{"id":415124,"date":"2026-05-06T20:54:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T20:54:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/415124\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T20:54:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T20:54:14","slug":"the-biggest-interior-design-trends-from-the-decade-you-were-born-according-to-designers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/415124\/","title":{"rendered":"The Biggest Interior Design Trends From the Decade You Were Born, According to Designers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fashion<\/a>, beauty, wellness, travel<\/a>, tech, and interior design<\/a>\u2014trends exist in every sphere. While many trends<\/a> are packaged in a way to make them feel fresh and innovative, oftentimes, what\u2019s en vogue has simply cycled through and reappeared with slight variations. With this in mind, we set out to uncover the biggest design trends<\/a> from the decade you were born, and to highlight those still popular today.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe trends that still translate best are those that incorporate warmth and function\u2014that includes the organic textures of the 1970s, the confidence of the 1980s, the comfort of the 1990s, the livability of the 2000s, and the cleaner approach to space planning that became so prominent in the 2010s,\u201d says Hawaii-based interior designer Melissa Dyckman<\/a>, founder of Melissa Dyckman Interiors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Knowing that VERANDA readers exist across the age spectrum, we chatted with Dyckman and a handful of other interior experts to define the key design elements from the 1920s and 1930s all the way up to the 2010s and 2020s.<\/p>\n

\"Sculptural<\/p>\n

Christoph Theurer<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best way to incorporate any of these influences is to pull from subtle details of the decade rather than trying to recreate it,\u201d Dyckman says. \u201cThat might mean richer wood tones<\/a> and woven texture from the \u201970s, one bold sculptural moment inspired by the \u201980s, or the comfort of the \u201990s expressed through inviting upholstery<\/a>. The goal is always to create a home that feels personal and lasting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re dreaming up your perfect bedroom, living room, kitchen, or nursery\u2014or simply looking to brush up on the history of interior design\u2014ahead, read through the most prominent interior elements from the 1920s to 2020s.<\/p>\n

Just remember: \u201cIn the end, trends come and go\u2014timeless design, grounded in storytelling, is what endures,\u201d says The Residences at Blue Sky, Auberge Collection<\/a> interior designer Liubasha Rose<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1920s\"1920s<\/p>\n

Mali Azima<\/p>\n

When it comes to the 1920s, picture Great Gatsby, Roaring Twenties, and Art Deco vibes<\/a>. \u201cThe 1920s, to me, always read as very glamorous\u2014lots of Art Deco influence, with bold geometry, contrast, and rich materials like brass and velvet,\u201d says DuV\u00e4l Reynolds<\/a>, owner and principal designer of DuV\u00e4l Design<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s an era of design I really love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose concurs with Reynolds, noting that lacquered finishes, high-gloss surfaces, marble, and rich, layered materials bring the 1920s Art Deco vibe to life. \u201c[It\u2019s] geometry and ornamentation\u2014Jean-Michel Frank\u2019s restraint paired with Deco richness,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n

As for how to incorporate the decade into modern spaces, Rose says to opt for an Art Deco craftsmanship<\/a> approach. \u201cLay a geometric two-tone wood parquet as a quiet foundation; introduce custom brass hardware with a sculptural hand; add a contrasting marble between a double bullnose on a rounded kitchen island,\u201d she suggests. The result will be subtle yet statement-making.<\/p>\n

1930s<\/p>\n

While Art Deco continued to thrive into the 1930s, Reynolds reveals that interior design also began to soften during this time. \u201cThere\u2019s still elegance there, but it feels more streamlined and practical, with curves and built-ins becoming more common but not as much of a defined style,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n

Today, one might nod to the \u201930s by skipping an entertainment unit in favor of a streamlined media built-in. It\u2019s practical, organized, and instantly draws the eye. Who knew the trend dated all the way back to the \u201930s?<\/p>\n

\"Dorothy<\/p>\n

The Greenbrier<\/p>\n

1940s<\/p>\n

Design from the 1940s was a bit more polarizing. On one end of the spectrum, many interiors embodied the somberness of the decade, while others aimed to buck against it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the 1940s, I tend to think of interiors as more modest and comfort-driven, likely influenced by wartime\u2014warmer woods, simpler furnishings, and softer, more traditional details,\u201d Reynolds shares. \u201cLife was no longer about being glamorous but was probably more about survival and family values.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Rose reveals that the \u201940s were also defined by a sense of theatrical optimism. \u201cDorothy Draper\u2019s bold, confident interiors<\/a> [were] an antidote to wartime austerity,\u201d she points out. \u201cHigh-contrast palettes, oversized patterns, and classical motifs reimagined at scale\u2014[there was] a glamorous blending of traditional forms with a more modern, spirited sensibility.\u201d<\/p>\n

