Have you ever noticed how the most beloved plants in a garden are often the ones with a long history? The same can be said for home decor. Styles that once filled our grandparents’ homes are finding their way back into modern design, but with a fresh, new-age twist. It’s a beautiful cycle, proving that good design, much like a hardy perennial, never truly goes out of style.
These revived trends offer a chance to create spaces that feel both personal and timeless. By blending these classic elements with contemporary pieces, you can craft a home that tells a story. From bold patterns that make a statement to natural materials that bring the outdoors in, let’s explore 18 forgotten trends that are making a beautiful comeback.
1. Wicker and Rattan: Natural Elegance Indoors
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Wicker and rattan furniture are no longer just for the porch or a beach house. These natural, woven materials are bringing warmth, texture, and a touch of bohemian flair to every room in the house. Their lightweight appearance and earthy feel connect our indoor spaces with the natural world, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.
This trend is a fantastic option because it’s incredibly versatile. A rattan statement chair can become a focal point in a living room, while wicker baskets offer a stylish storage solution for blankets, magazines, or even firewood. The natural tones pair beautifully with lush houseplants, enhancing the sense of an indoor garden.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Living rooms, sunrooms, bedrooms, and covered patios.
- How to Use It: Incorporate one or two statement pieces like a coffee table or headboard. Mix with modern furniture to avoid an overly rustic look.
- Care: Dust regularly with a soft brush or vacuum attachment. For spills, wipe immediately with a damp cloth and mild soap. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the fibers from becoming brittle.
2. Bold Wallpaper: A Return to Personality
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After years of minimalist, neutral walls, bold wallpaper is making a major comeback. Homeowners are embracing large-scale florals, dramatic geometric patterns, and intricate murals to inject personality and life into their spaces.
Wallpaper can transform a room from a blank canvas into a work of art, telling a story on your walls. Using wallpaper is an excellent way to define a space or create a stunning feature wall. Advances in “peel-and-stick” options have also made it a less permanent commitment, allowing you to experiment with patterns without fear. It’s a powerful tool for adding depth and character, whether in a small powder room or a grand dining area.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Powder rooms, entryways, dining rooms, or as an accent wall behind a bed.
- How to Use It: Start small with a single accent wall. If you’re feeling bold, paper an entire room for a dramatic effect. Match the scale of the pattern to the size of the room. Larger patterns work well in bigger spaces.
- Next Steps: Order samples to see how patterns and colors look in your home’s lighting before committing to a full roll.
3. Chintz Revival: Florals with a Fresh Twist
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Once considered fussy and old-fashioned, chintz fabric is blooming again. This glazed cotton textile, known for its vibrant floral patterns, is being used in fresh and exciting ways.
Modern chintz isn’t about matching everything; it’s about adding a touch of vintage charm and pattern to an otherwise contemporary room. Chintz is a wonderful way to bring the beauty of a garden indoors. It adds a layer of comfort and coziness that few other fabrics can. Whether on an armchair, throw pillows, or curtains, it introduces color and a classic, romantic feel. The key is to use it thoughtfully, allowing it to be a special highlight.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Upholstered chairs, throw pillows, curtains, and even lampshades.
- How to Use It: Pair a chintz armchair with a solid-colored sofa. Use chintz pillows to liven up neutral bedding. Mix it with clean lines and modern materials to keep it from feeling dated.
- Care: Most chintz fabrics should be professionally cleaned, especially upholstery. For smaller items, check the label for washing instructions.
4. Dark, Dramatic Wood Tones
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For years, light and airy woods like birch and pale oak have been the standard. Now, the pendulum is swinging back toward the deep, rich tones of walnut, mahogany, and cherry. These darker woods bring a sense of warmth, sophistication, and history to a space, creating a cozy and grounded feeling.
Choosing dark wood is a way to add instant elegance and depth. A walnut dining table or a dark-wood bookshelf can anchor a room and serve as a beautiful contrast to lighter walls and textiles. This trend pairs exceptionally well with indoor plants, as the deep wood tones make the green foliage pop.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and decorative accents.
- How to Use It: Balance dark wood furniture with light-colored walls and rugs to prevent the room from feeling too heavy. Incorporate metals like brass for a touch of glamour.
