Interior Design Trends Over the Past 50 Years

Interior Design Trends over the Past 50 Years

Antique furniture is making a fast comeback in home décor. Are you keeping up with the latest in interior design trends?

From everything antique to a mix and match between the old and the new, interior design has changed drastically over the years.

Back in the day, themed designs ruled home décor. Antique furniture was a dominating presence. However, the ornate carvings, dark woods, and heavily printed paisley fabrics gradually faded out. Sleek iron furnishings, bright colors, and plain textiles took their place.

Now, eccentricity is more welcomed. Be it the posh celebrities or the thrifty homeowners, more and more people are juxtaposing modern designs with antiques. And for all the right reasons too.

Putting the two ends of the spectrum together really does create spectacular interiors.

Not sure what’s all the hype about buying antique furniture online?

Take a look at how furniture and interior designs trends have changed over the last 50 years. The styles of the past are sure to make you yearn for some old-school charm in your own place too.

The ‘60s

The ‘60s was a decade of peace and love. The hippie movement had a huge effect on almost every aspect of life – and interior design was no exception to this.

Floral patterns and paisleys sporting bright colors were the most trending decorating style. They were found in virtually everything; from wallpapers and upholstery to curtains, carpets, and even cutlery. Usually, they were combined with clean lines and unusual shapes for instant attention grabbing.

Lava lamps and similar accent lights became a common sight.

The ‘60s saw an influx of mass-produced modern furnishings. However, customized pieces were still a norm as people were constantly looking for ways to add their own unique touch to their place.

Many homeowners also incorporated mirrors, crystals, and the art of Feng Shui in interior designing. Together, it helped create more open and natural living spaces that evoked just the right positive vibes – something that was desperately needed in a post war world.

The ‘70s

The hippie style had almost died down by the ‘70s. But its aftereffects were still quite noticeable as vivid orange, yellow, and brown tones continued to influence home décor.

Floral designs subsided considerably from many decoration items but still lingered around in upholstery. In its place sprung geometric shapes and patterns on rich textures such as high-pile carpets.

Shag rugs were a signature style of this decade. In fact, they were such a crowd pleaser that homeowners deemed it completely appropriate to spread them in literally every corner of the house – including the kitchen!

Due to the economic downturn in the ‘70s, the interior trends, on a whole sort of settled down. People were hesitant to spend on modern furnishings and the demand for new and unknown designs was quickly gone.

Instead, there was a shift towards ‘make-do’ styles. Vintage items and antique furniture from historic times were refurnished and reused.

Comfort became the primary focus of home decoration. Which is why large velvet sofas and plush armchairs were a new constant in living rooms.

Cheap wood paneling, linoleum floors, and laminate countertops were all a prominent feature of the interior design trends during the 1970s.

The ‘80s

This decade brought the demise of the multicolored and somewhat flamboyant styles that had governed interior designs for almost twenty years.

Bold and bright was out. Sober and more sophisticated styles were in.

Homeowners embraced a clean and well-organized look. Consequently, muted shades like salmon pink, lilac, and other pastels were introduced in various ways. Be it textiles or the bathroom walls, you would see these soft shades all around the house.

The ‘80s brought about a significant degree of economic prosperity. As a result, many homeowners jumped on the bandwagon of imitating the styles featured in catalogues as well as in their favorite TV shows.

Sectional sofas were a must-have during this time because home theater and entertainment systems became the ultimate addition to living rooms.

The ’90s

In the ‘90s, the interior design trends headed towards maximizing comfort and livability without missing out on the technological advancements that were shaping the world.

Consumer electronics like sound systems and televisions created the need for desks, stands, and shelves in both the living room and bedroom.

People were mostly busy discovering the benefits of all the new technology. Thus, the trend of simple, clutter-free living started in the ‘80s became all the more prevalent.

Wrought iron furniture with its sleek and slender make perfectly fitted the bill. Similarly, other metal and plastic items soon replaced heavy wooden dining table and study room furnishings.

The New Millennium

The turn of the century saw the rise of what we have come to call ‘smart homes.’

From the layout of residential units to the furniture, appliances, and everything else in between, the main objective of homeowners now is to create a comfortable living space that is adaptable with modern technology.

In the first decade of the 21^st century, there was a strong demand for the chicest decoration pieces and never-seen-before kind of furniture.

However, the mass movement towards uniqueness became so common that modern furnishings could no longer make the cut.

And that’s when antique furniture and vintage items resurfaced in home décor.

Antiques Are All the Rage These Days

Nowadays, old-world items have become the go-to option for anyone and everyone trying to add some visual interest in their homes.

The mix and match of the old and the new has an exclusive appeal to it that just cannot be achieved with either one of the options used all alone.

The trend has picked up the pace even more due to the sustainability factor. Antique furniture with its natural wood or metal making is far more durable than the delicate structure of its synthetic counterparts.

Plus, the best part is that is that stylizing your home with antiques doesn’t require too much planning or forethought.

You can add just a piece or two from the historic times and make it look spectacular!

Take Your Interiors From Boring to Bold

Whether you want something retro from the ‘60s or something truly antique like from the Baroque period, look no further than Styylish.

We are professional antique collectors constantly on the search for authentic old-world items that can make a fine addition to modern homes.

Our range of unique pieces for individual homes includes something for every palate.

Check out our entire store here to buy antique furniture online and have it delivered right at your doorstep!