Designers are looking to the past for inspiration. We tapped the experts to tell us about the retro design trends that are making a comeback, from patterned wallpaper to wood tones to vintage linens. According to the pros, these elements are finding their place in modern spaces as homeowners look to make their spaces feel more personal.
“The quintessential ‘grandma’s house’ is often associated with a colorful and cozy aesthetic, characterized by patterned drapes and eclectic decor,” says Miranda Cullen, principal designer and founder of Inside Stories.
The key to incorporating these trends is to mix the old and the new. For instance, putting rustic wooden photo frames or antique mirrors in a room alongside modern furniture can make a room feel visually interesting and lively.
If you’re lucky enough to have a box or two of your grandparents’ things, this can be a great place to start sourcing vintage artwork, linens, or glassware. Experts also recommend looking for retro home goods at antique shops and thrift stores.
Keep reading to learn about the retro design trends that are making a comeback in today’s spaces. For more expert tips on the trend, read up on the best vintage brands to buy secondhand and ways to make vintage furniture last longer.
Wood Tones
Oak dining tables, stained bookcases and even rustic wooden picture frames are becoming more and more popular — and the trend isn’t difficult to implement, thanks to the rise of antique shopping.
“With its inherent warmth and texture, wood adds depth and character to any space,” says Cullen. “We are seeing wood incorporated in distinctly ‘retro’ ways, such as reeded finishes, like this fireplace front.”
Patterned Wallpaper
While there was certainly a period of time where all-white-everything had completely taken over, we’re happy to officially announce that patterned wallpaper is back.
“Clients are requesting wallpaper in more rooms than ever before, in brighter and bolder patterns,” says Debbie Mathews, founder and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. “It has become almost commonplace now to wallpaper ceilings, which is something I was not doing 10 years ago!”
Vintage Linens and Glassware
Grandma always seems to have the loveliest linens and most beautiful glassware. Each piece comes with a story — and that’s what people seem to be after these days.
“I always love sifting through vintage dishes, china, linens and glassware as they can create the most interesting tablescapes,” says Mathews. “Coupe glasses are now back in vogue and are perfect for serving cocktails or dessert.”
Whether placed on a bar cart for decoration or on the dining table for hosting, vintage linens and glassware enhance a home’s personality. Plus, there are tons of unique finds in thrift stores or even on Facebook Marketplace.
Decorative Molding
Homeowners are becoming more and more interested in living spaces that are architecturally exciting. The solution? Wainscoting. According to Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors, decorative molding is on the rise due to its “ability to add structure and sophistication” to a home.
While it may seem like a structural change that requires professional work, adding wainscoting or decorative molding can actually be a fun DIY project with the right materials.
Gallery Walls With Old-School Art
It takes patience, but building a gallery wall with art that matches your own interior design style and carries a history is a trend worth trying out.
“Gallery walls featuring vintage or ‘old-school’ art are an easy way to mix the past with the present,” says Clendenon. “We are seeing a lot of this but done with a modern and unexpected twist, like color-dipped portraits for example.”
Bold Colors
Gone are the days of all-white kitchens and minimal wall decor. Grandma’s house has much more character than that, right? Vibrant wallpaper, colorful curtains and bold appliances are making a comeback in today’s home design, according to Cullen.
Recently, designers have even been noticing surprising color-specific interior design trends, including an increase in pink retro kitchens and purple living spaces.
Antique Mirrors
Just because there are a few retro trends that have been revived recently doesn’t mean the whole house needs to be full of them — adding an antique mirror is one way to infuse a bit of the past into an otherwise modern home for added visual interest. As an antique dealer and designer, Mathews loves when her clients request ornate, vintage mirrors.
“In my mind, successful design is all about contrast and the mixing of old and new,” says Mathews. “Retro styles resurface because we draw inspiration from previous eras, reimagining them to suit contemporary tastes and needs, bridging the past with the future,” says Mathews.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com