- Care: Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth. Use coasters to prevent water rings and avoid placing furniture in direct, harsh sunlight, which can cause fading.
5. Terrazzo Surfaces: Playful and Practical
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Terrazzo, that composite material speckled with chips of marble, quartz, and glass, was a staple of mid-century design. Today, it’s back and more versatile than ever. Modern terrazzo comes in a huge range of colors, from neutral to bold, making it a playful yet practical choice for various surfaces. This m
aterial is a great option because of its durability and unique, artistic look. Each slab is one-of-a-kind. While it’s fantastic for flooring, it’s also showing up on countertops, backsplashes, and even in the form of tabletops and decorative objects. It adds texture and a pop of multi-tonal color to any room.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Kitchen countertops, bathroom floors, backsplashes, and tabletops.
- How to Use It: For a big statement, use it on a kitchen island or bathroom floor. For a smaller touch, try terrazzo coasters, planters, or a side table.
- Care: Terrazzo should be sealed to protect against stains. Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner; avoid acidic substances like vinegar or lemon juice.
6. Skirted Furniture: A Softer Silhouette
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Furniture with fabric skirts, once a hallmark of traditional decorating, is making a graceful return. Skirted sofas, chairs, and tables help soften the hard lines in a room, adding a tailored yet relaxed feel.
They evoke a sense of comfort and understated elegance. Skirted pieces are not only charming but also highly practical. They offer a clever way to conceal storage bins under a table or hide less-than-perfect furniture legs. A simple skirt can instantly update an old piece. Using modern fabrics like linen or a subtle pattern gives this trend a fresh, contemporary appeal.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Sofas, armchairs, ottomans, and side tables.
- How to Use It: Choose tailored styles like a kick-pleat skirt for a clean, modern look. Use a skirted table in an entryway or as a nightstand for a soft, romantic touch.
- Next Steps: If you have an existing table, you can easily have a custom-made skirt created to fit it, instantly tapping into this trend.
7. Conversation Pits: Socializing in Style
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A classic from the ’60s and ’70s, the conversation pit is reappearing in modern homes. These sunken seating areas create an incredibly cozy and intimate zone for gathering with family and friends. By lowering the seating area, you create a room-within-a-room that encourages connection and lounging.
Conversation pits are perfect for open-concept homes where you want to define a specific area for socializing. Updated versions feature clean lines, comfortable upholstery, and integrated lighting, making them a sleek and functional focal point. They transform a living room into a destination for relaxation.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Large, open-plan living rooms.
- How to Use It: This is a major architectural feature, so it’s best incorporated during a renovation or new build. You can create a similar “pit” feel with a large, U-shaped sectional sofa.
- Next Steps: Focus on plush, comfortable cushions and plenty of pillows to enhance the cozy, inviting vibe.
8. Checkerboard Floors: Classic with a Twist
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The timeless black-and-white checkerboard floor is back, bringing vintage flair to kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. This bold pattern is surprisingly versatile, working well in both traditional and ultra-modern settings. It’s a graphic statement that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Checkerboard is a great way to add high-impact style without cluttering a space. For a modern twist, designers are using new color combinations like sage green and cream, or terra cotta and beige. You can also achieve the look with floor tiles, vinyl, or even a large area rug.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Kitchens, entryways, mudrooms, and bathrooms.
- How to Use It: Keep the rest of the room’s decor relatively simple to let the floor be the star. The classic black and white is always a winner, but softer colors can feel more unique.
- Care: Depends on the material. Tile floors are easy to mop, while vinyl is durable and low-maintenance. Regular sweeping or vacuuming is key.
9. Canopy Beds: A Statement of Elegance
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Canopy beds are no longer just for fairytales. These dramatic bed frames are returning to modern bedrooms, adding height, structure, and a sense of sanctuary. Whether draped in breezy fabrics for a romantic look or left bare for a minimalist, architectural statement, a canopy bed instantly elevates a room.
This trend is a wonderful way to make a bedroom feel like a luxurious retreat. The frame creates a cozy, enclosed feeling without physically closing off the space. Modern canopy beds are available in sleek metal, warm wood, or acrylic, fitting a wide range of styles.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Bedrooms with medium to high ceilings.
