If the backdrop of your childhood home consisted of floral drapery, natural wood paneling, and bold, patterned wallpaper, chances are those design features evoke a sense of nostalgia for you today. And while many retro- or vintage-inspired interior design elements are somewhat outdated now, there are plenty out there that are being reimagined for modern living (in a way that still brings back all those fond memories).
“We are seeing a massive return to crafted, handmade items like macramé wall hangings, crochet blankets, and embroidered textiles. It ties heavily into that chic ‘Grandma-core’ or Grandmillennial aesthetic, paired with a real revival of 70s earthiness,” says Andy Yates of Andy Yates Design.
Regardless of what particular design element brings you nostalgia, it seems like everyone is looking for a way to inject their own personal story into their space. What better way to do that than through design features that hold a piece of who they are?
Take a trip down memory lane with these nostalgic design features pros are seeing (and loving) everywhere.
Tailored Window Treatments
Tailored window treatments tend to remind us of our grandmothers’ traditional interior design style, which is why they’re so evocative. Today, homeowners are turning back to personalized drapery, only this time, with a modern, colorful twist (that’s a bit less bulky).
“I love tailored window treatments because they remind me of a time when every detail in a home felt intentional,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design.
“Cornices with decorative trim, beautifully made drapery, and thoughtful proportions have a timeless quality that's hard to achieve with off-the-shelf treatments,” says Jay. “They're classic, but they don't have to feel stuffy—you can reinterpret them with fresh colors and clean lines so they feel both current and rooted in tradition.”
Glass Cabinets
Glass cabinets have always been a staple in traditional interior design, but what gives them that sentimental feel is what’s on the inside—a curated collection of vintage plates, original artwork, or antique glassware, for example.
“There are always ways to create opportunities to display collected items, such as these glass cabinets,” says Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke.
“The most nostalgic homes are the ones that feel collected over time,” adds Jay.
Natural Wood Paneling
There is something undeniably cozy about natural wood paneling. For many generations, natural wood-grained walls were the setting of all childhood memories. Plus, when compared to some of the overly-finished materials used in homes today, natural wood feels grounding to many homeowners.
“Natural wood paneling and millwork instantly make a home feel nostalgic to me,” says Jay. “Knotty pine, especially, has a warmth that's hard to replicate—it reminds me of lake houses, family cabins, and generations gathering around a fireplace. These materials tell a story. While they've gone in and out of style over the years, I love seeing them make a comeback because they bring so much character, authenticity, and soul to a home.”
Tubular Metal
If you grew up in the ‘80s, you’ll appreciate this throwback that’s new again.
“Nostalgia isn’t just about the distant past; there’s a huge appetite for 80s design right now,” says Yates. “We're incorporating a lot of tubular metal furniture, Lucite pieces, and quirky metal wall decor.”
These personality-filled design features are bringing back that sense of whimsy and kitsch, he says. “People are leaning into designs that feel ‘less serious.’ These materials tap directly into childhood memories for Gen X and Millennial homeowners, adding a lightness and playful energy that breaks up rigid, overly curated rooms.”
Heirloom Furniture
Pieces that tell a story will always feel timeless, but you can also mix in more modern pieces throughout your home, too.
“Vintage dressers, heirloom lamps, original artwork, family photographs—those are the pieces that give a home personality and make it feel like it belongs to the people who live there,” says Jay. “I always encourage clients to mix old with new, because it's those meaningful layers that make a home feel personal, lived-in, and loved rather than decorated for a moment in time.”
Café Curtains
If you’re hoping to incorporate some nostalgia into your own interior design style, textiles are an easy place to start—especially café curtains.
“I love incorporating warm and layered patterns and textures,” says Cooke, who integrated natural materials including alabaster sconces for a vintage-inspired look in a recent project. “This curtain feels fresh yet has a vintage sensibility to it.”
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
