20 Home Décor Trends from the Past That Are Weirdly Back in Style
These 20 home décor trends from the past are making a surprising comeback, blending retro charm with modern style for a quirky yet fashionable vibe.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 7 min read
Some design trends that were once considered outdated are finding their way back into modern homes. From funky furniture to bold color schemes, these vintage styles are being reimagined for today’s interiors. Whether it’s the revival of shag carpeting or the return of terrazzo, these nostalgic trends are giving home décor a new, bold twist.
1. Shag Carpets
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Once the hallmark of ’70s interiors, shag carpets are back in full force, offering a plush, cozy feel underfoot. They come in all colors, from neutral to neon, bringing texture and warmth to rooms. While they were once associated with dated designs, modern versions are softer and more durable than ever. They add a retro touch that feels nostalgic and chic in contemporary spaces.
2. Macramé Wall Hangings
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Macramé, with its knotted designs, was popular in the ’60s and ’70s, often used for wall hangings, plant holders, and curtains. Now, it’s making a huge comeback, often paired with minimalist modern décor. These handcrafted pieces bring texture, bohemian flair, and an artisanal feel to any room. Whether large or small, macramé adds a touch of warmth and creativity to your walls.
3. Velvet Upholstery
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Velvet has made a luxurious return to furniture, especially sofas, chairs, and cushions. This rich, plush fabric was once associated with vintage glam, and now it’s a trendy choice for bold and subtle designs. Velvet offers a soft, tactile experience and adds elegance and sophistication to any space. It’s especially popular in emerald green, deep purple, and navy jewel tones.
4. Wallpaper with Bold Patterns
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Wallpaper fell out of favor in the ’90s but is now back in full swing, with bold prints like florals, geometric patterns, and abstract designs. Modern wallpapers come in removable options, making it easier to change up your walls without commitment. This trend allows you to express personality with wallpaper acting as art and design. It’s a stylish way to transform a room with minimal effort.
5. Brass Accents
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Once considered outdated, brass has made a huge comeback as a bold metallic accent in everything from lighting fixtures to furniture legs. Brass adds a warm, luxurious feel to any space and pairs beautifully with modern décor styles. It’s especially striking when combined with marble, wood, or matte finishes. Whether in small accents or large statement pieces, brass brings a sophisticated shine.
6. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
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Mid-century modern furniture, known for its clean lines, functional shapes, and wood finishes, is more popular than ever. Its minimalist design and timeless appeal work well in retro and contemporary settings. Furniture pieces like low-slung sofas, tapered wooden legs, and simple coffee tables are perfect for creating an effortlessly stylish space. This trend continues to be a top choice for those seeking sleek, functional pieces.
7. Terrazzo Flooring
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Terrazzo, a composite material made of marble, quartz, granite, or glass chips, has been resurfacing in modern design. It was once a popular flooring choice in the 70s, but now it’s reimagined in bold patterns and colors. Terrazzo adds a playful, artistic touch to any room, whether in flooring, countertops, or furniture. The unique texture and colorful mix make it a statement piece that’s both stylish and practical.
8. Floral Print Fabrics
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Floral prints, once beloved in the ’80s and ’90s for everything from curtains to couches, are back in a big way. However, the modern iteration is less about chintzy florals and more about oversized, abstract blooms. Whether in wallpaper, throw pillows, or bedding, floral prints add a cheerful, fresh vibe to your décor. It’s a soft, timeless pattern that can work in traditional and contemporary homes.
9. Neon Signs
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Neon signs, which were once associated with the ’80s and ’90s, are now popping up in bedrooms, living rooms, and even kitchens. They can add a fun, playful touch or create a moody, retro aesthetic. Whether it’s a quirky slogan or a cool graphic, neon lights bring an element of nostalgia and excitement to home décor. They also make for great conversation starters.
