Wicker Furniture
The first piece of wicker furniture landed in America on the Mayflower in 1620—a wicker baby cradle—and became a staple piece of furniture from the Victorian era until the 1930s. It had a brief revival in the ’60s and ’70s, but today it’s come back with a boom. Its difference, however, is that it’s used sparingly in the home so as not to create a matchy-matchy, dated look. If you love strolling through second-hand stores looking at furniture from decades past, check out these 10 brilliant tips to spot hidden gems in antique stores.
Wallpaper
It’s true that wallpaper can be tacky, with memories of dated floral patterns in your grandmother’s home in the ’70s. Today, however, it’s made a major comeback that’s fresh and modern. Geometric patterns, metallics, botanicals and more will add some serious dimension to your home, especially when used on an accent wall. Check out these 15 stunning DIY accent walls.
Gold
While shiny brass was big in home design circa 1995, today the look is more muted. Champagne bronze is fresh and subtle. Faucets, frames and fixtures are taking a break from chrome and brushed nickel to give the fresh soft-gold look a go. Here are some of our favorite bathroom and kitchen sink faucets.
Blue and White
Big in the early ’90s, the blue and white color palette is back with a fresh face. While the trend was once used in overwhelming amounts in the home to create a tranquil space, today it’s used in modern patterns as part of an eclectic design scheme. Did you know Jackie Kennedy decorated the master bedroom of the White House in powder blue and white?
Pastels
Pastels were huge among the preppies of the ’80s, and were synonymous with Miami Vice. Today, pastel hues in the home don’t come off as obnoxious and dated, but rather unique yet sophisticated, especially when offset with a bold accent color. Intimidated by choosing paint colors for your home? Here’s some great advice to make the process easier.
Wood Paneling
A mainstay in the 1960s, wood paneling is more than just retro these days. Wood paneling has made a comeback with slimmer slats and smoother surfaces. And, as you know, shiplap is everywhere! Add elegance to your favorite room with easy-to-build wood panels.
Macramé
This kitschy look dates back to the 1970s. Macramé is a form of textile-making that’s made up of hand-tied knots instead of knitting with needles or weaving on a loom. Many of the original ’70s designs have resurfaced, like plant holders and wall hangings but with a more minimalist touch that makes the designs less “groovy” and more boho chic. Macramé may be the millennial DIY of the moment, but it dates back centuries!
Sunburst Motifs
The sunburst motif dates back centuries, serving as halos surrounding figures in medieval religious art. In the 1950s and ’60s, the sunburst mirror received an atomic space-age makeover. Often referred to as starburst mirrors, they featured small circular mirrors along the thin rays. While traditionally gold in color, today they come in a variety of finishes from silver to natural wood. Are you more interested in solar power than sunburst decor? Here’s how to find out if solar power is really right for you.
Houseplants
Houseplants, especially spider plants and ferns, were very popular accents in the 1970s. Filling up the home in all their oxygenated glory, houseplants are very popular in design today, both as a means for accenting just as much as purifying the air. Liven up a room with a living wall, or hang that spider plant in a macramé plant holder in a cozy corner.
According to research, houseplants do more than just add a touch of nature to your spaces. One study found that those who spent time in a room with a plant rated themselves as more confident and energized compared to those who spent time in spaces without plants. Check out these 11 air-purifying plants!
Conversation Pits
Popular in luxurious homes of the mid-1970s, conversation pits featured a recessed square at its center that was filled with couches. Today, they’re making a comeback, sans the burnt orange and avocado green color scheme. With a desire for cozy yet social spaces, these pits are nestled in a sunken living room, using neutral colors for the couch and bright pillows to accent. If you love to entertain, check out these backyard entertaining spaces.
Graphic Art
Dating back to the 1970s, graphic art often showed up as framed posters. While graphic artwork in its entirety isn’t back in full swing, impactful and unique pieces of art are being used as a dramatic focal point in a room furnished with clean-lined furniture.
Want to learn how to create your own piece of graphic art? Here’s everything you need to know!
Brutalist Design
Brutalist design dates back to just after World War II. Originating from the French word for “raw,” brutalism came to be when housing and government buildings were made of raw materials like concrete and steel. By the ’70s, brutalist design was in the home, with industrial metallics and furniture representing the rough surface of concrete. Today, it serves as a juxtaposition to mid-century modern, offering an undone look. Check out these 12 unexpected ways to use metal in your home decor.
Geometric Patterns
The Ancient Greeks and Moroccans both used bold geometric patterns in their architectural and interior designs, while the 1900s saw angular structures and patterns in different forms as this design style progressed. Such patterns are also synonymous with the Art Deco period — a style, born in the ’20s, and thought to originate in Paris after WWI. Here, the swirls and floral motifs of Art Nouveau were transformed into sleeker, bolder, curved or geometric lines. The design is major right now, offering classic bold aesthetics with a sharpness that feels both playful and sleek.
Mirrored Kitchen Backsplash
Popular during the disco era of the late ’70s and early ’80s, the mirrored kitchen backsplash was all about adding a touch of glam, and even opening the room up a bit. Today, this look is popping up in traditionally styled kitchens, infusing the simplicity with some glamour. If you’re not sold on the mirrored backsplash, here are 30 other options to consider.
Shag Rugs
Shag rugs may be synonymous with the 1970s, but they’ve come back in a new way. Instead of bright and bold, they’re much less daring today, more muted, cozy and fluffy.
Eventually, the time comes when your area rug or removable carpet needs more than just another vacuuming. Here’s how to clean it yourself.
The post 15 Vintage Home Trends That Are Making a Comeback appeared first on Taste of Home.
Alexa Erickson