3 old-school home decor trends we want to see revived this year
By Sumiko Wilson on Jan 31, 2017
Every season, new home decor trends are ushered into popularity as old fads fade into obscurity. But while it’s easy to abide by what’s trendy, it’s even more special when you can infuse your home with unique elements of the past, and more so when you are able to merge classic and contemporary decor into a cohesive aesthetic, reflecting your past and your present.
Still, trends can be hard to ignore. Design experts are forecasting that this year we will be seeing more hints of green, Pantone’s Colour Of The Year, as well as a wider variety of mixed textures. While sleek surfaces have dominated decor in the past, this year they are being abandoned in favour of more rugged, raw aesthetic.
Faux finishes are also expected to continue to rise in popularity, as they are not only more affordable than their authentic counterparts but they can also be more durable. For example, faux wood ceiling beams don’t rot and faux quartz countertops are better equipped to endure heat and acidic foods.
With such a vast variety of factors determining which trends will ascend to popularity among homeowners, it can be hard to keep up; however, one consistent reoccurrence is that some old-school trends are bound to become new again.
So with that, here are some old-school trends that we want to see revived this year:
1) Bold and bright appliances
We’re not saying there’s anything wrong with stainless steel, but some people like a punch of colour! A very noticeable mid-century marker was the refrigerator, as the kitschy retro style was nostalgic and unique. This year, we would love to see this retro silhouette with all of the updated fridge features to pair mod whimsy with modern technology. We’re already starting to see these retro style fridges available through some retailers, but will a builder or developer ever offer this look as an option?
2) Wood panelling
Since culottes are cool again, can we give wood panelling a second chance? Wood panelling was once a suburban staple but nowadays, they are harder to come across. In addition to giving homes a cozy, rustic feel, wood panelling is an easy way to give a room depth and dimension.
Unlike wallpaper or paint, wood panelling can conceal dents and mask other unsightly flaws. It also acts as an insulator, so you can save money on heating in the winter!
To update the retro trend and customize it to your liking, try using different stains or opting for eco-friendly reclaimed wood. You can even install wood panelling on loft ceiling and leave the walls bare to create a cool contrast and incorporate a variety of textures.
3) Tapestry
Tapestries have a long history in homes. In medieval times, they were considered too good to be kept on the floor like rugs and were hung on walls and in doorways as insulation.
Nowadays, they act as a stylish, unique focal point. The colourful prints and whimsical patterns are reminiscent of the ‘70s, when bohemian style reigned. While it has become a popular choice in dorm rooms for students who want to infuse personality into an otherwise bland bedroom, we would love to see tapestries go beyond the dorm room this year. It could make a beautiful headboard!
We hope that you enjoy revisiting these fun old-school home decor trends this year!