7 nostalgic decorating trends having a revival
Tapping into a nostalgic decorating trend can remind us of an evocative time in our own lives, or hark back to an era we never lived through, but stylistically idolised.
The result is a characterful, curated space that hotchpotches the owner's favourite design trends across historic and contemporary periods.
Georgia Metcalfe, Founder & Creative Director at French Bedroom, says: “The most wonderful thing about nostalgia is that it encourages an eclectic approach to interiors – the fusion of old and new, a combination of stripes and florals and plentiful use of colour and pattern.
"Look to traditional silhouettes and prints when incorporating older, nostalgic trends into your home. To keep it feeling fresh, lean into a maximalist look by layering contrasting patterns and colours to bring a more modern feel, and you’ll get bonus points for adding in a considered colour clash.”
We've procured seven nostalgic trends currently experiencing revival, which sit well within the Country Living house aesthetic. Read on for tips to folk-up your furniture and bring some edible greens into your schemes, among other smart ideas...
'Kitschen' characteristics
A 'kitschen' – trendy port-manteau of "kitsch" and "kitchen" – is essentially a masterclass in nostalgia for heritage kitchen style. Core components are a vintage plate rack (bonus points if the crockery on display doesn't match), a range cooker, exposed shelving and 1950s-inspired sink and cabinet skirts.
Here, in a shot from deep in the Country Living archives, the style sings in grungey, muted shades of terracotta, burgundy and forest green. Yet the trend lends itself to airy, vibrant spaces and twee shades of blush, mustard and cornflower. In other words, these characteristics are as adaptable as they are nostalgic.
Edible greens
Despite their association with the most heinous bathroom trend of the 20th century, avocado and olive greens – the former leaning cool-toned, the latter warm – are not simply back: they're finding themselves on the cutting edge of homeware fashions across the board.
Whether you're as bold as interior designer Natasha Lyon, who's dedicated her kitchen cabinetry to the shade (left), or simply wish to incorporate these tasty shades in a subtle homage to the seventies, they're sure to inspire nostalgia. Farrow & Ball's Yeabridge Green (discovered in an 18th century Georgian farmhouse in Somerset) is top of our list at the moment.
Animal motifs
Firm favourites among our editorial team, woodland characters and colourful creatures inject a home with chipper personality. When incorporated into living spaces, they bring with them a childlike whimsy that declares their presence a nostalgic one in modern homes.
Alaina Binks, Country Living's style editor, advises: “Bring the outdoors in with favourite animal motifs of woodland creatures, insects and farmyard favourites to cultivate a timeless style synonymous with the country.
"As a keen birder, I’m naturally drawn to those of birds (garden, coastal and birds of prey), such as this impressive owl cushion by Carola Van Dyke. Mix these symbols with florals and leafy patterns in nature’s palette, as they would in the wild.”
Folk-inspired furniture
The home of interior designer Sarah Southwell is loaded with nostalgia, its crown jewel being this vibrant hand-painted cabinet. Sourced from a French antiques dealer, it evokes the Scandinavian folk art derived from Nordic nature and Swedish folklore – a look that's been on the rise for some time.
Consider investing in a piece of pre-painted furniture by a talent like Heidi of Dingley Dell Creative, or try your own hand to create the look on a piece in need of revival. Etsy sell stencils that may also be a good start, for those of us too nervous to freehand an heirloom.
Tartan tact
Tartan has been seen revived on the catwalks, and enriching homes with heritage since the latter portion of 2024. Several popular homeware brands have incorporated the trend – notably, stylish lacquerware brand Addison Ross launched an entire tableware collection devoted to the Scottish design.
Co-Founder and Brand Director of Addison Ross, Sarah Ross comments: "We've embraced this trend by reimagining tartan in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. The pattern's bold colours and intricate design bring warmth, sophistication, and a sense of tradition to any table setting. As people seek comfort and connection through their home decor, tartan offers the perfect blend of style, nostalgia, and celebration – ideal for both casual meals and special occasions."
Suzani style
A hand-embroidered textile that emerged from Central Asia (specifically, the Fergana Valley spread across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) along the Silk Roads, suzanis have been popular in traditional British and English country houses for generations.
A status symbol in the Victorian period, these iconic and nostalgic textiles can be draped over furniture, framed on the wall, or used in upholstery to bring rich contrast and vivid colour to classic, country decorating schemes.
Pelmets and valances
That's right, more skirts are emerging – this time, the kind you might find above a curtain or around a bed. Both effortlessly fussy and joyful, pelmets and valances alike look best in indulgent, heavy fabrics like Salvesen Graham's new Wovens collection, so don't scrimp on this trend. The investment will be worth it, as if there's one thing this nostalgic trend proves, it's that a pretty skirt never goes out of style.
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