What’s old is almost always new again at some point! Many once-popular design styles, which for a period of time were seen as incredibly passé, have turned a corner in recent years, Southern designers explain. Here, they highlight eight different home elements that are back in full force and you should feel more than proud about incorporating into your space.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper was once seen as outdated and so late-20th century, but it’s come back into vogue in full force over the past decade. “It’s now a statement, especially when tied in with a color drenched room or used as a mural,” says Alicia Thomasson, the founder of Alicia Thomasson Interiors in Northern Virginia.
Jennie Rebecca Springer, the founder of Jennie Rebecca Design in Nashville, agrees that wallpaper fully deserves a place in today’s homes. “Fresh patterns, colors and textured wallpapers give us a glimpse of remembrance of our homes from the past,” she says.
Dark Wood Furniture and Cabinetry
Decorating with primarily white furniture may have been the popular thing to do in the early 21st century, but times are changing. Don’t be so quick to turn down that dark wood chest your mother or grandmother is offering you. “Antique casegoods are back (and hopefully for good),” Thomasson says. “They bring an elevated warmth and character to a space.”
Springer appreciates wood kitchen cabinets in particular and is pleased that they’re making a return. “Think beyond the heavy, dark cherry stained ones from the past,” she says. “Natural material with varying species’ grains can be spotted in new builds and remodels abound.”
Rett Peek for J. Bienvenu Interiors
Dark Wood Floors
Speaking of dark wood, you’ll also see this look come to the forefront as it pertains to flooring. “Dark wood floors are definitely having a moment again, especially dark-stained oak where the natural grain is still really visible,” says Heidi Houdek, the founder of Heidi Houdek Interiors in Austin, Texas. “It gives a space that rich, moody feel without feeling dated or heavy.”
Checkerboard Tile Floors
Another seemingly dated flooring style worth considering for your home is checkerboard tile. “These outdated design elements are officially back—and they’re more refined than ever,” says Kelley Kolettis, the founder of Kelley Kolettis Designs in Little Rock, Arkansas, who adds that both black and white as well as creamy white and taupe are popular color pairings.
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Closed Floor Plans
Open floor plans began to decline in popularity during the pandemic, when it became clear that more time spent at home indicated a need for a division of space. Closed floor plans, once a thing of the past, are re-surging in popularity, Thomasson notes. She says, “We’re seeing more clients gravitate to layouts that include various spaces for dedicated purposes.”
Upholstery Details
Designers are thinking beyond sleek, clean lines and opting to use trim, border, and piping work once again when it comes to upgrading upholstery and wall treatments, explains Alicia Hassen. “Think contrasting piping on cushions, flange borders on throw pillows, elegant trim added to drapery, and border wallpapers placed intentionally along paneling and architectural lines to add interest and personality,” says the founder of Alicia Roche Interiors in Austin, Texas.
Colored Sinks and Bathtubs
If you never thought you’d see colored sinks and bathtubs back in style after growing up with them in the 80s or 90s, this one may shock you. “Colored sinks and bathtubs that rose in popularity in the 1950s are making a comeback,” Hassen says. “These elements offer a bold way to be adventurous in a space while still honoring history.” People are working with both vintage and salvaged pieces as well as new ones, she explains.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Houdek shares that oil-rubbed bronze’s comeback may seem like a bit more of a surprise but is worth exploring. “I know it feels very early-2000s at first glance, but the current versions are totally different,” she says. “It feels warmer and softer than the matte black that was everywhere a few years ago, but still clean and current.”
Read the original article on Southern Living