10 Retro Home Decor Trends Making a Comeback

10 Retro Home Decor Trends Making a Comeback

Home decor is a fascinating realm where the old frequently becomes new again. Just like fashion, trends in home decoration come and go and often reappear with a fresh perspective. In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in the popularity of retro, vintage, and mid-century design elements. It’s not just about nostalgia; these retro home decor trends are finding a new lease of life due to their timeless appeal, character, and charm. Let’s delve into ten of these classic trends that are making a triumphant comeback.

1. Terrazzo Flooring

Chairs and Tables in a Restaurant

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A staple of the mid-century modern era, Terrazzo flooring is making a grand comeback. This composite material, made from chips of marble, quartz, granite, and glass, is re-emerging as a favorite for homeowners looking for a unique, durable, and eco-friendly flooring option.

The beauty of Terrazzo lies in its versatility. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to create a truly bespoke look. Plus, its hard-wearing nature makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. While it can be a bit pricey, the long-term durability of Terrazzo makes it a worthwhile investment.

2. Vintage Wallpaper

A richly detailed vintage wallpaper with an ornate damask pattern in gold and cream over a deep teal background, repeating symmetrically across the surfaceA richly detailed vintage wallpaper with an ornate damask pattern in gold and cream over a deep teal background, repeating symmetrically across the surface

Image Credit: Magda Ehlers/Pexels.

Wallpaper had fallen out of favor in recent years, but it’s now back with a vengeance. Vintage patterns, in particular, are gaining popularity as they offer an easy way to inject personality and charm into a room.

The key to using vintage wallpaper effectively is to choose a pattern that complements your existing decor. This doesn’t mean everything has to match perfectly; in fact, a bit of contrast can make the design more interesting. Also, remember that less is often more when it comes to wallpaper. Consider using it on a feature wall or in a small room like a powder bathroom for a dramatic effect.

3. Rattan Furniture

A woven rattan lounge chair with a wooden frame placed on a light wood floor in a minimalist living room, with a pair of woven slippers beside it and white cabinets in the backgroundA woven rattan lounge chair with a wooden frame placed on a light wood floor in a minimalist living room, with a pair of woven slippers beside it and white cabinets in the background

Image Credit: Yan Krukau/Pexels.

Rattan furniture, with its natural, bohemian vibe, is another trend that’s made a comeback. This lightweight and durable material adds texture and warmth to a space, making it perfect for creating a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

Whether it’s a rattan peacock chair in the living room, a hanging swing on the patio, or a rattan headboard in the bedroom, this versatile material can be used in various ways. Pair it with plush cushions and throws to create a cozy nook, or use it to add an element of nature in a minimalist, modern room.

4. Velvet Accents

Modern apartment with stylish couch and creative decorative elementsModern apartment with stylish couch and creative decorative elements

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Luxurious and dramatic, velvet is making a comeback in the realm of home decor. This plush material can add a touch of glamour to any room, whether it’s through a velvet-upholstered sofa or a set of velvet curtains.

While velvet might seem intimidating to work with, it’s surprisingly versatile. A velvet accent piece can add depth and richness to a minimalist space, or enhance the opulence in a more traditionally decorated room. Just remember to care for your velvet properly to maintain its lustrous sheen.

5. Bold Colors

Modern living room with lime green sofa, glossy pink and white storage units, green accent cabinet, potted bonsai tree, light wood flooringModern living room with lime green sofa, glossy pink and white storage units, green accent cabinet, potted bonsai tree, light wood flooring

Image credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels.

After years of minimalist, neutral color schemes, bold colors are making a welcome return. From vibrant yellows to rich blues, homeowners are embracing the power of color to create dynamic, visually striking spaces.

Painting a room in a bold color can completely transform its appearance. However, if you’re hesitant about committing to such a dramatic change, consider incorporating bold colors through smaller accent pieces, like cushions, rugs, or artwork. This allows you to experiment with different hues without making a permanent change.

6. Patterned Tiles

Woman in Head Covering Sitting in Armchair with Ankle on KneeWoman in Head Covering Sitting in Armchair with Ankle on Knee

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Patterned tiles, once a hallmark of vintage bathrooms and kitchens, are making a comeback. These decorative tiles can add a pop of color and pattern to any space, making them a great choice for homeowners looking to inject some character into their homes.

When choosing patterned tiles, consider the overall aesthetic of your home. For a classic, timeless look, opt for black and white patterns. For something more daring, consider colorful Mediterranean or Moroccan-inspired tiles.

7. Brass Accents

A person operates an unlacquered brass pot filler faucet above a stovetop with white subway tile backsplash and a small bowl beneath the water streamA person operates an unlacquered brass pot filler faucet above a stovetop with white subway tile backsplash and a small bowl beneath the water stream

Image Credit: RDNE Stock project/Pexels.

After years of silver and chrome dominating the scene, brass is making a stylish comeback. This warm-toned metal adds an elegant touch to any room, whether it’s through cabinet handles, light fixtures, or decorative accents.

Brass works well with a variety of color schemes and design styles, from rustic to modern. For a subtle touch, consider adding brass hardware in your kitchen or bathroom. For a more dramatic effect, look for statement pieces like a brass coffee table or a chandelier.

8. Floral Prints

A Bedroom with a Floral WallA Bedroom with a Floral Wall

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Once considered outdated, floral prints are blooming again in the world of home decor. From wallpaper to upholstery to bedding, floral patterns are being used in new and interesting ways to bring a touch of nature indoors.

Modern floral prints are often larger and more abstract than their traditional counterparts, making them a great choice for contemporary homes. Pair them with solid colors to prevent the pattern from overwhelming the space.

9. Curved Furniture

Modern living room with cream boucle curved sofa, green throw blanket and knot pillow, glass coffee table, neutral rug, potted plant, soft curtainsModern living room with cream boucle curved sofa, green throw blanket and knot pillow, glass coffee table, neutral rug, potted plant, soft curtains

Image Credit: artofxx/Pexels.

Curved furniture, a staple of 70s design, is making a comeback. The soft lines and rounded edges of these pieces can add a sense of fluidity and softness to a room, making it feel more welcoming and comfortable.

Curved furniture works particularly well in living rooms and bedrooms, where comfort is key. Look for pieces like a curved sofa or a round coffee table to bring this trend into your home.

10. Wicker and Cane

Sofa Set on the Roof TopSofa Set on the Roof Top

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Last but not least, wicker and cane are seeing a resurgence in popularity. These natural materials add texture and warmth to a space, making them perfect for creating a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

Wicker and cane can be used in a variety of ways, from furniture to decorative accents. Pair them with bold colors and patterns for a boho-chic look, or use them to soften the lines in a modern, minimalist space.