Though the age-old aphorism posits that ‘’time is a great healer’’, try telling that to our battered old sofa, fluffy toilet seat cover and terrazzo kitchen flooring. Because, even from a pretty humble starting point, time has done these ‘vintage’ interior design staples no favours at all.
On the flip side, some attempts at more cutting-edge interior design can look pretty incongruous, too, with ‘industrial overdo’, the prevalence of monochrome colour palettes, and the ubiquity of terrazzo all singled out for criticism by industry experts recently.
With vintage and modern decor both increasingly hard to pull off, you might be wondering how to style your house with longevity and sophistication in mind. You’ve come to the right place to have your questions answered; here are 7 throwback interior design trends that have stood the test of time.
The Colours, Curves & Curiosities Of The 70s
This year, the throwback trend of choice is most definitely found residing somewhere in the 70s. You will see lots of the laid back, softly curved furniture and rattan pieces popular in the 70s, as well chocolate and earthy brown tones galore. Don’t shy away from adding a new coat of paint if you’re keen to replicate this colour palette without having to invest in new furniture.
If you are going to invest in new furniture, on the other hand, consider an American vintage club chair – all curves and rounded edges – perhaps in burgundy. That, or a mid-century daybed in a burnt orange tweed fabric.
Items of furniture that were popular in the 70s but are now largely redundant continue to be in vogue among interior designers, too. Think telephone benches – ideal for adding some vintage flair to your sitting room. Also known as gossip benches, these are small benches or chairs with a table attached to the side, where people used to place their phones in the days of cords. Though now largely redundant, they still pack a huge aesthetic punch.
Geometric Patterns
We’re sticking around in the 70s a little longer, with the decade’s trend of geometric patterns, particularly in terms of feature walls, showing no sign of losing momentum in 2024.
This look doesn’t need to feel outdated; the key is a restrained take on this timeless style. Avoid the plastic décor and monochrome, magic eye-esque patterns that were popular in the 70s and stick to a more nuanced take on the style, taking inspiration from abstract expressionist artwork.
Painting geometric patterns in blocks of colour on your walls adds colour, texture, and vibrancy to a room, and has the canny ability to look both modern and transport you back to an era which interior designers love to label ‘vintage’.
Timeless Tiling
The enduring appeal of classic floor tiles speaks volumes about their place in interior design history. Light floor tiles, particularly those in natural stone or ceramic, have maintained their popularity since their widespread adoption in Victorian homes, where they were used to create stunning entrance halls and conservatories that still captivate today.
What makes this flooring choice particularly timeless is its versatility. Whether laid in a classic checkerboard pattern—alternating light tiles with darker ones—or arranged in more intricate geometric designs, these tiles provide both practical durability and aesthetic appeal. In modern interpretations, oversized floor tiles in cream, ivory or pale grey create an illusion of space and light, whilst nodding to the grand hallways of period properties.
The beauty of this flooring choice lies in its ability to complement both traditional and contemporary décor. When paired with modern furniture, tiles of a lighter, brighter persuasion create a sophisticated foundation that allows statement pieces to shine. In more traditional settings, they provide an authentic period feel that’s particularly sought-after in heritage property renovations.
Read: 9 of summer 2024’s biggest tile trends
Library Walls
Long before the ‘shelfie’ became a social media phenomenon, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were a hallmark of sophisticated interior design. This architectural feature, popularised in grand Victorian homes, has experienced a remarkable revival as people seek to create spaces that feel both learned and lived-in.
The key to making this throwback trend work in 2024 is to blend functionality with aesthetics. Modern interpretations often incorporate hidden storage, adjustable shelving, and even sliding ladders—a feature that adds both practicality and theatrical flair to any room. Throw a globe or fountain pen holder into the mix for added effect.
Whether housing leather-bound classics or contemporary paperbacks, library walls offer a timeless way to display both literature and personality.
Sustainability
Before the days of mass produced, identikit furniture, sustainability wasn’t so much of a buzzword in the world of interior design. Upcycling, reupholstering, making-do-and-mending… It was just the way it was.
In 2024, such sustainable practices, of recycling, reusing and improving items of furniture we already own is a huge interior design trend, and long may it continue.
The materials used in the modern home can lend themselves both to a vintage style and sustainability. Embrace the imperfect with warm materials, giving a natural and harmonious feel. You will also see sustainability and nature reflected in the colour palettes of 2024, with lots of retro and timeless greens, warm browns, auburn and teal.
If you are looking for some sustainable natural raw materials to add to your home, think about including stoneware, terracotta, marble, and travertine. These imperfect natural materials don’t just add a beautiful aesthetic but also give a room an incredibly calming feel.
Read: 5 IDEAL upcycling ideas for your bedroom
Persian Inspired Rugs
The tactile, warming and visually arresting attributes that a Persian rug brings to any home’s decor is as comforting as it is timeless.
A Persian rug can have a transformative effect on any room, adding a luxurious aesthetic. A decor choice with an undeniably timeless appeal, a single rug can take years to craft and at auction, these carpets have been known to sell for over one million smackeroos.
Of course, a genuine Persian rug is out of most people’s price range, but hope is not lost; most modern rug makers sell Persian inspired rugs loomed from synthetic yarns selling them at a fraction of the price. Result!
‘Stuff’ Is Back
The trend for minimalist interiors seems to have finally run its course, and not a moment too soon, we say! Decidedly ungenerous and miserly in its aesthetic, the modern home risks being cold and uninviting without a little clutter enriching the space.
Fortunately, cluttercore is a key trend for 2024, harking back to more vintage styles where ‘stuff’ was embraced and shown off, worn as a badge of honour and indicative of a life well lived. If you’re keen to channel this timeless look correctly, then check out these ways to embrace 2022’s cluttercore trend; a trend, we should add, which is still very much in play as 2025 begins to emerge over the horizon. We can’t wait to see what you do with the place!