10. Orange and Yellow Color Schemes
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Vibrant oranges and yellows, once a hallmark of ’70s design, are making a comeback in home décor. These bold, warm hues evoke energy and creativity, bringing fun to any room. Whether used in accent walls, throw pillows, or kitchen appliances, these colors brighten up interiors. When paired with neutral tones, they can add a retro pop without overwhelming the space.
11. Sunken Living Rooms
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Sunken living rooms, or sunken lounges, were a popular trend in mid-century homes and are now enjoying a revival. These unique spaces offer a cozy, intimate atmosphere, often defined by a small step-down into the seating area. While rare, they create a sense of separation in an open-plan space. Modern takes on this trend include adding soft, minimalist furnishings and rich textures to enhance the effect.
12. Neon Green Accents
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Neon green, a color that peaked in popularity during the ’90s, is making a resurgence in modern design. It adds a bold, energetic pop as an accent in décor. Whether in furniture, throw pillows, or wall art, neon green injects a sense of fun and modernity into a room. Paired with black, white, or gray, it creates a striking contrast that feels fresh and exciting.
13. Retro Kitchen Appliances
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Retro-inspired kitchen appliances, like pastel-colored fridges and toasters, are back in style, offering a nostalgic touch to your kitchen. These vintage-style appliances combine function with eye-catching design, adding personality to the heart of the home. Modern versions are now more energy-efficient, making them both stylish and practical. They bring an element of whimsy and charm to otherwise sleek kitchens.
14. Geometric Rugs
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Geometric patterns in rugs are a fresh way to incorporate bold design into your living spaces. Popular in mid-century design, these patterns are back with a modern twist, often in contrasting colors. Geometric rugs can add structure and interest to a room while still feeling playful and contemporary. They’re a great way to ground the space and create visual intrigue underfoot.
15. Bean Bag Chairs
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Bean bag chairs, once synonymous with laid-back college dorms and kids’ rooms, are coming back as stylish, comfortable seating options. Modern versions are sleeker and more durable than the ones from the 1970s and 1980s. Bean bags offer a relaxed, casual vibe and are perfect for creating a chill space. Their versatility makes them a great addition to living rooms, dens, or bedrooms.
16. Retro Lighting Fixtures
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Lighting from the past, such as pendant lights, chandeliers, and funky floor lamps, is experiencing a major resurgence. Mid-century designs, with their sleek lines and unusual shapes, are especially popular. These fixtures bring style and function to a space, offering unique lighting options that feel timeless yet fresh. Retro lighting is the perfect way to add a vintage touch to modern interiors.
17. Wicker Furniture
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Wicker furniture, once a staple of beachy or country cottages, is making a return to both indoor and outdoor spaces. It offers a light, airy feel and pairs beautifully with natural fabrics and neutral tones. Whether a wicker chair, coffee table, or basket, this material adds texture and a laid-back vibe. It’s a trend that blends seamlessly with boho-chic and coastal styles.
18. Faux Animal Hides
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Faux animal hides are a trendy, ethical alternative to the real thing, offering a similar texture and aesthetic without the guilt. Often used as statement pieces, these rugs are perfect for creating a rustic or eclectic atmosphere. They’re also versatile, working in modern, contemporary, and bohemian interiors. Faux hides add warmth and comfort to any space with a hint of nature-inspired style.
19. Bold Floral Upholstery
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Bold floral upholstery, once common on sofas and armchairs in the ’80s, has returned to the spotlight. These large, vibrant floral patterns bring personality and fun to furniture pieces. Modern takes on this trend often involve more muted tones or smaller, abstract prints, making them perfect for vintage and modern interiors. Floral furniture adds an unexpected burst of character to your living space.
20. Mirrored Furniture
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Mirrored furniture was a defining trend in the ’80s, and now it’s back, adding an element of glamour and elegance to modern homes. From mirrored coffee tables to dressers and nightstands, these reflective surfaces brighten up a room and add a touch of luxury. Mirrored pieces work particularly well in smaller spaces, as they help reflect light and make the area feel more expansive.