Trends in design come and go, but some that were once deemed outdated are now making a surprising comeback. Designers are revisiting these vintage aesthetics, finding new ways to integrate them into modern projects, and rekindling their charm.
From bold colors to retro patterns, these styles are being rejuvenated with a fresh twist, proving that everything old can become new again. Let’s explore 25 design trends that have circled back into the spotlight, gaining appreciation from both seasoned designers and enthusiastic newcomers.
1. Bold Florals
Bold florals, reminiscent of the 1970s, are flourishing once again. These striking patterns infuse spaces with a touch of nature and nostalgia. Designers today pair them with contemporary furniture and minimalist accents.
This creates a harmonious contrast that balances vibrant prints with modern simplicity. In living rooms or bedrooms, bold florals can serve as an eye-catching focal point. By blending these patterns with neutral tones, one can achieve a chic and balanced look. Embrace bold florals for a fresh yet nostalgic design.
2. Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta tiles, once dominant in rustic homes, are warming up modern spaces. These earthy hues bring depth and character to interiors. Designers incorporate them in kitchens or outdoor patios, adding a Mediterranean flair.
Their natural tones complement wood and greenery, creating an inviting atmosphere. Terracotta is versatile, offering both durability and aesthetic appeal. In a world leaning towards sleek and cold materials, these tiles offer a cozy alternative. Consider terracotta for a touch of timeless warmth.
3. Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern design, with its clean lines and functional elements, is enjoying a revival. This style blends simplicity with elegance, making it a favorite for contemporary interiors. Designers use iconic furniture pieces to create spaces that feel both retro and relevant.
The use of wood and metal adds warmth and texture, while bold colors enhance visual interest. Its appeal lies in its timelessness and versatility. Whether in a small apartment or a spacious home, mid-century modern is adaptable and chic.
4. Wallpaper Borders
Wallpaper borders, once a staple of home decor, are making a subtle comeback. These decorative trims add personality to walls without overwhelming a room. Designers use them to define spaces or highlight architectural features.
Modern interpretations include metallics or botanical themes, lending a contemporary edge. Used sparingly, wallpaper borders can accentuate design elements effectively. Whether framing a doorway or a ceiling, they provide a creative touch.
This trend allows for personalized styling, adding charm without commitment.
5. Rattan Furniture
Rattan furniture, synonymous with relaxed elegance, is re-emerging in both indoor and outdoor settings. Its lightweight and durable nature makes it ideal for versatile arrangements. Designers appreciate its natural texture and the warmth it brings to spaces.
Whether in a sunroom or on a patio, rattan complements various design aesthetics. Paired with soft cushions and throws, it enhances comfort while maintaining style. As sustainability grows in importance, rattan’s eco-friendly qualities add to its resurgence in popularity.
6. Macramé Decor
Macramé, the intricate art of knotting, is weaving its way back into the spotlight. It brings a bohemian flair to interiors, offering texture and visual interest. Designers incorporate macramé in wall hangings, plant holders, or even furniture accents.
Its handmade quality resonates with the growing appreciation for artisanal crafts. The neutral tones of macramé complement various color palettes, making it adaptable. In modern homes, it softens the ambiance, adding a personal touch. Embrace macramé for a unique and inviting atmosphere.
7. Neon Signs
Neon signs, once reserved for bars and diners, are illuminating modern spaces with flair. Their vibrant glow adds an artistic touch to interiors, creating a lively atmosphere. Designers use neon signs as statement pieces in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices.
The playful nature of neon allows for creative expression, from inspirational quotes to abstract art. These signs inject personality and can be tailored to individual tastes. By choosing custom designs, homeowners can add a unique and dynamic element to their decor.
8. Checkerboard Patterns
Checkerboard patterns, timeless and versatile, are stepping back onto the design stage. Often seen in flooring, these patterns add a classic touch to contemporary spaces. Designers use them to ground a room, offering a base for varied decor styles.
The bold contrast of black and white is a popular choice, but modern interpretations explore colors and materials. Checkerboards can feature in bathrooms, kitchens, or entryways, bringing a sense of order and symmetry. This trend is a nod to classic elegance with a modern twist.
