Have you ever heard the saying, “what is old is new again?” Whoever initiated the phrase may have been referring to bellbottom jeans and platform shoes, but it also applies to home decor.
Most trends have an expiry date, but certain styles are timeless and refuse to be held back.
Nowhere is that more true than when it comes to your unique sense of design for your home. Keep reading, because what was once only found in your grandmother’s house might soon be on the cover of a designer magazine.
Let’s take a look at some of the traditions that are resonating with today’s homeowners!
Wicker, Rattan and Bamboo
In the 1970s, wicker was all the rage. And why not? They last forever and go with everything. Their light weight and durability have made these go-to materials since ancient times, but the late 60s and early 70s are practically defined by them. Everything from chairs, lampshades and even headboards was woven with wicker.
Wicker, rattan, and bamboo are often topics of discussion for the writers and designers over at Home and Gardens. We expect this trend to continue well into forever and beyond. How could it not? It’s just so outdoorsy and irresistible!
The trick to decorating with wicker is to keep it tasteful, use it as an accent and avoid the temptation to overdo it. (Resisting that urge is a common theme in home design!)
Be inspired by the 1970s, not stuck forever in the time period when “Disco Duck” played relentlessly on the airwaves. (This random, silly song by Rick Dees was originally intended as satire and ended up selling more than 1 million copies in 1976. If that isn’t a perfect reflection of a fun and carefree era, we don’t know what is!)
Luxury real estate isn’t just for the high-end home buyer. The posts below will help you enjoy an elevated experience at any budget:
Statement Staircases
The stairs in your house aren’t just for getting up and down; done right, they can essentially be a work of art. Think floating staircases that allow the light to flow through each step or curved railings that make any home look and feel luxurious!
Installing a whole new set of stairs can be an ambitious project, but you will love the results. Spiral staircases have been used for hundreds of years, but their subtle elegance is making a comeback in today’s design trends.
Graceful, swirling spirals don’t just look spectacular by drawing the eye upwards; they’re also a fantastic use of space and perfect for a smaller home. If you want to keep things simple, just switching out the flooring or carpet or touching up the handrail can add a touch of glamour.
Modular Furniture
In the 1940s, furnishing your home with modular furniture was the epitome of style and luxury. Only the most successful and wealthy families could afford these versatile pieces that would later be known as the “Hollywood Look.”Later generations discarded the modular trend as mass production made all types of furniture more affordable for everyday people.
But modular furniture is back, and this time, it’s not just about the glamour. It’s about the functionality. Young homeowners especially love how you can change and configure the furniture to suit your needs in the moment.
For example, a modular sofa comes with moveable sections called “modules.” You can arrange them into an “L shape,” a “U shape,” or into a bed for overnight guests.
Modular furniture is ideal for anyone living in small or unusual spaces and is quickly becoming a fashionable trend for homeowners who love the idea of conversation circles.
This trend is all about being social, and we don’t mean spending more time on Instagram or TikTok! Instead, we’re talking about arranging furniture in ways that encourage good old-fashioned conversation and connections.
Abstract Art
Absurd or pure creative genius? Art aficionados have always argued and debated the merits of abstract pieces.
For a while, it seemed that the abstract art craze was in the past. It was common to hear people crack jokes about “my five-year-old can draw better than that.” Love it or hate it, abstract art is back in style.
Its appeal defies logic. What one person finds absurd seems like pure magic to someone else. Think of this quote from Picasso: “There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward, you can remove all traces of reality.”
Abstract art may look like nonsense to your friends, but what matters is that it speaks truth to you. (Just like that other Picasso quote: “Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.”) Tip for the modern world: Go beyond flat prints! Textured art and woven tapestries add visual and tactile interest, allowing for rich, multi-sense experiences.
Wood Panelling
Wood panelling is another design trend associated with the past. Not long ago, if you bought a house with wood panelling on the walls, you couldn’t rip it out fast enough. “This is so 1970s!”, you might say.
