15 Decorating Trends That Designers Say Are Making a Comeback

These blasts from the past are reappearing in both high design and low-budget decor. Check out the these trends designers are saying are making a comeback.

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June 20, 2019

By: Lori Johnston

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'80s Style

The '80s are coming back, but in a more modern way, says designer Kerra Michele of Kerra Michele Interiors. The palette uses both pastels and neon, which mix in her studio space. Other elements of the resurgence of '80s style are punchy graphic prints and overscaled furniture, although the lines are thinner than the ultra-puffy pieces of the past. "The '80s are back, but it’s 2.0, and I’m welcoming it," she says. "It’s playful without being tacky."

From: Kerra Michele Huerta

Rounded Furniture

The clean lines of minimalism and mid-century modern design are shifting, says Sarah Stacey of Sarah Stacey Interior Design. There's more interest in furniture with curved edges and rounded lines, also reminiscent of the '80s, as people embrace maximalism, she adds.

From: Sarah Stacey Interior Design

Peacock Chairs

"I think peacock chairs are back in favor because of the nostalgic vibe they create," says Molly Wood of Molly Wood Garden Design. "A lot of people at a certain age remember the 'age of the original peacock chair' with fondness. Now, the youngsters are romanticizing 'groovier times.'"

From: Molly Wood and Molly Wood

Bleached Furniture

For the master bedroom, the client wanted something that would stand apart from the white shiplap walls but would still blend cohesively within the space. With this handmade canopy bed made of bleached Western maple headboard and footboard, Amy Studebaker of Amy Studebaker Design added contrast while keeping the space cheery and bright. "Bleached furniture is becoming a major recent design trend, because it provides a light texture and color to the space without it being distracting or overbearing," she explains.

Pretty Passementerie

Tasteful tassels are making a comeback on draperies and pillows, both indoors and outdoors, says Lauren Riddiough Clement of Lauren Nicole Designs. "Today, a tassel can be more modernized when used in a sleek silver or light champagne color, and even more elongated and in a smooth silk texture. The short, gold tassel look is a thing of the past," she says. Passementerie, such as a tassel, offers a finishing touch, to drapery fabric or on each corner of a pillow. But use them on one or two pillows, not every pillow on your sofa, she recommends.

From: Lauren Clement

Fringe Fest

Fringe is uber cool today when paired with a sophisticated piece, says Wendy Blackband with Blackband Design. In a California home, she selected fringe chairs but notes that the room avoids having a boho or country theme. "What makes those very special is obviously that they’re leather," she says. "It's a little bit unexpected."

From: Blackband Design

Rattan Redux

Rattan is reaching new levels by being used in more contemporary furniture design, says Wendy Blackband with Blackband Design. It's not like rattan of the past, though. Today's rattan is more modernized, and the pieces are used to break up a room without looking too coastal or tropical, she adds. This chair by Palecek features bundled natural abaca rope wrapped around a rattan frame.

From: Blackband Design

Black Appliances

This kitchen by Sarah Stacey of Sarah Stacey Interior Design pairs two comeback trends in one: black appliances and painted cabinets. She admits she didn't think non-stainless steel appliances were going to be back in style, but credits appliance makers for making styles that are charming and have finishes that are more matte, as compared to the shiny finishes of the past.

From: Sarah Stacey Interior Design

Asparagus Fern

"This fern was a big mid-century staple. I’ve been using them a lot lately for their cool color, texture and fabulous durability," says Molly Wood of Molly Wood Garden Design.

From: Molly Wood and Molly Wood

Anything Green

Green is a go-to today because it makes a room feel more sophisticated and lush, as in this California home with a tufted green velvet sofa. Green, in the right type of fabric, can lend rich vibrancy to a room, says Wendy Blackband with Blackband Design. She admits that green got a bum rap for a long time because it was mixed with burgundy, especially when Tuscan style was prevalent. But it can be beautiful, especially with wood tones, she adds.

From: Blackband Design

'70s Style Wall Art

Design gets topsy-turvy by using a rug on the wall, which is another nod to the '70s revival in home decor. In this living room, Sarah Stacey of Sarah Stacey Interior Design says using the rug as art was an affordable way to add texture and a graphic pattern, fitting boho style from the '70s alongside contemporary furnishings.

From: Sarah Stacey Interior Design

Textured Wallpaper

Textured wallpaper also has re-emerged, says Amy Guess, principal designer at Barbara Gilbert Interiors. In this poolside apartment, a geometric beaded wallcovering is used on a wall with iridescent plates.

From: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

Four-Poster Bed

The four-poster bed is constantly reinventing itself, says Wendy Blackband with Blackband Design. She's seen them with upholstered headboards, turned wood leg styles and metal frames. "I love four poster beds, especially in a room where you’ve got a peaked ceiling," she says. "I always think of being on vacation."

From: Blackband Design

Glass Block

For a more retro throwback, glass block has started showing up in projects, says Amy Guess, principal interior designer with Barbara Gilbert Interiors. While it may be a personal preference whether or not you like glass block, it's an interesting way to allow light into your space.

From: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

Sansevieria

Also known as "mother-in-law's tongue," this plant was very popular in the '70s and still has a bit of a dated connotation for many people, says Molly Wood of Molly Wood Garden Design. "Luckily, there is a huge variety of this plant to choose from — tall and gray to deep green and spikey. It’s one of my favorites!"