A Brief History of Not-So-Timeless Home Design Trends

Isn’t it funny how home décor trends from 10 years ago now seem dated and 50 shades of brown kitchens found in many of the early Playa Vista homes are now virtually prehistoric? Well, it gets worse. Here is an evolution of home décor trends by decade beginning in the 1960’s, which was the beginning of more “interesting” style trends, as mid-century design trends from the ‘50’s are largely seen as timeless and nostalgized. While there are societal moods that shape the home décor styles, many of these styles did not stand the test of time, although some have come full circle. Do you remember these?

• 1960s:

• Decade of individualism, which reflected the styles.
• Psychedelic prints and floral patterns: Bold, colorful patterns on wallpapers and fabrics.
• Mass-produced and affordable matching furniture sets.
• Shag carpets: thick, luxurious, colorful, and in every room.

• 1970s:

• Rejection of mass production and environmental degradation. Earth tones gained popularity.
• Avocado Green Everything: The kitchen wasn’t complete without avocado green appliances.
• Wood paneling: dark, moody wood panels in living rooms and basements.
• Macramé wall hangings: The boho-chic trend that took over walls.

• 1980s:

• A time of excess in America led to maximalist styles.
• Harvest Gold Appliances: competing with avocado green for kitchen dominance.
• Floral chintz: Overwhelmingly floral sofas, curtains, and bedding.
• Pastel colors: Soft pinks, greens, and blues everywhere. Miami Vice Inspired.

• 1990s:

• Glass Blocks: For that extra bit of privacy and light in bathrooms.
• Shabby chic – eclectic, re-purposed style.
• Dark kitchens with granite countertops and black appliances.
• Sponge Painting: A DIY disaster that left walls looking dirty on purpose.
• Hunter Green: This dark, rich color was the new avocado green.

• 2000s:

• More men cooking at home led to more masculine stainless steel appliances.
• Minimalism: Less became more unless it was gadgets; then more was more.
• Large soaking tubs in bathrooms, which had grown larger as well.
• Beige Overload: Walls, floors, furniture. Style was led by population growth trends and a popular aesthetic of homes in the South and West.

• 2010s:

• Chevron Prints: Zigzags on everything from rugs to wallpaper.
• Flat screen TV’s made those old television tube wall cavities obsolete.
• Barn Doors: Everything is a modern farmhouse. Rustic sliding doors inside homes, whether they matched the decor or not.
• Mid-Century modern elements make a mainstream comeback.
• Millennial Pink: This soft shade dominated decor trends, tech, and fashion.

• 2020s:

• Grandmillennial Style: A return to traditional comfort and the use of throwback colors and patterns with a modern twist.
• Biophilic Design: Incorporating natural elements indoors for wellbeing.
• Pandemic gave rise to remote work – Zoom Rooms.
• Sustainable and eco-friendly materials: conscious choices for a healthier planet.

These trends highlight the cyclical nature of home decor, where yesterday’s must-haves become today’s punch lines. We at Playa Vista Experts have an eye for the style today’s buyers are looking for, whether they regret it later or not, as well as timeless styles. We also have contacts with interior designers and remodel contractors for every budget. It is truly amazing how styles have evolved and what some of us look back on with disgust, while others might find charming, proving that style is indeed in the eye of the beholder.