The '80s Kitchen Trend That's Making A Hard Comeback

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One thing experts can agree on is that trends in interior design are cyclical. You might be surprised to find out that elements in your home's design that you see as tacky or outdated could become one of the decades-old home decor trends that are making a big comeback. One prime example of this is the striking graphic and geometric tiling that was all the rage in the 1980s. While there certainly are outdated tile trends that are going away in 2025, some interior designers believe that graphic tiles are a timeless way to spark intrigue and can give your home a cozy, retro atmosphere. 

Geometric tiles were considered very fashionable in the 1980s, and their bold, eye-catching patterns can fit seamlessly into 2025's modern design trends, which favor maximalist aesthetics and unique interiors that make a statement. Recent trends show that vivid color palettes and patterns are dethroning more neutral designs. While subtle, minimalist tiling was a common theme in kitchens in recent years, interior design in 2025 is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and opting for more daring accents that leave a lasting impression. 

But there are ways to incorporate retro tiling into your home's design while still giving it a fresh and modern look. From sophisticated backsplashes in trendy, bold colors to intricate floor tiling that adds depth and character, it's possible to incorporate geometric tiling without making your kitchen appear stuck in the past. Here is how you can put a 2025 spin on the nostalgic tiling from the 1980s.

Geometric tiling is not the only retro design trend that's making a comeback in 2025, but it is one of the most versatile and can easily be tailored to your exact taste. A great way to give vintage tiling a more modern feel is by choosing color schemes that are hot in 2025. Vivid, emerald greens, oxblood reds, and other bold primary colors are very trendy at the moment and would fit in perfectly with the eye-catching aesthetic of retro tiling. Another trick to making sure your rooms with vintage tiling don't look too outdated is to decorate with sleeker, modern accents, like warm woods or subtle, fresh textiles. This method has been used by interior design experts like HGTV's Joanna Gaines to give dated rooms updated appeal.

You can also create an accent wall with trendy wallpaper to contrast the old-school tiling and make your kitchen feel more fashionable. Pairing a retro tile backsplash with polished, mid-century modern appliances can also strike a harmonious balance. But tiling isn't limited to just the walls; you can use large floor tiles with bespoke patterns to make a statement in your eclectic kitchen. 

If you aren't ready to fully commit and begin the potentially lengthy retiling process, use retro tiling for smaller accent decor, like on serving trays, coasters, or wall art. Or you can find inexpensive decals made for tiling, like this Retro Self-Adhesive 12-Inch Vinyl Sticker Set from Amazon, which allows you to transform plain tiles without worrying about trends shifting and your kitchen eventually appearing outdated.