Like fashion, interior design trends tend to be cyclical. We asked several interior design and real estate experts which old home trends are making a comeback. These retro features are once again popular because they possess emotional depth, authenticity, and character that people yearn for now during uncertain times. They also offer a stark contrast to the cold, minimalist style that was a hit in recent years.
“Home buyers today desire houses with stories to share and to offer genuine comfort and not museum-like perfection,” says Sain Rhodes, real estate expert at Clever Offers. “These vintage trends work because they create emotional connections that buyers can’t find in cookie-cutter modern spaces—and that emotional connection translates directly into stronger real estate offers.” Here are five design trends from past decades reappearing in homes today that you might want to adopt in your home as well.
Checkerboard Flooring
Remember the black-and-white checkerboard floors from 1950s diners and kitchens? Well, they’re back. Actually, checkerboard flooring has been around since ancient times in Egypt and the Roman Empire, and again during the Renaissance. Then they gained popularity in American culture, first during the Art Deco era of the 1920s and then the mid-20th century.
This nostalgic pattern evokes timelessness, bold contrast, and a classic lifestyle. “It gives a playful structure to open layouts that can otherwise feel too wide,” says Chris Desino, real estate expert and owner of Ocala Horse Properties in Ocala, Florida. “In practical terms, it hides dirt better than flat white floors, and I’ve noticed homeowners prefer that.” To tap into this trend now, Desino recommends trying muted tones like gray and cream, sage and cream, or terracotta and ivory for a softer look in kitchens and entryways that aren’t too loud years down the road.
Floral Wallpaper
Forget the days of plain white walls throughout a home. Chintz patterns and large-scale florals are experiencing a massive resurgence, particularly those with a sense of the 1960s or 1970s, characterized by bold colors and shapes, says Rhodes. “What’s driving this trend is the emotional connection buyers are seeking after years of sterile, minimalist spaces,” Rhodes says. “I’ve seen homes featuring chintz wallpaper in powder rooms or as accent walls sell 15 percent faster than comparable properties with plain walls.”
The trick is to use this decorative wallpaper sparingly as a statement piece rather than overwhelming entire rooms. She recommends only papering one accent wall or a contained area like a hallway nook or a small powder room to add personality and vintage charm without creating visual chaos.
Brass, Bronze, and Gold Finishes
For years, only brushed nickel and polished chrome were acceptable finishes for pulls and handles, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. But historical looks are making a comeback with a new interest in brass, bronze, and gold finishes. “Warm metals like brass and bronze offer a softer, lived-in elegance, as they connect with the current craving for authenticity and patina,” notes William Liu, architectural trainee and vintage enthusiast in Indiana.
To incorporate these finishes into your home design, swap out hardware, lighting fixtures, or faucet fittings with aged brass finishes to create warmth and contrast in kitchens and baths. These elements look especially attractive with natural stone and luxe textures like high-gloss surfaces.
Wood Paneling
If you enjoyed watching The Brady Bunch, you probably are familiar with the wood paneling throughout the Brady house, which helped to create the show’s iconic mid-century style in the 1970s. Since then, for decades, wood paneling has been dismissed as old-fashioned and out of style, but it’s now back in vogue. “Buyers love the warmth it gives compared to sterile drywall,” explains Desino. “Its scaling matters, though. Instead of covering every wall, designers are using single accent walls or wrapping cozy corners.”
Another popular look is vertical slats in walnut or oak that look sharp and modern, and also bring that mid-century vibe. “In the homes I’ve toured, this detail alone changes the perception of the space from overly cluttered to crafted.”
Velvet Upholstery
Heavy 1970s-inspired upholstery fabrics like velvet and brocade in bold, saturated colors are making a dramatic comeback, says Rhodes. “This trend works because it creates instant sophistication and warmth that buyers associate with luxury,” she adds. Rhodes recently staged a home using deep emerald velvet furniture paired with brass accents, and potential buyers spent twice as long in that room compared to other spaces. She suggests that when incorporating bold vintage colors, homeowners start with one statement piece like a velvet sofa in a jewel tone hue and then layer in complementary shades using pillows, artwork, and accessories.
Skylights
Skylights were popular back in the 1970s and 1980s, but the technology at the time left a lot to be desired, says Emily Henderson, interior designer at Style by Emily Henderson. “Those old plastic bubble skylights didn’t age well!” But now brands like VELUX have reimagined skylights with modern glass, solar power, remote-control operation, built-in rain sensors, and even pre-installed shades for total light control.
“Now, with smart home integration, you can even schedule skylights to let in morning light as you wake up or automatically vent to improve indoor air quality,” says Henderson. “I love incorporating them into kitchens, bathrooms, and stairwells for natural light and wellness benefits. Plus, they make any space feel fresh and expansive.”
