With the rapid pace of change these days, not to mention the movement toward sustainable home decor, it’s not surprising that interior designers are seeing several retro home-decor styles making a comeback.
According to the experts at Better Homes & Gardens, decor items that represent a bygone era tap into homeowners’ desires for the nostalgia and comfort of past decades. Plus, many retro pieces are also classic and will never go out of style, making them a choice that will last throughout the various decor themes you may try out over the years.
Here are some of the hottest retro trends for 2025 that home design experts recently shared with Better Homes & Gardens.
Boldly patterned wallpaper. From floral and geometric patterns to scenic murals, a bold wallpaper design can add tons of character to a room. Experts recommend starting small, applying wallpaper to an accent wall or small space. Be sure to incorporate colors from the wallpaper pattern into the area via textiles, artwork or decorative accessories.
Area rugs with bold colors and patterns. Whether it’s a stylish midcentury modern design or a ’90s floral print, a retro-patterned area rug is an easy and effective way to add a little nostalgia to a room. The great advantage of tapping into the retro trend with an area rug is that you can easily move or replace it whenever you want to switch gears. Experts add that the bold design of an area rug works great with natural elements in a room, such as organic shapes and textured finishes.
’80s-inspired looks. Add a little ’80s to your home decor with chrome finishes, graphic patterns and bold primary colors. This trend can be easily achieved with the simple addition of a unique, retro chrome lamp or accent chair, or a piece of graphic artwork and brightly colored throw pillows.
Midcentury classics. You can bring this classic design scheme into your home by selecting furniture or accent pieces that embody rich woods, like oak and walnut, clean lines and low-sitting furniture. According to designers, you can also capture a midcentury feel with small additions, such as a sideboard, chandelier or ’50s-inspired wallpaper.
An eclectic kitchen. As the all-white kitchen trend wanes, try out a retro kitchen that offers a melange of colors, textures and patterns. The idea is to be playful by mixing different hardware finishes or by adding open shelving to display a variety of dishware and decor.
