Styles come and go, but some design elements seem to have a permanent residence in our grandparents’ homes. You know the ones. The trends that make you feel like you have stepped back a few decades the moment you walk through the door.
While some of these choices might make you raise an eyebrow, there is a reason they have stuck around. They are rooted in comfort, craftsmanship, and a sense of permanence. Before you write them off completely, here are six design trends our grandparents adore and find out why they might deserve a second look.
1. Wood Paneling Walls
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Walking into a room covered in wood paneling can feel like getting a warm, woody hug. For many of our grandparents, these walls were the height of sophistication and a practical choice. They added texture and a natural element to a room without the fuss of paint or wallpaper. It was a durable, one-and-done solution that brought a sense of solidity to a space.
Modern takes on this trend have moved away from the thin, dark sheets of the past. Today, wood paneling can be a feature wall of reclaimed planks, a sleek slatted design behind a bed, or even painted a light color to add architectural interest without darkening the room. It is a way to introduce natural materials and a bit of rustic charm that connects a home to the outdoors.
2. Floral Wallpaper Patterns
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.
Grandma’s house often features a garden on the inside, too. Floral wallpaper, with its intricate patterns of roses, peonies, and other blossoms, was a way to bring the beauty of nature indoors year-round. These patterns offered a burst of color and personality in an era before minimalist white walls became the standard. They tell a story and create a backdrop that is anything but boring.
This is not the same peel-and-stick temporary paper that is popular now. These wallpapers were a commitment, a statement of style meant to last. You can bring this look into your home without going full English garden. A floral accent wall in a powder room, bedroom, or dining area can add a romantic touch. Modern floral prints are often larger in scale and more artistic, giving the classic pattern a fresh, contemporary feel.
3. Shag Carpet Flooring
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Nothing says the 1970s quite like a deep-pile shag carpet. It is pure, unadulterated comfort underfoot. For our grandparents, this flooring was a touch of luxury. The high pile was soft, warm, and great for muffling sound. It turned the floor into a comfortable place to lounge, a feature that families with children appreciated.
While wall-to-wall shag is a bold move today, its spirit lives on in area rugs. A plush shag rug can anchor a living room seating area or make a bedroom feel more inviting. It adds a layer of texture that contrasts beautifully with hard flooring like wood or tile. Placed under a coffee table, it defines the space and gives your feet a soft place to land.
4. Brass Hardware Fixtures
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Before the reign of brushed nickel and matte black, brass was the go-to metal for home hardware. From doorknobs to cabinet pulls and light fixtures, the warm, golden glow of brass was everywhere. It conveyed a sense of quality and elegance. Polished to a high shine, it added a little bit of glamour to everyday items.
Brass has made a significant comeback, but with a modern twist. Unlacquered brass, which develops a natural patina, is popular for its living finish that changes with use. Satin or brushed brass offers a softer, more subtle warmth. Updating your kitchen cabinets with brass pulls or swapping a bathroom faucet can be a simple way to introduce this classic material and add a touch of timeless sophistication.
5. Tufted Upholstery Sofas
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
A tufted sofa was the centerpiece of many grandparents’ living rooms. This style, where fabric is pulled and secured with buttons to create a geometric pattern of indentations, has roots in classic design. It looks substantial and well-made. The deep buttoning provided a firm, supportive seat that holds its shape well. These sofas were built to last, becoming a fixture for family gatherings for years.
The tufted look remains a staple for a reason. It adds texture and a tailored appearance to furniture. You can find it on everything from grand Chesterfield sofas to elegant headboards and ottomans. A tufted piece of furniture can act as a sophisticated focal point in a room, blending well with both traditional and more eclectic decor schemes. It brings a sense of history and craftsmanship into a modern space.
6. Built-in Bar Carts
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
In many mid-century homes, the built-in bar or bar cart was a symbol of hospitality and entertainment. It was a dedicated station for mixing drinks and serving guests, suggesting a life full of social gatherings and celebrations. Whether it was a recessed nook with glass shelves or a stylish cart on wheels, it was a functional feature that was always ready for a party.
While freestanding bar carts are popular today, the idea of a dedicated beverage station is just as relevant. You can create your own version with a small console table, a set of floating shelves, or a designated corner of your kitchen counter. Stock it with your favorite spirits, glassware, and a few cocktail-making tools. It is a feature that encourages hospitality and makes entertaining guests feel a little more special.
Blending the Past with the Present
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Ready to play matchmaker between retro charm and your backyard? Many of these trends are making a comeback. Start by picking one detail; maybe it’s a tufted sofa that begs for movie night naps or an unapologetically floral wall in your breakfast nook. If you’re feeling daring, swap out plain cabinet pulls for brass ones that shine like your grandmother’s Sunday best, or set up a miniature bar station for your next neighborly gathering (umbrella stir sticks, optional but highly encouraged). These touches channel nostalgia and invite new stories, turning your space into a place where both old tales and fresh memories mingle.