Decorating
Blast From the Past: 9 Retro Homewares Making a Comeback
Fall back in love with some old decor favourites, currently enjoying a renaissance in our homes
In the ever-changing world of interior fashions, many trends come and go without really making any impact, particularly in this day and age of mass production. However, we’ve spotted some standout style trends of yesteryear that have come full circle, and are now being welcomed back into the fold.
Whether these comeback queens are simply a vague childhood flashback or something you embraced with open arms the first time around, we’re sure you’ll find inspiration – and maybe a touch of humour – in these retro gems. Just be sure to put a modern-day spin on them to achieve a winning combo of old meets new.
Whether these comeback queens are simply a vague childhood flashback or something you embraced with open arms the first time around, we’re sure you’ll find inspiration – and maybe a touch of humour – in these retro gems. Just be sure to put a modern-day spin on them to achieve a winning combo of old meets new.
2. The peacock chair
A bit like the drinks trolley, the peacock chair was popular in the ’60s and ’70s for its glam good looks – and was often used as a prop in old Hollywood photos of movie stars. With its fanned-out, stately back, the chair is meant to resemble peacock feathers and, like the bird, it was designed to be seen.
These days the peacock chair is a quirky addition to a relaxed or eclectic scheme. So don’t be embarrassed by what you thought was your mum’s hippie hand-me-down; be bold and display your peacock chair with confidence. It’s a retro relic that’s here to stay for a while yet.
The return of the peacock chair
A bit like the drinks trolley, the peacock chair was popular in the ’60s and ’70s for its glam good looks – and was often used as a prop in old Hollywood photos of movie stars. With its fanned-out, stately back, the chair is meant to resemble peacock feathers and, like the bird, it was designed to be seen.
These days the peacock chair is a quirky addition to a relaxed or eclectic scheme. So don’t be embarrassed by what you thought was your mum’s hippie hand-me-down; be bold and display your peacock chair with confidence. It’s a retro relic that’s here to stay for a while yet.
The return of the peacock chair
3. Timber-clad walls
Remember the sauna-like living rooms of the ’60s and ’70s? Or the dodgy dark-stained panelling of the ’80s? Well, panelled walls are not quite so in-your-face this time round, but they are certainly enjoying a renaissance. From pale, smooth boards in Scandi-style living rooms to weathered reclaimed timber in more industrial spaces, wood is being used horizontally or vertically to create a striking effect in almost any area.
Remember the sauna-like living rooms of the ’60s and ’70s? Or the dodgy dark-stained panelling of the ’80s? Well, panelled walls are not quite so in-your-face this time round, but they are certainly enjoying a renaissance. From pale, smooth boards in Scandi-style living rooms to weathered reclaimed timber in more industrial spaces, wood is being used horizontally or vertically to create a striking effect in almost any area.
Statement timber walls in earthy hues are the modern take on this look. When teamed with contemporary furnishings, the dated sauna look will definitely remain a thing of the past.
Another contemporary twist on timber-clad walls is the growing popularity of bare plywood. DIYers and builders have known about the versatility of this hardy engineered wood for years, but now interior designers are also falling in love with ply’s raw and rugged beauty.
4. Crocheted accessories
Like most interior trends, this one isn’t for everyone. The traditional crochet technique may conjure up thoughts of old musty houses and granny’s knitting basket for some, but others see crochet as a colourful and cheery way of introducing a vintage vibe to plain interiors. The use of homemade crafts is a growing trend and crochet certainly meets the criteria, so grab a crochet hook, pick some contemporary colours and have a go yourself – you might be surprised with the results!
Like most interior trends, this one isn’t for everyone. The traditional crochet technique may conjure up thoughts of old musty houses and granny’s knitting basket for some, but others see crochet as a colourful and cheery way of introducing a vintage vibe to plain interiors. The use of homemade crafts is a growing trend and crochet certainly meets the criteria, so grab a crochet hook, pick some contemporary colours and have a go yourself – you might be surprised with the results!
5. Wall hangings
They might still feel a tad bohemian and hark back to the happy hippie era of the ’70s, but woven wall hangings are becoming an alternative to modern prints, paintings or family photos and are popping up in fashion-focused interiors everywhere. Whether you favour the look of macrame, thick yarn or tasselled designs, wall hangings are a great way to bring colour, texture and pattern to a room.
They might still feel a tad bohemian and hark back to the happy hippie era of the ’70s, but woven wall hangings are becoming an alternative to modern prints, paintings or family photos and are popping up in fashion-focused interiors everywhere. Whether you favour the look of macrame, thick yarn or tasselled designs, wall hangings are a great way to bring colour, texture and pattern to a room.
6. Pegboards
Often a favourite for organising tools in garages or garden utensils in potting sheds, we’re pleased to see this utilitarian material getting a funky update and being brought inside to add a fun and lively look to interior spaces. Great for creating wall displays without having to hammer in a nail, the relaxed look of pegboards works well in busy kids’ rooms and cluttered craft spaces where numerous items need to be kept in check.
