7 Passé Home Trends Designers Wish Would Make a Comeback

While some design trends can stand the test of time, many wind up as nothing more than passing fads. However, ask any interior designer if there’s a “dated” decor look that they’re a still a fan of, and chances are they’ll have at least one solid example because even though the internet at large can tell you something is passé, you’re still completely entitled to love it.

We asked seven of our favorite designers which old school decorating trends they secretly wish would make a comeback, and some of their responses surprised us. From wall-to-wall carpeting to mint-colored kitchens, here’s what they had to say.

“This is coming from a girl whose kitchen is white and black with light stone countertops (so take this with a grain of salt), but I’d secretly be down for ’50s-inspired mint-colored kitchens to come back into style. There was something so kitschy and playful about how color was incorporated into homes back then that it would make for a refreshing update.”

“I secretly love ’70s A-frame houses with wood paneling inside and out. They remind me of being a kid and going on ski trips with my family complete with a roaring fire and home cooked meals.

On the design front, in all seriousness, the A-frame usually means an open plan on the first floor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an intimacy that we are moving toward more and more in design. Add some great Moroccan rugs, killer mid-century lighting and vintage leather seating and you can’t ask for better…maybe we need to update the kitchen and baths a bit!”

“Hands down, when people decorate a space all in one textile. Using the same fabric for the pillows, the walls, the bedding, the drapes, it’s very ’80s wasp.” (Case in point: this bedroom by designer Jan Showers, featured in Luxe Interiors + Design.)

“I’m a secret fan of wall-to-wall carpet. Neutral ones create rooms with cozy, hotel-y vibes, but bright-colored wall-to-wall carpeting mixed with high-end materials (like stone or travertine) forges a luxe but retro feel.” (We’ll go ahead and throw in that if said wall-to-wall carpeting is a glorious shade of dusty pink, like the floor in this glam bedroom from Living Pink design studio, it would be welcome in our home anytime!)

“I’m really sad sunken living rooms (like this one from micasa revista) and conversation pits fell out of favor. Either an architectural change in flooring levels or a more DIY approach by building up a plywood platform on one side of the room to create a raised space—I would love to see this come back in style.”

“I’m weirdly craving fringe trim lately! The type that you saw in traditional ’90s decor but in tone on tone neutrals; it makes it feel more contemporary. I’d do it on the bottom of a chair or a sofa.”

“Sponge painting gives me so much nostalgia. I grew up with a father that was a contractor and a mother that could DIY anything. Sponge painting was the highlight of our guest room for a period of time.

I would love to see this come back and be applied with a bold color and a metallic overlay to make it a bit more modern. This could even be applied in a bright color for a kid’s room. We use wallpaper all the time to add texture and paint is so versatile and forgiving, why not?”