At first, people liked it because it was warm and had a lot of texture, but soon, they thought it was old-fashioned and tacky. Wood paneling is back in style these days, especially in smaller amounts or for accent walls. It adds a vintage look to modern rooms.
4. Neon Colors
Karen Laårk Boshoffon Pexels
That decade saw a lot of neon colors in pop culture and fashion. However, the use of these bold, bright colors seemed to fade over time, being replaced by softer tones. Now, neon colors are making a comeback in home decor, usually as accents like lighting, art, or furniture. They give rooms a fun, retro feel.
5. Formica Countertops
Max Vakhtbovycn on pexels
In the 1950s and 1960s, many kitchens and bathrooms had Formica countertops. Laminate floors used to be very popular because they were cheap and easy to clean, but granite and marble are now more popular. On the other hand, Formica is coming back, but this time with new designs and textures that give kitchens a nostalgic yet modern feel.
6. Velvet Furniture
Max Vakhtbovycn on pexels
Velvet covered sofas, chairs, and other furniture. The thick, luxurious fabric lost appeal over time because it was hard to clean and care for. Velvet is making a comeback in modern furniture, especially in jewel tones. It adds both style and comfort to any room.
7. Sunken Living Rooms
PNW Production on pexels
In mid-century homes, it was common for living rooms to be sunk into the ground, with a small step leading down to a cozy lower level. This feature was considered outdated for years, but it’s slowly making its way back into modern home designs. Sunken areas are being used again to make unique, cozy places to gather that give open floor plans more depth.
8. Floral Upholstery
cottonbro studio on pexels
You could cover anything from couches to chairs in floral upholstery in the 1970s. People later thought the big, bold patterns were too busy and out of style because they had earthy tones and flower designs. Now, floral upholstery is back in style. You can find new, modern takes on the classic print from armchairs to throw pillows.
9. Brass Fixtures
RDNE Stock project on pexels
Brass was a popular choice for design. It was used in door handles, light fixtures, and more. Chrome and nickel took over in home decor, and this style went out of style. Brass is back, but it has a more polished, understated look this time. It’s often used for faucets, cabinet hardware, and light fixtures.
10. Retro Kitchen Appliances
Max Vakhtbovycn on pexels
Brightly colored kitchen appliances that looked old were all the rage. For example, bright red refrigerators and mint green stoves were very popular. Smart appliances made of stainless steel have replaced old ones over the years. Retro kitchen appliances, on the other hand, are making a big comeback. New models in classic colors give kitchens a fun, nostalgic feel.