9. Shag Carpets
Shag carpets, known for their plush texture, are making a cozy comeback. These luxurious floor coverings add warmth and comfort to any room. Designers favor them for bedrooms or lounging areas where relaxation is key.
Shag offers a tactile experience, inviting occupants to sink in and unwind. While traditionally bold in color, modern shag carpets embrace neutral palettes for subtlety. This trend reconciles comfort with style, making it perfect for contemporary homes.
Incorporate shag carpets to elevate the tactile appeal of your space.
10. Brass Fixtures
Brass fixtures, gleaming with a golden hue, are polishing up interiors once more. This metal finish exudes elegance and luxury, enhancing both modern and traditional designs. Designers utilize brass in kitchens and bathrooms, where its warm tones contrast sleek surfaces.
It pairs beautifully with marble, wood, and matte finishes, adding a sophisticated glow. Unlike colder metals, brass offers a timeless appeal that complements various styles. Embrace brass fixtures for a touch of opulence that remains both classic and contemporary.
11. Velvet Upholstery
Velvet upholstery, synonymous with luxury and comfort, is softening modern interiors. Known for its rich texture and depth, velvet adds elegance to furniture pieces. Designers employ it in sofas, chairs, and cushions, enhancing the tactile experience of a room.
Velvet’s appeal lies in its versatility, offering both bold colors and muted tones. This material blends well with various styles, from classic to contemporary. Use velvet to introduce a touch of sophistication and warmth, creating inviting spaces perfect for relaxation.
12. Wood Paneling
Wood paneling, once a hallmark of dated interiors, is experiencing a revival with a contemporary twist. This element introduces texture and warmth, enriching a room’s ambiance. Designers favor lighter woods and modern finishes, steering away from the heavy, dark panels of the past.
Used in living rooms, studies, or feature walls, wood paneling creates a cozy yet sophisticated feel. Its natural appeal complements various design themes, offering versatility. Incorporate wood paneling for a refined and inviting aesthetic.
13. Fringe Details
Fringe details, reminiscent of bohemian fashion, are swaying back into style. This playful embellishment adds movement and texture to clothing and accessories. Designers embrace fringe in jackets, skirts, and bags, creating dynamic and eye-catching pieces.
Its versatility allows fringe to enhance both casual and formal wear. Paired with modern silhouettes, it offers a contemporary twist on a classic trend. Fringe details invite a sense of fun and individuality, perfect for those looking to make a bold fashion statement.
14. Exposed Beams
Exposed beams, celebrated for their rustic charm, are finding a place in modern architecture. These structural elements add character and warmth to interiors. Designers highlight beams in living rooms, kitchens, and even bedrooms, creating a focal point.
The natural wood tones contrast beautifully with contemporary finishes, blending rustic with refined. Exposed beams invite a sense of history and authenticity, enhancing a space’s aesthetic appeal. Their timeless nature ensures they’ll continue to inspire both traditional and modern designs.
15. Wicker Baskets
Wicker baskets, beloved for their practicality and charm, are weaving their way back into homes. These versatile accessories offer storage solutions while adding a rustic touch. Designers use wicker baskets in living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, enhancing organization and decor.
Their natural texture pairs well with various styles, from bohemian to minimalist. Wicker’s lightweight and durable nature makes it ideal for everyday use. Incorporate wicker baskets for a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal that suits modern living.
16. Beaded Curtains
Beaded curtains, once a symbol of 70s chic, are dangling back into style. These decorative dividers add a playful and whimsical element to interiors. Designers use them to separate spaces or as unique window treatments.
Their tactile quality and movement create visual interest and dynamic lighting effects. Available in various colors and styles, beaded curtains can complement diverse decor themes. Whether used in a child’s room or a creative studio, they introduce a touch of retro charm.
Embrace them for a playful design twist.
17. Pastel Colors
Pastel colors, soft and soothing, are painting interiors in a calming palette. These gentle hues offer a refreshing alternative to bold colors, creating peaceful environments. Designers apply pastels in bedrooms, living rooms, or nurseries, promoting relaxation.