But now, this style is on its way back – with a twist, of course. No longer do you panel the entire house. Instead, try decorating an accent wall using creative designs and a touch of asymmetrical geometry.
As with any decor, moderation and tasteful placement are the secrets to making wood panelling work.
Wall Paper
Many style experts would like to pretend the 1980s never happened. The era is largely associated with decadent decor like mirrors everywhere, neon colours and garish excess of every kind. And let’s not forget about the wallpaper in every room of the house.
Homebuyers in the 90s spent many hours scraping off floral wallpaper and vowing “never again.”“Never” is a strong word though, because believe it or not, wallpaper is in vogue again.
It’s nowhere near as over-the-top as it was in the days of hair metal. Artistic, minimalistic flavours could make your house the talk of the neighbourhood.
If you’re considering giving wallpaper a second chance, think moderation and artistry. There is no need to cover your house from top to bottom. A splash of colourful paper on an accent wall, tastefully placed, can give new life to any room of your home.
What other design trends should you watch out for? Find out more unique and classy ways to decorate your home in these other articles:
- Switch It Up! A 30-Day Plan to Redesign Your Home
- Our Must-Have Home Decor Accessories
- Absolutely Fabulous! Secrets of Gorgeous Curb Appeal for Every Season
Did you know that staging your home before selling can bring better offers and higher prices? That’s why beautiful staging is a top priority for us when working with a home seller.
Smart Lighting
Lighting has always been front and centre in home design. Before the dawn of electricity, homeowners would use candles to brighten things up. The “smart” part is a twist for the modern world, however and for a good reason. It gives you ultimate control over the beautiful illumination that can transform your home. (the subject of lighting in home decor deserves an entire blog just on its own!) A few quick tips for brightening and modernizing any space in your house:
Go natural whenever possible. Sheer curtains block just enough of the sun to keep out the heat and the glare. A few mirrors strategically placed can expand natural sunlight into the darkest corners.
With Smart lighting, you can create the ideal ambiance for any occasion. Philips Hue bulbs are great options, as they allow you to customize your light—and use Bluetooth to control it.
Outdoor lights are no longer seasonal! Passersby and homeowners alike can appreciate a bright and well-lit exterior. Something about it just makes those cold winter nights feel a little warmer and more welcoming.
Planning to sell your home in Toronto? You’ve already got a head start since it’s beautifully decorated! The posts below can also help:
- Our Home Selling Success Stories
- Elevate Your Lifestyle By Maximizing The Sale Of Your Current Home
- How Do I Attract High-Quality Buyers to My Listing?
Modern Farmhouse Designs
Warmer than minimalism, more timeless than Cottage Core, Modern Farmhouse design themes incorporate clean lines and natural textures (think wood and stone). The effect is an inviting ambiance that is also upscale and sophisticated.
Another way to create an ultra-cozy (yet elegant) space is by opting for accents you’d find in an upscale cottage, like furniture crafted of reclaimed wood, vintage prints with a rustic feel, and earthy hues that complement one another. Sumptuous accents such as cashmere throw blankets can make your home even comfier—and ensure that it’s your favourite place to be.
Mixing Old and New
Gorgeous antique pieces never go out of style, but that doesn’t mean your aesthetic should ever seem outdated, not even for a moment. Avoid overloading any room with dark, heavy furniture or decor – otherwise the space can quickly feel archaic.
Fortunately, it’s entirely possible to embrace the beauty of the past in a fresh and contemporary way. Start by collecting retro pieces that are meaningful to you. Then complement them with modern decor and a little more brightness. That’s the perfect recipe for a look that’s both personal and timeless!
Do you have questions about buying or selling a house in the current market? Our Toronto luxury real estate agents are standing by to provide you with expert guidance and up-to-date information. Reach out to us today by email ana@asantos.ca or call 647.232.7317 to learn more.
Meet The Team
See how our dynamic duo leads a smart strategy to help you sell your Toronto home for top dollar.