1950s<\/p>\n

The 1950s are famous for the birth of mid-century modern design<\/a>\u2014an aesthetic that continues to dominate today. \u201cThe 1950s are where mid-century modern really started to stand out,\u201d Reynolds reflects. \u201cI always associate that era with clean lines, functional pieces, and a sense of openness, especially with the indoor-outdoor connection.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose agrees, calling out an obsession with Vladimir Kagan\u2019s lines, sculptural, optimistic furniture forms, and indoor-outdoor living with Richard Neutra\u2019s architecture as a backdrop.<\/p>\n

The beauty of the 1950s MCM movement is that it has stood the test of time. \u201cIt\u2019s still everywhere in homes today,\u201d Reynolds says. \u201cIt works so well because it\u2019s clean, functional, and easy to mix with other styles. You don\u2019t have to go full retro for it to feel right in a modern space. We usually suggest incorporating it in small ways\u2014like a piece of furniture with tapered legs, warm wood tones (walnut or teak), or something with a simple, sculptural shape. Keeping the palette neutral and layering in texture (like wool or linen) helps it feel current rather than too \u2018theme-y.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, if your favorite aspect of the design aesthetic is the fluidity between inside and out, Rose has just the idea. \u201cOpen the room fully to the landscape with large sliding or pivot doors; allow the flooring\u2014stone or terrazzo\u2014to move seamlessly beyond the threshold; anchor the space with a built-in banquette oriented toward light, garden, and view,\u201d she instructs.<\/p>\n

\"1960s<\/p>\n

Douglas Friedman for VERANDA<\/p>\n

1960s<\/p>\n

The MCM movement of the \u201950s expanded in the \u201960s, diversifying in both palette and pattern. \u201cIn the 1960s, things seemed to loosen up creatively\u2014more color, more experimentation, and a willingness to play with new materials and bold patterns,\u201d Reynolds explains.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the decade, Rose calls out the \u201cbold color and graphic pattern seen in David Hicks\u2019s confident use of geometrics and saturated palettes.\u201d It was also during this time that pop influence and playful materials came to the forefront, she points out. \u201cExperimentation with lacquer, acrylic, and high-contrast finishes; futuristic, forward-looking design grounded by a sense of discipline and refinement,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n

To add a little \u201960s flair to your space today, Rose suggests leaning into the pop influence of the era. \u201cPlace a single sculptural sofa<\/a> with a Kagan-like curve in a saturated tone; pair it with a lacquered or acrylic table and whimsical overscale Murano butterfly sconces; soften the composition with a light pastel hand-painted James Turell-inspired mural on the wall,\u201d she recommends.<\/p>\n

1970s<\/p>\n

From the \u201940s to the \u201970s, there was an undercurrent of political unrest that, while not everyone partook in protesting or wartime efforts, influenced a shift in interior design. As everyday life became more stress-inducing, the collective desire was to feel more grounded at home.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the \u201970s, you saw earth tones, natural woods, woven textures, low seating, and a more relaxed approach to living,\u201d Dyckman says. \u201cThere was a strong connection to organic materials and spaces that felt less formal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reynolds reflects on the era with the same train of thought. \u201cThe 1970s, in contrast to the \u201950s and \u201960s, feel a lot more grounded and earthy to me, with warmer tones, natural textures, and a more layered, relaxed approach, while still feeling playful and artistic\u2014the \u201970s always remind me of a desaturated version of the \u201960s,\u201d he shares.<\/p>\n

Today, the earth tones and organic elements of the \u201970s remain a mainstay in many modern homes. \u201cPeople still respond to rooms with texture, wood tones, and a palette pulled from nature,\u201d Dyckman says. \u201cThe key is to keep it edited so it feels intentional rather than nostalgic.\u201d<\/p>\n

To refresh the \u201970s aesthetic in your space, Rose says to opt for earth tones and natural materials, echoing Ward Bennett\u2019s grounded minimalism. \u201c[Pair] layered, textural interiors\u2014shag, rattan, stone\u2014[with] informal, lounge-like living spaces,\u201d she suggests. \u201cCenter the room with a monolithic travertine or limestone table; layer in deep, comfortable armchairs in a graphic fabric on top of an alpaca shag rug with a brutalist metal chandelier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"terri<\/p>\n

Brie Williams for VERANDA<\/p>\n

1980s<\/p>\n

After the minimalism and muted nature of the 1970s, society craved color and bold design. \u201cIn the 80s, everything was in excess,\u201d Dyckman says. \u201cThink: glossy finishes, bold color, dramatic silhouettes, and a more expressive use of scale. In some homes, it was glamorous, while in others it leaned heavily traditional.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was in the \u201980s when tinted mood lighting came to the forefront of design, as well. \u201cThe 1980s seemed to swing back toward drama and excess\u2014glossy finishes, bold shapes, and a bit of a \u2018more is more\u2019 mindset; it’s this era that I think of the glossy black finishes and colorful lighting,\u201d Reynolds says.<\/p>\n

