Ever noticed how some ‘old-fashioned’ home features suddenly become the coolest things again? It’s like fashion – what goes around comes around!
Some vintage elements add character and charm to our living spaces, while others scream ‘time for an update.’
Let’s explore which retro design elements are making a stylish comeback and which ones are better left in the past.
1. Shag Carpets Return With Style
Remember those fluffy floor coverings from the 70s? They’re back with a modern twist! Today’s versions come in sophisticated colors and varying pile heights.
Far from their dated predecessors, contemporary shag rugs serve as artistic focal points rather than wall-to-wall nightmares. They add texture and warmth to minimalist spaces without overwhelming the room.
2. Wood Paneling Gets an Upgrade
What once covered basement walls in dark, oppressive sheets has evolved into a designer’s dream. Modern wood paneling uses lighter finishes and strategic placement for maximum impact.
Interior designers now install it as accent walls or in geometric patterns. The warmth of wood brings natural elements indoors while creating visual interest that flat paint simply can’t match.
3. Wallpaper Makes a Bold Statement
Gone are the tiny floral patterns that gave wallpaper its bad reputation. Today’s options feature stunning murals, geometric designs, and textures that transform ordinary walls into works of art.
Removable versions make it perfect for renters or the commitment-phobic. A single accent wall covered in dramatic wallpaper can instantly elevate your space from boring to breathtaking.
4. Terrazzo Flooring Sparkles Again
Those speckled composite floors from mid-century buildings have jumped from commercial spaces right into our homes. The playful mix of marble chips in colorful cement creates surfaces that are both durable and decorative.
Beyond floors, terrazzo now appears on countertops, tables, and even homewares. Its confetti-like appearance brings joy while its durability makes it practical for busy households.
5. Macramé Adds Textural Interest
Those knotted hangings your grandmother made are experiencing a serious revival! Modern macramé uses cleaner designs and sophisticated color palettes that complement today’s interiors.
Hanging planters, wall art, and even light fixtures featuring these intricate knots add organic texture to spaces. The handcrafted nature of macramé brings warmth to our increasingly digital lives.
6. Brass Fixtures Shine Once More
After decades of chrome and brushed nickel domination, warm metallic finishes are back in the spotlight. Brass fixtures feature matte finishes and streamlined shapes that feel fresh and sophisticated.
Kitchen faucets, cabinet hardware, and lighting in this golden metal add warmth to neutral spaces. Unlike the shiny brass of the 80s, modern versions develop a beautiful patina over time.
7. Conversation Pits Create Connection
Sunken living rooms designed for face-to-face interaction are making a surprising comeback! These cozy, built-in seating arrangements encourage actual conversation instead of TV-focused layouts.
Updated versions feature modular components and clean lines rather than the shaggy, overstuffed versions of the past. In our screen-dominated world, these architectural features promote the human connections we’re all craving.
8. Colored Bathroom Fixtures Get Reimagined
Avocado toilets may have been banished, but colorful bathroom fixtures are staging a comeback with fresh hues and sleek designs. Think matte black freestanding tubs, blush pink sinks, or navy blue toilets.
When paired with simple surroundings, these statement pieces become functional art. The key difference from their predecessors? They’re chosen intentionally as focal points rather than matching sets.
9. Rattan Furniture Relaxes Spaces
Far from the flimsy porch furniture of yesteryear, today’s rattan pieces are sturdy, sophisticated, and right at home indoors. Their natural texture adds warmth to modern spaces dominated by hard surfaces.
Contemporary designers pair rattan chairs with sleek tables or use statement pieces like egg chairs as focal points. This sustainable material brings an organic, relaxed vibe to even the most polished interiors.
10. Linoleum Flooring Gets Eco-Friendly
Your grandmother’s kitchen floor material is back, but with serious environmental credentials! Modern linoleum is made from natural materials like linseed oil, pine resin, and wood flour – making it biodegradable and sustainable.
