Why '80s And '90s Trends Are Coming Back: Nostalgia Decor, Explained

While minimalist aesthetics have dominated interior design circles over the past two decades, these streamlined spaces are vanishing in favor of more maximalist and colorful interiors. This change is motivated by a sense of nostalgia and a desire to evoke the cozy atmosphere of your grandparents' house — with a tasteful, contemporary twist, of course. While this doesn't necessarily mean that VCR players and shag carpets are making a comeback, the connection between the past and present places a greater emphasis on how spaces make homeowners' feel instead of how they look. To achieve this, many people choose to incorporate a mix of vintage pieces and new décor, with a nod to decades past to create a layered, nostalgic theme. The result is character-filled spaces with the warmth of simpler times, and with one-of-a-kind items that prioritize personality over muted color palettes. 

It's a look that is both universally cozy and uniquely personal, but if you don't know where to begin, there are a few things to look for when it comes to nostalgic décor. These include patterns and textures that once populated homes in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as vintage items and antiques from the later 20th century. It also includes vintage dishware, knick-knacks, furniture, and lighting from these decades, or even earlier if you're into mid-century modern design. You can also look to other growing trends, such as grandmillennial home design and the "whimsigothic" home decor trend for more nostalgic flair. Think "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" meets your grandmother's living room — doilies, needlepoint pillows, and all.

The key to mixing nostalgic elements into your home — and not having it look like a 1980s museum exhibition — is by blending pieces from different eras cohesively, including a balance of both modern and retro influences. Incorporating a nostalgia-based décor scheme into your home may be something you've already done without knowing it. For example, family heirlooms you inherited from parents and grandparents may already be present in your space. Blending these pieces with modern and trendy items in your preferred design style can help you forge your own vision. Consider pairing your prized antique china cabinet with a contemporary dining table and wishbone-style chairs. Or, use a refurbished vintage dresser as an entertainment console. If you do not have pieces that have been handed down, you can often find beautiful treasures in secondhand venues like thrift stores, as well as flea markets and antique shops. Sourcing the items is part of the fun — think of it like an ongoing art project. 

Other great ways to bring nostalgia into your space is to infuse it with vintage patterns and color schemes. Wallpaper is a great way to add visual interest, and there are many old-school prints to choose from, from colorful florals to groovy geometric patterns. Some of the most popular trends from this era include 1980s Laura Ashley-inspired florals and Mediterranean-inspired Tuscan motifs and imagery from the 1990s. Color schemes from the 1980s like pastels, browns, and neon colors reigned, as did certain textures like ruffles, fringe, curvy furniture, lacquer, and of course, shag rugs. The 1990s brought more earth tones and jewel tones, as well as rattan furniture which remains trendy to this day. You can also look to rom-com decor trends to give your home a nostalgic feel, including slipcovered sofas piled with pillows and light wood coffee tables displaying sentimental keepsakes.