Often a favourite for organising tools in garages or garden utensils in potting sheds, we’re pleased to see this utilitarian material getting a funky update and being brought inside to add a fun and lively look to interior spaces. Great for creating wall displays without having to hammer in a nail, the relaxed look of pegboards works well in busy kids’ rooms and cluttered craft spaces where numerous items need to be kept in check.
Pegboards are a quirky alternative to glossy tiled splashbacks too, with the pegs creating the perfect spot for easy-to-grab utensils (although cleaning might become an issue over time).
TIP: Try painting the board in a contrasting tone to your kitchen cupboards for a big hit of colour.
TIP: Try painting the board in a contrasting tone to your kitchen cupboards for a big hit of colour.
7. Besser blocks
In the 1980s, besser blocks (also known as breeze or cinder blocks) were a common building material favoured for their pleasing, rhythmic pattern that allowed light to flow through – they were ideal for internal or external dividing walls. Besser blocks’ renewed appeal lies in their naturally industrial look and retro connections, a winning combination if you’re after raw-edged style with a hint of nostalgia.
In the 1980s, besser blocks (also known as breeze or cinder blocks) were a common building material favoured for their pleasing, rhythmic pattern that allowed light to flow through – they were ideal for internal or external dividing walls. Besser blocks’ renewed appeal lies in their naturally industrial look and retro connections, a winning combination if you’re after raw-edged style with a hint of nostalgia.
With industrial-style interiors now such a huge trend, it’s no wonder that besser blocks are being used in many new and different ways. Here, they’ve been used to build a unique and easily put-together bedside table to bring home the industrial feel.
8. Gold tapware
Don’t panic! We’re not seeing a revisit of those garish, gold, nouveau-riche ’90s bathrooms, but we are witnessing a beautifully reworked take on this once alluring trend. Gold has been toned down and given a rosy-pink glow that feels modern yet timeless – like this ‘Pink Gold’ tap from the Webert Opera collection. When teamed with contemporary textures, such as wood or concrete, rose gold-coloured fixtures add a warm and playful touch.
Alternatively, if this look is too bright and shiny for you, take a look at brushed or antiqued brass taps. These are another new take on an old trend, marrying modern design with traditional styling.
More ways with metallics
Don’t panic! We’re not seeing a revisit of those garish, gold, nouveau-riche ’90s bathrooms, but we are witnessing a beautifully reworked take on this once alluring trend. Gold has been toned down and given a rosy-pink glow that feels modern yet timeless – like this ‘Pink Gold’ tap from the Webert Opera collection. When teamed with contemporary textures, such as wood or concrete, rose gold-coloured fixtures add a warm and playful touch.
Alternatively, if this look is too bright and shiny for you, take a look at brushed or antiqued brass taps. These are another new take on an old trend, marrying modern design with traditional styling.
More ways with metallics
9. Indoor plants
Back in the ’80s, you couldn’t move for dusty yuccas and overgrown rubber plants, but they were soon seen as clutter and chucked out with the chintz. These days, they’re enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity, and it seems that these retro favourites are topping the charts. Display your plants on a modern unit for a grown-up feel and be sure to mix in some sculptural succulents and bolshy cacti for a contemporary twist.
Back in the ’80s, you couldn’t move for dusty yuccas and overgrown rubber plants, but they were soon seen as clutter and chucked out with the chintz. These days, they’re enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity, and it seems that these retro favourites are topping the charts. Display your plants on a modern unit for a grown-up feel and be sure to mix in some sculptural succulents and bolshy cacti for a contemporary twist.
Why not marry your new love for plants with another ’70s throwback? Macrame plant holders have been updated in neon colours and modern designs. Choose a beautiful contemporary vessel, such as a painted concrete pot, and you’ll have a striking display that looks far from dated.
TELL US
Which interior trend from the past are you pleased to see again? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
Why the ’80s are Back and it’s OK by Us
10 Retro Ideas for Your Kids’ Space
Feelin’ Groovy? It’s Time to Bring Back the ’70s
TELL US
Which interior trend from the past are you pleased to see again? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
Why the ’80s are Back and it’s OK by Us
10 Retro Ideas for Your Kids’ Space
Feelin’ Groovy? It’s Time to Bring Back the ’70s
Anyone for a dry martini? Glamorous drinks trolleys were a must-have for any self-respecting dinner party host in the 1960s. Adorned with exotic spirits, cocktail shakers and beautiful glasses, they’d be wheeled out to add a touch of sophistication to the evening.
The trolley was often seen as a symbol of frivolous fun and wealth, and from the 1970s onwards they became more elaborate and a little bit kitsch in design, but this was half of their appeal. These days, bar carts have had a contemporary makeover with sleek wheels or industrial styling, and look striking against a wall of bold colour to bring it up to date.
Whether you’ve resurrected your gran’s old trolley or invested in a more modern design, it will certainly create a talking point wherever you wheel it.