The versatility of pastels allows them to blend with various styles, from modern to vintage. By pairing pastels with neutral tones or metallic accents, a balanced and sophisticated look is achieved. Consider pastels to infuse your space with serenity and timeless elegance.
18. Chevron Patterns
Chevron patterns, distinguished by their zigzag design, are weaving their way back into fashion. These patterns add energy and movement to interiors, offering a visual feast. Designers use chevron in wallpapers, rugs, or textiles, creating dynamic spaces.
The bold lines of chevron pair well with both vivid and muted color schemes. This trend’s versatility allows it to enhance various rooms, from bedrooms to bathrooms. Chevron patterns bring a modern edge to classic designs, ensuring their enduring appeal.
19. Plush Bean Bags
Plush bean bags, synonymous with comfort and casual style, are making a soft landing in modern homes. These versatile seating options offer a relaxed vibe suitable for various spaces. Designers favor them in living rooms or game rooms where comfort is a priority.
The tactile nature of bean bags invites informal seating arrangements, perfect for socializing or unwinding. Available in a range of colors and fabrics, they can suit any decor theme. Embrace plush bean bags for playful and laid-back interiors.
20. Gingham Checks
Gingham checks, a classic pattern, are setting the table for stylish interiors. Known for its simple charm, gingham adds a homey touch to decor. Designers use this pattern in table linens, curtains, and upholstery, bringing a hint of nostalgia.
The timeless appeal of gingham makes it adaptable to both modern and traditional settings. By playing with colors and scales, gingham can range from subtle to bold. Incorporate gingham checks to evoke warmth and familiarity in any room.
21. Art Deco Elements
Art deco elements, characterized by bold geometry and lavish details, are adding a touch of glamour to modern spaces. This opulent style infuses interiors with sophistication and drama. Designers incorporate art deco in light fixtures, mirrors, and furniture, creating statement pieces.
Its rich materials and intricate patterns complement both classic and contemporary decor. Art deco offers a luxurious aesthetic that remains timeless. By embracing this style, one can elevate interior design with a nod to the past’s grandeur.
22. Sunburst Mirrors
Sunburst mirrors, radiant and eye-catching, are reflecting a renewed interest in vintage decor. These decorative pieces serve as focal points in rooms, adding brightness and style. Designers use sunburst mirrors in living spaces or entryways, where they enhance light and create depth.
Available in various sizes and finishes, they suit diverse aesthetic preferences. The symmetrical design of sunburst mirrors complements both modern and traditional interiors. By incorporating these mirrors, homeowners can introduce a touch of elegance and visual intrigue.
23. Lace Accents
Lace accents, delicate and charming, are threading their way back into fashion. This intricate fabric adds a touch of romance and elegance to interiors. Designers incorporate lace in pillows, curtains, and table linens, enhancing textures and visual interest.
The timeless beauty of lace complements various styles, from vintage to contemporary. Paired with modern elements, lace introduces a soft contrast that enlivens spaces. This trend offers a graceful way to blend tradition with modernity, creating inviting and sophisticated environments.
24. Ceramic Vases
Ceramic vases, cherished for their craftsmanship and beauty, are gracing interiors with artistic flair. These versatile pieces offer endless possibilities for styling and decor. Designers use ceramic vases to display fresh flowers or as standalone art pieces.
The variety of shapes, colors, and sizes allows them to suit any aesthetic. Whether placed on a dining table or mantel, ceramic vases add depth and interest. This trend celebrates the blend of form and function, making ceramics a cherished addition to any home.
25. Geometric Rugs
Geometric rugs, with their bold shapes and patterns, are laying the groundwork for stylish interiors. These rugs add a contemporary edge, enlivening floors with dynamic designs. Designers favor geometric rugs in living rooms, offices, or bedrooms, where they define spaces and add warmth.
The interplay of colors and forms makes them versatile, suiting various decor themes. By choosing geometric patterns, one can create a focal point that draws attention and enhances the overall aesthetic. These rugs are a statement of modern elegance.