20 Boomer-Era Home Trends That Are Making a Stylish Comeback
Remember those funky home decor elements your parents or grandparents had in their houses back in the day? Many vintage styles from the Baby Boomer era are making a comeback.
Interior designers are embracing these nostalgic elements, giving them fresh updates while honoring their retro roots. Here are 20 blast-from-the-past home trends that are suddenly cool again!
1. Macramé Wall Hangings
Knotted magic has returned to our walls! Once a staple in 1970s homes, these handcrafted textile art pieces add wonderful texture and bohemian charm to any room.
Modern macramé incorporates cleaner designs and minimalist patterns that complement today’s interiors. Crafters have embraced this traditional technique, creating everything from plant hangers to headboards.
2. Bold Geometric Patterns
Zigzags, diamonds, and hexagons have jumped back into our living spaces. During the 60s and 70s, bold shapes dominated everything from wallpaper to upholstery.
What’s changed is how we’re using them – as statement pieces rather than all-over patterns. A geometric area rug or accent pillow adds visual interest without overwhelming the senses.
3. Retro Color Palettes (Mustard, Avocado, Burnt Orange)
Mustard yellow, avocado green, and burnt orange – once the signature colors of 1970s kitchens – now grace modern spaces with nostalgic warmth.
Interior designers are using these colors strategically as accent pieces rather than overwhelming entire rooms. A mustard armchair or burnt orange throw blanket adds just the right vintage touch.
4. Shag Carpets
Unlike the wall-to-wall versions of yesteryear, today’s shag appears in area rug form with updated colors and improved materials. Luxurious underfoot, modern versions feature shorter, denser fibers that are easier to clean than their predecessors. Neutral tones and subtle patterns have replaced the wild colors of the past.
5. Vintage Light Fixtures
Sputnik chandeliers, globe pendants, and sculptural table lamps from the mid-century era cast their glow once again in contemporary homes. Rewired and refreshed, these statement pieces serve as functional art.
Many homeowners hunt flea markets for authentic pieces, while manufacturers produce new fixtures inspired by iconic designs from the 50s and 60s.
6. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Clean lines and organic curves never truly went out of style. Characterized by tapered legs, minimal ornamentation, and functional beauty, these iconic furniture pieces have transcended their era.
Walnut credenzas, molded plastic chairs, and low-profile sofas now mix seamlessly with contemporary pieces. Even big-box retailers offer affordable versions of designs once found only in high-end vintage shops.
7. Patterned Wallpaper
Bold florals, geometric prints, and nature-inspired motifs that adorned boomer-era homes are making a dramatic return in modern interiors.
Unlike the overwhelming patterns of the past, today’s approach focuses on accent walls or small spaces like powder rooms. Peel-and-stick options make this trend accessible even for renters wanting to experiment.
8. Wood Paneling
Once mocked as dated, wooden walls are now coveted features. Homeowners are embracing warm wood tones again, but with a modern twist that elevates this classic treatment. Gone are the dark, glossy panels of rec rooms past.
Today’s versions feature natural finishes, vertical orientation, and thoughtful placement. Designers use it to create accent walls or to add warmth to minimalist spaces.
9. Glass Block Walls
Popular in Art Deco and later in 1980s designs, these translucent architectural elements add texture and interest.
Modern applications include shower enclosures, room dividers, and even exterior windows. Updated installations feature cleaner lines and more intentional placement than their predecessors, creating artistic light patterns throughout the day.
10. Built-In Bookshelves
Floor-to-ceiling shelving units, once standard in mid-century homes, offer both practicality and architectural interest. Newer versions incorporate media storage and display space for collectibles.
Designers are updating the look with floating shelves, integrated lighting, and mixed materials that blend seamlessly with contemporary interiors.
11. Brass Accents
Warm metallic touches are shining again in modern homes. After years of chrome and brushed nickel dominance, the golden glow of brass has returned to hardware, fixtures, and decorative objects.
Today’s finish tends toward unlacquered or antiqued versions. Cabinet pulls, light fixtures, and coffee table frames in this warm metal add instant character to contemporary spaces.
12. Sunken Living Rooms
Architects are rediscovering the intimacy and drama of these lowered living spaces that were all the rage in mid-century homes. Contemporary interpretations feature clean lines and neutral palettes rather than the shag-carpeted versions of the past.
The subtle level change creates natural gathering spaces without walls, perfect for open-concept homes seeking definition.
13. Statement Clocks
Oversized sunburst clocks, atomic designs, and sculptural wall clocks are once again becoming focal points in home decor. Beyond mere timekeeping, these functional art pieces make bold design statements.
Trendy versions maintain vintage aesthetics while incorporating contemporary colors and materials that complement today’s interiors.
14. Ceramic Planters
Sculptural ceramic planters in organic shapes and earthy glazes have sprouted up everywhere in modern homes.
Handcrafted texture and imperfections are celebrated in these pieces. Whether displaying trailing pothos or trendy fiddle leaf figs, these containers add character that mass-produced plastic pots simply can’t match.
15. Retro Bar Carts
Once a staple in mid-century entertaining, these mobile mixology stations now serve as both functional furniture and stylish displays. Gold-toned frames supporting glass shelves showcase spirits and barware.
Creative homeowners repurpose these versatile pieces as nightstands, plant displays, or bathroom storage – proving good design always finds new life.
16. Rattan Furniture
Woven wonders have swung back into our living spaces! Peacock chairs, curved sofas, and headboards crafted from this natural material bring textural interest and casual elegance.
Modern rattan pieces feature cleaner lines than their 70s predecessors. Designers pair these airy, organic elements with contemporary upholstery and sleek accessories, creating balanced spaces that feel both timeless and fresh.
17. Floor Lamps with Fabric Shades
Standing tall once again in living rooms everywhere. Arc lamps, tripod bases, and drum shades that illuminated boomer-era homes have switched back on in contemporary spaces.
Fabric shades soften the harsh light of modern LEDs, creating warm, inviting atmospheres. These lighting workhorses combine vintage charm with practical functionality.
18. Tiled Backsplashes with Bold Patterns
Kitchens and bathrooms are getting splashy again! Vibrant geometric tiles and colorful patterns that adorned boomer-era walls are making magnificent comebacks in modern renovations.
Today’s approach often features handmade tiles with intentional imperfections. Moroccan fish scales, bold hexagons, and subway tiles in unexpected colors transform utilitarian spaces into personal style statements.
19. Oversized Throw Pillows
Plush comfort has piled back onto our sofas! Large, decorative cushions in various textures and patterns create inviting lounging spaces reminiscent of laid-back 70s style. Floor pillows and bolsters encourage casual seating arrangements.
20. Vintage Record Players
Turntables, the center of boomer-era entertainment, now serve as both functional music systems and nostalgic decor pieces. Modern record players blend vintage aesthetics with updated technology like Bluetooth compatibility.
Displayed on shelving with album collections, these musical throwbacks create conversation-starting vignettes that celebrate analog pleasures in our digital world.