What’s old is new again! The biggest trends in design right now look towards the future by looking back.

We’ve talked a little about Grandmillennial style, the decor trend that looks to classic vintage “grandma pieces” to find inspiration. Grandmillennial style has led to an uptick in interest in classic styles of bygone eras, like chintz, florals and wicker. It harkens back to classic times of comfort and rejects modern fast fashion and decor. Grandmillennial or “granny chic” allows for younger generations to mix their style with inherited pieces from their loved ones or bring in some of the styles they grew to love in their youth. Who doesn’t want to curl up on a floral accent chair with a quilt, or pair an expletive-laden needlepoint with your favorite china cup?

But paisley fabrics and chinoiserie aren’t the only design features getting a decor redux. People of all generations are returning to classic retro pieces found throughout the end of the last century for inspiration.

Along with granny chic, Art Deco and 70’s styles are definitely returning to the spotlight in design. We’re seeing retro colors like avocado green and mustard yellow take back their place in fashion and decor. Color blocking styles are especially popular with those classic hues, and can add beautiful vintage style in your home easily. Gone are the days where minimalism and all white-kitchens are the norm; with a return to Art Deco comes a return to ornamentation. Large, ornate frames around mirrors and artwork make great statement pieces when paired with other designs in your homes.

Flower Power

While the Art Deco style also uses florals, it tends to lean more on big, bold and bright patterned choices rather than the softer and tighter florals of the Grandmillennials. For Art Deco, think large sunflowers and flower power, rather than looping rosebuds. Floral wall decor, especially featuring some of the classic vintage colors we mentioned, can make a big splash without any of the clash that you may fear with big prints.

Chrome-Plated

When many thought of the 21st century years ago, their visions were filled with chrome; rounded, shiny, metallic pieces helped shape the vision of the future. This love of chrome and chromatic color is popping up in fascinating ways in the design world today. Many are moving past the bronzes and golds of the 2010s, and are returning to the shine and shimmer of the metallic multitasker. Chrome can be used in fixtures, pulls and other accent pieces to add a pop of shine to your space. One design favorite is utilizing chrome lighting pieces, as it brightens up a room even more with its ability to bounce light.

Don’t Be a Square

Along with the return to the sleek look of chrome, many are bringing back a love of rounded corners and free flowing design. Kidney coffee tables, rounded couches and bubbled vintage appliances are all the rage right now. These designs show a sense of intentional whimsy that many are drawn to, and allow for great visual flow in a room.

Chin Wag

While it may not look like the conversation pits of the 70s, room design, especially in the living room or other social rooms of the house, is becoming more and more focused on connection. Rather than facing all the furniture in the room towards the television, designers are creating spaces that allow for chit-chat and catching up with one another, rather than catching up with your favorite show. Face your sofas together, or place an accent chair across from the main sofa of a room to create a space that allows for conversation without straining your neck.

Whether it be Grandmillennial, Neo Art Deco, or another retro revival, one common thread can be found throughout all of these “mix and match'' vintage styles. Each blends pieces of the past with furniture of the present in a way that is playful yet practical. The styles allow for designers and homeowners alike to experiment and play with some of their favorite trends throughout history while still making beautifully functional homes.

What are you hoping makes a revival in design? Any trends from the past that you would absolutely love (or hate) to see a revival of? Today’s retro-inspired designs leave plenty of room for individual interests. There’s something almost everyone will love.