Available in gorgeous colors and patterns beyond the speckled designs of the past, it’s durable and comfortable underfoot. Health-conscious homeowners appreciate its naturally antimicrobial properties and lack of harmful VOCs.
11. Arches Frame Architectural Interest
Rounded doorways and windows from Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes are finding their way into contemporary architecture. These soft curves provide a welcome contrast to the sharp angles dominating modern design.
Interior archways frame views between rooms while adding architectural character. Whether in doorways, windows, or built-in niches, these graceful curves bring a timeless elegance that flat openings simply can’t match.
12. Velvet Furniture Adds Luxurious Texture
Velvet sofas and chairs from Victorian parlors have been reimagined with cleaner lines and vibrant colors. The plush texture adds depth to minimalist rooms while the material itself catches light beautifully.
Velvet pieces these days come in relaxed shapes that invite lounging. Performance versions resist stains and wear, making this once-precious fabric practical for everyday family living.
13. Stained Glass Catches the Light
Once limited to churches and Victorian homes, stained glass is finding new life in contemporary settings. Modern interpretations feature geometric patterns and abstract designs rather than ornate florals or religious imagery.
Small window inserts, pendant lights, or even room dividers incorporating colorful glass create magical light effects. As sunlight shifts throughout the day, these elements transform spaces with dancing colors.
14. Wainscoting Creates Architectural Detail
Those decorative wood panels that once lined dining room walls have evolved into sophisticated architectural elements. Modern applications use clean lines and unexpected heights to create visual interest.
Painted in contemporary colors or stained to highlight natural wood grain, today’s wainscoting adds texture and dimension. Designers now extend it higher than traditional chair-rail height for dramatic effect in entryways and bedrooms.
15. Checkerboard Floors Make a Statement
Classic black and white checkered floors have danced their way back into modern homes with fresh color combinations and scaled-up patterns. Think blush and cream, navy and white, or even green and black.
While traditional in origin, these geometric floors provide a playful foundation for contemporary furnishings. Their graphic pattern adds instant character to kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways without requiring complicated installation.
16. Popcorn Ceilings Need Immediate Removal
Nothing dates a home faster than those bumpy, spray-on ceiling textures popular from the 1950s through the 1980s. Beyond being visually unappealing, they collect dust and are difficult to clean.
Modern homes feature smooth ceilings that reflect light beautifully. If you’re stuck with this outdated feature, professional removal services can transform your space, instantly making rooms feel taller and more contemporary.
17. Tuscan Kitchens Feel Instantly Outdated
Those faux-Mediterranean kitchens with terracotta colors, ornate corbels, and distressed cabinets scream early 2000s. The heavy, dark aesthetic makes spaces feel smaller and darker than they actually are.
Today’s kitchens embrace clean lines and lighter finishes. If your kitchen resembles an Italian villa, consider painting dark cabinets, replacing ornate hardware with simple pulls, and swapping busy granite for solid-colored countertops.
18. Glass Block Walls Show Their Age
Those translucent walls made of thick glass squares instantly transport viewers back to the 1980s. While they do provide privacy and light, their chunky appearance feels clunky in today’s sleek interiors.
Modern alternatives include frosted glass panels, smart glass that changes opacity, or decorative screens. These options offer the same functional benefits while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic that won’t look dated in five years.
19. Vertical Blinds Hang in the Past
Those swinging plastic strips that once covered sliding glass doors collect dust, break easily, and instantly age any room. Their constant clattering and uneven hanging are both visual and auditory annoyances.
Contemporary window treatments like ripple-fold drapery, solar shades, or panel systems offer cleaner lines and better functionality.
20. Carpet in Bathrooms Creates Problems
Few design choices age a home faster than fuzzy floor coverings in wet areas. Beyond the obvious hygiene issues, bathroom carpet inevitably becomes stained, moldy, and impossible to clean properly.
Now, our bathrooms feature waterproof materials like ceramic tile, luxury vinyl, or natural stone. These surfaces not only look sleek and contemporary but also stand up to moisture while being easy to sanitize.