With home décor constantly evolving, let’s take a look at the most notable design trends over the past several decades. While some trends may possess redeeming qualities and inspire today’s décor, certain styles are unlikely to be recreated. From patterned wallpaper, mint green kitchens, and shag carpet, here are some styles that define each era.
1930s & 1940s
The world events of the 1930s and 1940s greatly shaped the era’s style of home décor. During the 1930s, the Great Depression drastically impacted the way Americans spent their money. While there was still progress in interior design, there was a greater focus on practicality. The era stressed simple, streamlined furniture and limited décor items. Accent mirrors and reflective furniture were complemented by a palette of subdued creams, neutrals and pastels. Moreover, matching and cohesive style went unstressed. The ornate style from previous decades was often intermeshed with the designs of the 1930s.
In the beginning of the 1940s, most of our country’s resources went towards the war effort, causing home design to become less prioritized. Nonetheless, the latter 1940s began a new age of home décor. Dramatic colors, floral prints, and wood paneling were found throughout the 1940s home. Design features such as ruffled draperies, bold wallpaper, and extravagant artwork induced a relaxed atmosphere, juxtaposing the wartime condition. Carpet became an affordable choice to add comfort to the living room. Kitchens were comprised of white cabinets and linoleum flooring for easy cleanup. Modern appliances, such as freezers and dishwashers, separated the 1940s from its predecessors. Despite the drastic change in design, homes in the 1940s still clung to many traditional styles of the ‘30s to maintain a sense of stability during the post-war years.
1950s & 1960s
The homes of the 1950s exemplified the stereotypical “American Dream.” The construction boom cemented the era’s attitude of optimism into the home designs. Newly built ranch-style homes incorporated the latest kitchen innovations with the addition of extravagant brick fireplaces and full-fixtured bathrooms. The charm extended into the color palette as cotton-candy pink, mint green, or turquoise graced the kitchen and bathrooms along with gleaming checkered flooring and chrome appliances. Simple upholstered furniture paired with natural wood paneling balanced out the lively pastel palette, and the television became the centerpiece in the living area. The decade’s simple yet innovative style correlated with the era’s prosperity.
In the 1960s, new style developments transformed the feel of the home. The introduction of the microwave changed the function of the kitchen while the popularity of Andy Warhol’s Pop Art inspired many décor items. Adding to the decade’s bold, flamboyant flare, bright neon and geometric patterns were found in the wallpaper, carpeting and accessories. The clean-line furniture popular in the 1950s was replaced by a Scandinavian-style modular design. The décor in the 1960s influenced the mid-century modern style still popular today.
1970s & 1980s
The trends of the 1960s continued into the 1970s and 1980s through extreme color choices and patterns. Decorative wallpaper, wood paneling, and shag carpet were common in most living areas. In the kitchen, monochromatic color schemes, such as mustard yellow and harvest gold, engrossed the space. Other popular design elements, including sunken living rooms and woven wall art, completed the 1970s groovy feel.
The 1980s saw the explosion of peach, blue and mauve shades in the furniture and bedding options. Matching floral and ruffled bedding, pillows, and drapery completed the bedrooms and living spaces. The extravagant styling was further displayed through gold furniture and décor items. To add privacy, glass blocks became a common option to add light to intimate areas of the home. Overall, the 1980s exhibited a luxurious finish through feminine touches.
1990s & 2000s
The 1990s reverted back to basic, naturalistic design elements. Floral furniture and drapery accented the light knotted pine or oak flooring. The blonde-colored wood extended beyond flooring into the cabinets and crown molding. In the kitchen, oak or pine cabinets were standard, and brass fixtures were added to counterbalance the neutral tone of the wood. For lighting, many bathrooms featured Hollywood-style light bulbs surrounding one large mirror sheet. The decorating style was composed of wood furniture, floral upholstery, and old-fashioned décor items.
As the 1990s ended, technological innovation led many 2000s homes to feature additional rooms. Offices became a must-have as well as built-ins for computers and televisions. The rise of modern, inexpensive furniture allowed living areas to remain up to date over the decade. In the kitchen, wooden cabinets and brass fixtures were replaced with chic stainless steel appliances and solid-colored cherry, black, or white cabinets with granite countertops.
2010s to Today
The 2010s gave rise to a modern twist on rustic and industrial elements. Rustic features, such as barn doors, were combined with sleek, modern design elements. Kitchen appliances were improved upon through touch-screen fridges and motion sensor faucets. A minimalist, uncluttered style became popular with a limited color palette and clean, streamlined furniture. Natural elements, including greenery and plants, were added to balance out grey and neutral décor.
As the 2020s commence, design trends have begun to prioritize minimalist designs in combination with vintage and naturalistic elements. Kitchens have incorporated integrated hardware to accentuate a seamless and neat finish. The industrial, bleak greys of the 2010s have been replaced by livelier and more natural hues. To add texture and character, modern décor items have been merged with vintage items. Inviting floral print wallpaper alongside warm, saturated colors have overturned the 2010’s simple and stark design qualities.
While trends have come and gone, many styles have been repeated or recreated over the years. As some past styles have been refurbished and incorporated with modern design, others have been brought back with a contemporary twist. Furthermore, other design changes have resulted from technological enhancements or notable world events. Whether or not certain styles appeal to us today, they were a unique result from a combination of their era’s influences. 
Kate Bernicke
Home & Yard Magazine
