Retro home decor has made a major comeback in recent years, and its resurgence can be attributed to two factors: First, with the sustainable decorating movement, consumers are realizing that classic pieces will never go out of style, and can be thoughtfully incorporated into modern interiors. Second, homeowners have a deep yearning for the nostalgia and comfort represented by past decades.
"The magnitude and velocity of change in the last several years have led to 'future shock' for consumers. There’s a global feeling of being constantly behind and a yearning to slow down time," says Erica Bail, creative director at Graber.
Retro decor trends not only play into this yearning, but with their bright colors and patterns, they're also a fun way to give a decorative nod to the past. Plus, there's no need to redecorate your entire space to add some retro flair—focus on accent pieces such as a chair, light fixture, or area rug for for an affordable and harmonious way to blend the old with the new.
In addition to '80s and '90s nostalgia making a comeback, experts expect eclectic kitchens and midcentury modern classics to continue to trend. To help you get into the groovy spirit, design experts from various industries are sharing the top retro decor trends they say we can expect to see in 2025.
Bold Wallpaper Patterns
"Bold, patterned wallpapers reminiscent of past decades are making a return," says Alecia Taylor, interior designer at CabinetNow. This includes floral and geometric patterns as well as scenic murals, all of which are a sure way to add retro character to any room. "To embrace this trend without overwhelming your space, apply wallpaper to an accent wall or within a small nook," Taylor says. Pull colors from the wallpaper and incorporate them throughout the space in the form of artwork or decorative textiles to integrate the retro wallpaper and blend the old with the new.
Area Rugs With Bold Retro Colors and Patterns
Area rugs are a great way to channel any retro decor trend, be it through a sleek midcentury modern design or a quintessential '90s floral print. Additionally, they are a non-permanent room fixture and cover a significant portion of the floor, presenting a great opportunity to inject color and pattern into the space. Katherine Cohen, associate creative director at area rug manufacturer FLOR, recommends collecting and curating the right retro-style pieces and incorporating them into your existing space. "Using area rugs with bold colors and patterns perfectly complements more natural elements like organic shapes, rounded edges, and textural finishes," she says.
'80s-Inspired Design Elements
"Design is seeing a strong '80s revival with chrome finishes, graphic patterns, and bold primary colors making a comeback," says Abbey Stark, home furnishing direction leader at IKEA US. Just as silver has recently been replacing gold as the "it" metal in the world of fashion accessories, warm brass accents will be giving way to cool chrome touches in 2025. To incorporate a dash of '80s nostalgia into your space in an affordable way, Stark suggests adding a few accent pieces such as a stylish side chair or unique lamp.
Midcentury Classics
As we move into 2025, midcentury modern design continues to be a strong retro trend. "With lots of midcentury-style products on the market, this is an accessible go-to choice for those who embrace retro-inspired interiors," says James Mellan-Matulewicz, creative director and interior designer at Bobbi Beck. This trend is characterized by rich woods such as oak and walnut, clean lines, and low-sitting furniture. To pay homage to the retro style without having to redecorate your entire space, Mellan-Matulewicz recommends adding smaller elements such as a walnut sideboard, a sputnik chandelier, or a '50s-inspired wallpaper.
'90s Nostalgia
The '90s nostalgia trend has as much to do with a craving for cozy interiors as it does with a generational shift. "Millennials, who spent their formative years in this decade, are now becoming first or second-time homeowners with some disposable income and are looking to indulge in nostalgic comforts which help turn their houses into homes," Mellan-Matulewicz explains. At its core, this retro decor trend embraces what the designer calls "eclectic maximalism"—things like an abundance of trinkets and personal items which create a space that feels personal and imperfect, creating a home that carries the nostalgia of childhood happiness.
Eclectic Kitchens
Following the longtime popularity of all-white kitchens, Taylor says retro-inspired eclectic kitchens are the trend to watch out for in 2025. "This design moves away from uniformity, allowing for personalized and dynamic spaces," Taylor says. An eclectic kitchen layers different colors, textures, and patterns, and you don't necessarily need to embark on a complete remodel to embrace the playful trend. "Start by mixing different hardware finishes or incorporating open shelving to display a variety of dishware and decor," Taylor says.
Read more at Better Homes & Gardens
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