- How to Use It: For a light, airy feel, choose a thin metal frame and drape it with sheer white fabric. For a bold, modern look, opt for a black or dark wood frame and leave it undraped.
- Next Steps: Measure your ceiling height before purchasing to ensure the bed doesn’t overwhelm the space.
10. Tiled Kitchen Countertops: Old School, New Appeal
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Before granite and quartz became the norm, tiled countertops were a common sight in kitchens. Now, they’re back, celebrated for their character, versatility, and handmade charm. From classic subway tiles to colorful, Moroccan-inspired patterns, tiles offer endless design possibilities.
Tiled countertops are a fantastic way to add a custom, artisanal feel to your kitchen. While they require more maintenance than a solid slab, modern grouts and sealants have made them more durable and stain-resistant than their predecessors. They can bring a warm, European country-kitchen vibe to your home.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Kitchens, bathroom vanities, and laundry rooms.
- How to Use It: Choose a tile that complements your cabinetry and backsplash. Using a dark grout with light tiles can create a modern, graphic look and is more forgiving with stains.
- Care: Seal the grout annually to prevent staining and bacterial growth. Use cutting boards to protect the tile surface and wipe up spills promptly.
11. Ornate Mirrors: Framed for Drama
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Simple, frameless mirrors are taking a backseat to their more glamorous counterparts. Ornate, heavily framed mirrors are back in a big way. Gilded, carved, and Baroque-style frames add a dose of drama, history, and elegance to any room, acting as both a functional mirror and a piece of art.
An ornate mirror is a perfect way to create a focal point. Placed above a fireplace, console table, or in an entryway, it reflects light and makes the space feel larger and grander. The contrast between an elaborate vintage-style frame and modern decor 옆에 is particularly striking.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Entryways, living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms.
- How to Use It: Lean a large, oversized mirror against a wall for a casual yet chic look. Hang a beautifully framed mirror in a spot where it can reflect a window or a favorite piece of art.
- Next Steps: Flea markets and antique shops are fantastic places to find unique, ornate mirrors with real character.
12. Mid-Century Modern Lighting: Sculptural and Sleek
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The enduring appeal of mid-century modern design is evident in its lighting, which is experiencing a major resurgence. Sputnik chandeliers, globe pendants, and sculptural table lamps are celebrated for their clean lines and artistic forms. These fixtures act as jewelry for a room.
This trend is a great way to add a retro-cool vibe that still feels completely contemporary. The sculptural nature of these lights makes them a focal point, even when they’re turned off. Finishes like brass and matte black keep them looking fresh and relevant for today’s homes.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Dining rooms, living rooms, and kitchens.
- How to Use It: A sputnik chandelier over a dining table is a classic statement. A pair of globe pendants over a kitchen island adds functional, stylish task lighting.
- Next Steps: Look for LED versions of these classic designs to get the style with modern energy efficiency.
13. Pastels That Pack a Punch
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Pastels are back, but these aren’t the baby-room shades of the past. Today’s pastels like dusty rose, sage green, and powder blue are more sophisticated and earthy. They are being used as a new neutral, adding a soft wash of color that feels warm and inviting without being overwhelming.
Using these muted pastels is a gentle way to introduce color into your home. They create a calming atmosphere and pair beautifully with natural materials like wood, rattan, and linen. A pastel-colored sofa or a painted accent wall can brighten a room and add a touch of personality.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Walls, large furniture pieces, and textiles.
- How to Use It: Pair pastels with crisp white trim for a fresh look, or with dark wood tones for a more moody, sophisticated vibe. Layering different shades of the same pastel adds depth.
- Next Steps: Try painting the inside of a bookshelf or a small piece of furniture in a pastel shade for a subtle pop of color.
14. Art Deco’s Glamorous Revival
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The opulence and glamour of the 1920s are returning through Art Deco-inspired design. This style is defined by bold geometric patterns, symmetrical lines, and luxurious materials like velvet, brass, and marble. It’s all about making a sophisticated, glamorous statement. Incorporating
Art Deco elements is a way to add a touch of luxury to your home. You don’t have to go all-out; a few key pieces can capture the spirit. Think a channel-tufted velvet chair, a sunburst mirror, or a geometric-patterned rug.
Quick tips:
- Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, and home bars.
