What’s old often becomes new again, at least in the world of interior design. So it’s not surprising that certain retro trends are back and having a major moment right now.
That said, not all retro aesthetics are making a comeback, as some fashions – we’re looking at you, matching furniture sets – should stay in the past. To discover precisely which trends are gaining popularity, we consulted professionals.
We asked three interior designers to give us their take on the retro trends to embrace and why they’re an excellent idea in 2025.
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Meet the Experts
Glass Blocks
A few decades ago, glass blocks were ubiquitous and were considered the pinnacle of interior design. Then they fell completely out of favor, but today they’re making a big comeback and for good reasons, according to Cecile Gottlich, founder and principal designer at Studio Cecile.
With open floor plans becoming less and less popular, glass blocks are an ideal way to divide spaces because they “create separation while allowing light to pass through,” says Gottlich.
In terms of aesthetics, glass blocks are excellent for adding interest to a room, whether as a partition or design element, because they “add beautiful textures, color, and architectural details” to any space where they’re placed, according to Gottlich.
Cork Tiles
Whether for your floors or walls, one of the main reasons to embrace cork tiles is their eco-friendly nature, explains Gottlich—cork is not only a sustainable natural material, but it’s also biodegradable and can absorb carbon dioxide.
While this alone is enough to justify introducing cork into your decor, that’s not all. Cork tiles have evolved today and are available in a range of styles and colors, including a marbled finish.
Whether for a modern or rustic interior, cork tiles work so well because “they’re not only beautiful, adding texture and warmth to a space, but also very functional and durable,” according to Gottlich.
Wood-on-Wood Decor
Living rooms decorated with wood from head to toe were trendy in the 60s and 70s. Think wooden floors paired with wooden furniture and cabinets, and maybe even some wooden beams to create that wood-soaked look.
Today, what Zoë Bailey, associate director at Studio Morey, calls “wood washing” involves using lighter-toned woods and sleeker furniture, often in a modern 50s style, for a more minimalist look.
“There’s something about the feel and smell of wood that’s really appealing and comforting,” adds Bailey, and decorating with an abundance of wood also comes with our growing desire to be more connected to nature.
Checkerboard Flooring
Checkerboard floors might remind you of a 50s-style diner, but they’re back in fashion this year. Traditionally seen mainly in black and white or red and white, the latest version of this flooring includes a range of fresh color combinations, including hues like sage and cream or navy and sand, according to Rebecca Winter, founder and CEO of Rebecca Winter Design Studio.
While bold, there’s a simplicity in this graphic pattern that gives it timeless appeal, perfect for bringing interest to various spaces, but especially to entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
“Whether in marble, ceramic, or vinyl, this retro pattern offers just the right amount of nostalgia without looking dated,” says Winter.
Skirted Details
Clean lines and sharp silhouettes have been trendy for a long time in the world of interior decorating. But this year, we’re seeing a turn toward fluid, feminine, and traditional styles, according to Gottlich, and nothing brings this look to life better than skirted furniture, reminiscent of grandma’s old sofa.
Ruffles, gathers, fringe, and pleats are all part of this look. This little bit of fabric that hangs from the edge of a sofa or bed “adds femininity and a touch of whimsy even to the most non-traditional spaces,” says Gottlich.
In addition to skirted furniture, you can create this look simply by adding a custom fabric skirt to your existing pieces, whether it’s a stool, coffee table, kitchen cabinet, or even an entire kitchen island.
Colorful Bathrooms
While the avocado bathroom is better left in the past, colorful bathrooms are making a comeback, but in a more refined version than their retro counterparts, according to Bailey.
For years, white and neutral tones have dominated bathroom decor, but not anymore.
“Now, we’re finding that clients are gaining confidence to be bolder and choose dramatic and darker tones [for their bathrooms],” adds Bailey.
Today’s colorful bathrooms tend to use sophisticated tones like dark greens and earthy hues, though it’s not uncommon to see touches of brighter tones as well.
Terrazzo Surfaces
The speckled stone composite that was everywhere in the 80s and 90s is experiencing a major revival. Modern terrazzo has evolved beyond the institutional look of decades past, now available in softer color palettes and finer aggregate sizes.
“Today’s terrazzo offers incredible versatility,” explains Winter. “You can find it in muted pastels, bold jewel tones, or even metallic flecks that add glamour to any space.”
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, terrazzo is incredibly durable and sustainable, often made from recycled materials. It works beautifully as countertops, flooring, or even as accent walls, bringing texture and visual interest while maintaining a sophisticated, contemporary feel.
Curved and Rounded Furniture
The sharp, angular furniture that dominated the early 2000s is giving way to softer, more organic shapes reminiscent of the 1970s. Curved sofas, round dining tables, and kidney-shaped coffee tables are all making strong comebacks.
“There’s something inherently welcoming about curved furniture,” says Bailey. “It creates a more intimate, conversational atmosphere and feels less imposing in a space.”
These rounded pieces also work well in smaller spaces, as they improve traffic flow and eliminate sharp corners. The trend reflects our desire for comfort and a more human-centered approach to design.
Statement Ceilings
While accent walls have been popular for years, statement ceilings are having their moment. This trend harkens back to the ornate plasterwork and coffered ceilings of earlier eras, but with a modern twist.
“People are realizing that the ceiling is the fifth wall,” notes Gottlich. “Whether it’s bold paint colors, wallpaper, or architectural details, the ceiling offers incredible potential for drama and interest.”
Popular approaches include painted ceilings in deep, moody colors, decorative molding, exposed beams, and even wallpapered ceilings. This trend works especially well in dining rooms, bedrooms, and powder rooms where you want to create an intimate, cocooning effect.
Mixed Metal Finishes
The rule of matching all metal finishes throughout a home is officially over. The new approach involves thoughtfully mixing different metal tones – brass, chrome, black iron, and copper – within the same space.
“Mixed metals add depth and prevent a space from feeling too matchy-matchy,” explains Winter. “The key is to distribute the different metals throughout the room so no single finish dominates.”
This trend reflects a more collected, lived-in aesthetic that feels personal and curated rather than showroom-perfect. It also allows homeowners to incorporate existing pieces with different finishes without feeling constrained to replace everything to match.