While \u201980s interior elements are largely considered to be outdated today, Dyckman says that what still translates now is the willingness to make a statement. \u201cThat can show up through a sculptural light fixture, a larger piece of art, or a stronger contrast in materials,\u201d she adds. \u201cThe lesson from the 1980s is to not be afraid of going big but to use it with more restraint.\u201d<\/p>\n

1990s<\/p>\n

In the \u201990s, we saw another shift from bold design statements to more comfortable living. \u201cThe 1990s<\/a> felt like a reset, leaning into minimalism, neutral palettes, and spaces that were a bit more casual and livable,\u201d Reynolds says, and Dyckman agrees. \u201cThe \u201990s shifted toward comfort and simplicity,\u201d she explains. \u201cThere was a lot of beige, softer palettes, overstuffed upholstery, and lighter woods. It was a decade that placed a lot of emphasis on making home feel comfortable and functional.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a design notion that still rings true today. \u201cComfort matters, but today it works best when paired with more depth and contrast,\u201d Dyckman says. \u201cA comfortable room should still have shape, texture, and some personality.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"neutral<\/p>\n

Brian Woodcock<\/p>\n

2000s<\/p>\n

Y2K is an era beloved in fashion and beauty for its playful use of color, shimmer, and shine. In interiors, however, the 2000s were a time when minimalism returned to the forefront, albeit in a refined manner. \u201c[It] echoed Christian Liaigre\u2019s quiet restraint and disciplined palettes,\u201d Rose says. \u201cOpen kitchens as understated social hubs, seamlessly integrated into the architecture; comfort expressed through generous, low-slung proportions\u2014oversized, but tailored and intentional,\u201d she notes.<\/p>\n

In that way, Dyckman thinks of the 2000s as a design era when things became more polished without making a bold statement. \u201cDark woods, heavier furniture, open concept living, granite surfaces, and more decorative detailing all became common,\u201d she says. \u201cThere was a desire to make interiors feel substantial and finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

This concept of a well-rounded, completed construction and design continues to shape homes today. \u201cOpen concept living still works for a vast majority,\u201d Dyckman says. \u201cThe best version of that era today is less heavy and more refined.\u201d<\/p>\n

2010s<\/p>\n

Before the 2010s, interior design trends were spread via magazines and TV. As such, they took a bit more time to unfold. When the 2010s came rolling through, however, the Internet and social media were abuzz with the latest design trends, causing them to spread like wildfire.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw all white kitchens, gray floors, fast furniture, modern farmhouse details, open shelving, and rooms styled to photograph well,\u201d Dyckman says of the decade. \u201cThere was a strong pull toward clean, highly curated spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n

While picture-perfect, Instagram-ready homes remain popular today. Here in 2026, we\u2019re seeing a shift toward more collected homes and spaces with character. \u201cWhat still feels relevant is the desire for simplicity, but I think people are moving away from homes that feel overly trend-driven,\u201d Dyckman says. \u201cThe takeaway from the 2010s is to keep what is functional and clear, while bringing back warmth and a stronger sense of personality.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Layered<\/p>\n

The Residences at Blue Sky, Auberge Collection<\/p>\n

2020s<\/p>\n

Now, here we are, just over halfway into the 2020s, and it\u2019s more evident than ever that, while social media continues to inundate society with endless design inspiration, what feels most widely embraced is a need for authenticity and personality in the home.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt feels like interiors are becoming more personal and layered,\u201d Reynolds says. \u201cThere\u2019s a stronger focus on sustainability, mixing old with new, and bringing in natural elements\u2014it\u2019s less about following a specific trend and more about creating something that feels collected and individual.\u201d<\/p>\n

To really lean into today\u2019s less-styled, more-collected mentality, Rose says to embrace nature, warmth, and storytelling in your space. \u201cCompose the space as a layered mix\u2014a vintage credenza, custom upholstery, and contemporary lighting; weave in art, objects, and biophilic elements<\/a> so the room feels personal, evolved, and quietly assembled over time,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\"Headshot<\/p>\n

Rebecca Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Over the past 10+ years, she\u2019s heavily covered a range of lifestyle topics, including travel, home, beauty, style, wellness, and celebrity news. She is a graduate of George Mason University, where she earned a B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. When she’s not writing, she can be found strolling with her Jack-Chi, Cash, sipping iced matcha lattes, indulging in delicious cuisine, perusing farmer\u2019s markets and antique sales, collecting colored glass, getting lost within the pages of a book, and exploring new bucket-list cities.<\/p>\n