- How to Use It: Mix Art Deco pieces with more modern, simple furniture to keep the look from feeling like a costume set. Brass accents are an easy way to get the look.
- Care: Velvet upholstery should be vacuumed regularly. Brass can be polished to maintain its shine or left to develop a natural patina.
15. Wall Murals: Art That Defines a Space
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Wall murals, whether hand-painted or printed on wallpaper, are transforming rooms into immersive experiences. Far from the cheesy beach scenes of the past, today’s murals feature artistic landscapes, abstract designs, and oversized botanicals. They act as a powerful focal point and an alternative to a gallery wall. A mural is an incredible way to add drama and a bespoke feel to a room. In a dining room, a misty forest scene can create a magical atmosphere. In a child’s room, a whimsical animal mural can spark imagination. It turns a plain wall into a window to another world.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Dining rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
- How to Use It: Choose a wall that is a natural focal point. Keep the furniture in front of the mural relatively simple and low-profile so it doesn’t obstruct the view.
- Next Steps: Many companies now offer custom-sized, removable wallpaper murals, making this a high-impact, low-commitment design choice.
16. Patterned Carpets: From Dull to Daring
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Wall-to-wall carpeting is shaking off its boring, beige reputation. Homeowners are embracing patterned carpets with vintage-inspired florals, bold geometric designs, and classic Persian motifs. A patterned carpet can ground a room, add warmth, and introduce color and texture from the floor up. This trend is a great way to make a space feel cozy and complete. It’s also practical for bedrooms and family rooms, as it’s soft underfoot and helps with sound absorption. A subtle pattern can add visual interest without overwhelming the space, while a bold one can be the room’s main feature.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Bedrooms, family rooms, and hallways.
- How to Use It: If you’re hesitant about wall-to-wall, try a large area rug with a bold pattern over hardwood floors to get a similar effect.
- Care: Vacuum regularly. Have it professionally cleaned every 12-18 months to keep it looking its best.
17. Ruffled Accents: Soft, Feminine Touches
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Ruffles and frills are bringing a soft, romantic touch back to interiors. This time, the look is more subtle and refined. Think a delicate ruffle trim on a linen pillowcase, a gentle frill on a shower curtain, or the soft edge of a bedskirt. Adding a ruffled element is an easy way to introduce texture and a touch of nostalgic femininity to a space. It breaks up straight lines and adds a bit of playful movement. The key is to use it as an accent, pairing it with clean, modern pieces to create a balanced look.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Bedding, pillows, curtains, and shower curtains.
- How to Use It: A single ruffled pillow on a modern sofa can be a perfect accent. Choose ruffles in natural fabrics like linen or cotton for a more relaxed, updated feel.
- Next Steps: This is an easy trend to DIY. Try adding a simple ruffle trim to现有 curtains or pillows.
18. Vintage-Inspired Bathrooms: A Nostalgic Retreat
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The sleek, minimalist spa bathroom is making way for a more character-filled, vintage-inspired look. Clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, apothecary-style storage, and antique-finished brass fixtures are all making a comeback. The result is a bathroom that feels timeless, personal, and inviting.
This trend is about mixing old with new to create a space that is both functional and full of charm. A classic clawfoot tub can be paired with a modern, walk-in shower. A vintage-style vanity can be topped with a sleek, modern faucet. It’s a celebration of beautiful craftsmanship and enduring style.
Quick Tips:
- Best For: Master bathrooms and powder rooms.
- How to Use It: You don’t need to do a full renovation. Start by swapping out modern hardware for antique brass or polished nickel fixtures. Add a vintage-style mirror or lighting.
- Care: Clawfoot tubs can be heavy, so ensure your floor can support the weight. Brass fixtures will develop a patina over time, which adds to their charm, or they can be polished to maintain their shine.
Choosing Elements for a Timeless Home
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Feeling inspired? The best way to start incorporating these trends is to choose one that truly speaks to you. You don’t need a complete overhaul to make a difference. Start by visiting a local flea market or antique shop to find a unique, ornate mirror or a small, dark-wood side table. Or, bring the garden inside by ordering a few chintz pillow covers or a bold, botanical wallpaper sample.
Let your home evolve season by season, just like a garden. By slowly layering in these timeless pieces, you’ll create a space that feels collected, personal, and full of stories.
