Which old-school interior design trends are making a comeback?

The cyclical nature of interior design is more evident than ever as the trends of yesteryear resurface at a rapid pace.

It seems that today’s homebuyers are eager to embrace retro looks that many thought were gone for good, but not all of these design choices have found their way into the hearts and homes of modern consumers.

Find out which interior design trends are making a comeback by reading the room-by-room overview below.

Living spaces and bedrooms

Instead of opting for the simple, clean look that paint provides, some homeowners are going for something else entirely — wallpaper.

Wallpaper fell out of style decades ago, but it’s to be making an unexpected comeback, especially in living spaces and bedrooms. With a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from, wallpaper gives homeowners the ability to easily customize their walls in ways that paint can’t.

It’s also cheaper and easier to install than ever.

Thanks to its simple peel-and-stick application, vinyl wallpaper can be installed by nearly anyone, which is certainly a plus for inexperienced DIYers.

Kitchens and dining spaces

Bigger isn’t always better. The rising popularity of smaller homes and condos is proof of that.

Large floor plans are falling out of favor as many families seek out cozier homes that are more affordable and easier to maintain, and the open-kitchen design found in many modern homes just isn’t practical considering the cost.

Most small kitchens offer all of the functionality found in larger options with the exception of storage space, and the lower price tag associated with less square footage is compelling to today’s budget-conscious consumer.

Full-size dining rooms are also losing favor as young families find that a simple low-profile dining nook will do.

In high-cost markets like San Francisco and Los Angeles, the popularity of smaller kitchens and dining spaces is especially evident.

Bathrooms

Linoleum-tiled flooring was extremely popular through the ’50s until vinyl flooring (a cheaper alternative) stole its steam.

Recently, however, linoleum has made a major comeback.

Checkerboard-pattern linoleum in particular has seen a resurgence in bathrooms. This retro-style flooring actually meshes well with modern minimalist design, and the fact that it’s water-resistant makes it an excellent choice for high-moisture areas.

To match their old-school floors, many homeowners are also installing vintage brass faucets and fixtures. Their sturdy construction, along with their unique look, really sets them apart from the cheap, low-quality alternatives found in big-box stores.

Is a vintage home makeover worth it?

Before spending thousands redesigning a home’s interior, it’s important to consider whether or not these projects will really add long-term value.

Looking back at some of the once-popular design trends that have fallen by the wayside (think shag carpets), the answer in many cases is likely no.

Still, for homeowners who have a passion for vintage design and plan on staying in one place for the long haul, implementing some old-school upgrades can be a great way to make a house feel more like home.

Pat Hiban sold more than 7,000 homes over the course of his 25-year career in real estate. Now, he dedicates his time to helping others succeed as agents and investors. As host of the Real Estate Rockstars Podcast, Pat interviews real estate experts to explore what works in today’s markets. He also founded Rebus University, an online training platform for real estate agents and sales professionals.