{"id":30611,"date":"2025-09-24T09:53:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T08:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/?p=30611"},"modified":"2025-09-26T10:48:25","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T09:48:25","slug":"outdated-interior-trends-that-are-now-cool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/inspiration\/outdated-interior-trends-that-are-now-cool\/","title":{"rendered":"12 interior trends that were outdated but are now cool"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Interior design, much like fashion, likes to look over its shoulder every now and then. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the trends once deemed totally pass\u00e9 (we\u2019re looking at you chintz patterns<\/a>, rattan furniture, or wall-to-wall grey!) are now enjoying something of a considered and often elevated return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From short curtains to floral detailing your nan would have loved, the styles we once baulked at are suddenly sneaking back into our homes with new 2025 confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“In design, nothing ever truly disappears, it just waits to be reimagined,” says Milena Vallier, head of design at My Bespoke Room<\/a>. <\/p>

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“Some trends that once felt tired or outdated are now being rediscovered, with a fresh twist that feels exciting and current. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The trick is knowing how to reinterpret them so they feel intentional, layered, and modern.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milena says the d\u00e9cor in our homes has always had a cyclical nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust as fashion revives denim flares or shoulder pads, interiors are seeing the return of certain once outdated looks, only this time they\u2019ve been elevated.\u201d<\/p>

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From colour palettes we thought we\u2019d left behind in the 70s to patterns that once screamed blast from the past, interiors are experiencing a renaissance of style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese revivals remind us that interior design is rarely about abandoning ideas, it\u2019s about reworking them,\u201d Milena continues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrends don\u2019t really die, they evolve. What felt outdated ten years ago can feel fresh today, once it\u2019s given new context.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind we spoke to the experts to bring you an edit of the retro trends you might remember brushing off, and how they\u2019re being revived for today\u2019s most stylish homes.<\/p>

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\"Retro
Designs we once considered outdated are now making a comeback. Image Credit: BC Designs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Feature walls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once the go-to move for instant impact, bold painted feature walls began to feel a bit overdone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But in 2025, they\u2019re making a return, this time in richer hues, unexpected placements (think ceilings or archways), and thoughtful layering that makes them feel curated, not gimmicky.

\u201cThe painted feature wall of the early 2000s once felt like a shortcut to style, but today\u2019s version is more considered,\u201d explains Milena. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMurals, hand-painted details, or wallpaper with dramatic landscapes and oversized florals give walls depth and narrative.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To incorporate the look in your own home Milena recommends choosing a wall that frames a natural focal point, behind a bed, sofa, or dining table, for example, and going all in with scale.<\/p>

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\u201cPair it with pared-back furnishings so the mural becomes art, not background noise,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Feature walls are back! And this time they’re cool. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Grey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For years, grey was literally everywhere. We painted our walls grey, our sofas were grey, heck even our tea towels were grey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then we all hit peak greige fatigue and moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But now, grey is quietly making a comeback, reimagined in richer, chalkier tones and used in contrast with natural textures and layered neutrals, giving it a warmer, more sophisticated feel for 2025.

\u201cGrey once dominated interiors, but it often left spaces feeling flat and cold,\u201d explains Milena. <\/p>

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\u201cBut it is staging a resurgence, not as a neutral afterthought, but as a moody, cocooning base.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To reintroduce grey hues into your home Milena suggests opting for tonal layering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSoft charcoals, putty shades, and earthy slates across walls, woodwork, and even ceilings,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDrenching a room<\/a> in one tonal palette creates atmosphere, especially when lifted with warm textures like linen, timber, and brass.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture<\/a> colour-drenching a space in these new grey tones can help to elevate a room by giving it a cohesive and luxurious feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDrenching a room doesn\u2019t need to stop with paint, you can go one step further by incorporating colour-matched fitted furniture or layering in matching or tonal soft furnishings or furniture,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Greys have been reinvented in moodier, more immersive hues. Image Credit: Hillarys<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Terracotta tiles <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Terracotta tiles once felt as if they\u2019d been extricated straight out of a 90s conservatory, but they seem to have shed their dated reputation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025, they\u2019re being embraced for their earthy warmth and handmade charm, especially when paired with limewashed walls, raw woods, and plenty of natural light.

\u201cOnce a farmhouse clich\u00e9, terracotta is now embraced for its rustic character,\u201d explains Milena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re keen to explore terracotta tiles in your own spaces, Milena suggests laying them in larger formats or herringbone patterns for a contemporary edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPair with sleek joinery or minimalist fixtures for contrast, letting the natural clay tones add depth,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Terracotta tiles have had a cool over, reimagined from an 80s greenhouse. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gloss finishes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

High-gloss finishes had their moment in the early 2000s, often seen in stark white kitchens and on ultra-modern furniture – but eventually their overly polished look lost its shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, however, gloss is creeping back in, used more selectively and playfully – think lacquered cabinetry in bold colours or high-shine accents that catch the light and add a hit of glamour without overwhelming a space.

\u201cHigh-gloss once meant squeaky-clean but soulless kitchens,\u201d explains Milena. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday gloss becoming popular again, this time used more sparingly for drama.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you fancy giving gloss another go Milena suggests considering lacquered cabinet doors, a statement coffee table, or a single reflective accent wall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe key is balance: offset gloss with matte textures for a layered, high-end look,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gloss finishes are proving popular once more. Image credit: La Redoute<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chintz and florals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chintz used to be associated with fussy, frumpy interiors – overly floral fabrics and way too many ruffles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the look is back with a modern attitude, layered with contemporary shapes, clean lines, and bolder palettes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025, chintz is less country cottage overload, more eclectic charm. Grandma\u2019s curtains, but make them fashion.

\u201cChintz was once shorthand for old-fashioned, but bold florals are enjoying a revival with a more graphic, oversized approach,\u201d explains Milena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cChoose one striking floral fabric, on a sofa, drape, or headboard and pair with modern lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The contrast creates a curated, \u2018best of both worlds\u2019 style.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn addition to the revived greys, deep and rich shades such as once popular, sage green and navy blue are both also working their way back into homes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“These shades are seeing a particular resurgence in key areas of the home such as, bedrooms and living rooms due to the calming and tranquil atmospheres that they create.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If only the chintz in granny’s house was this cool. Image Credit: Matthew Williamson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rounded furniture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Curved furniture had its heyday in the 1970s, all low-slung silhouettes and groovy shapes, but for a while, those rounded edges felt firmly stuck in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, curves are back in a big way, reimagined in luxurious fabrics like boucle and velvet, and paired with sculptural lighting and minimalist styling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The look is soft, sophisticated, and effortlessly modern, offering proof that a little retro flair can still feel totally fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSculptural and rounded furniture that leans a nod to the playful yet sophisticated interiors of the 1970s is gaining popularity among homeowners,\u201d explains Melissa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThink curvy sofas and irregular-shaped wooden coffee tables that help to add a touch of bold, yet charming character into your living space.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This season furniture is embracing curves. Image credit: Sofology <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rattan furniture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rattan furniture was once firmly associated with conservatories and sunrooms, more practical than stylish, and often left to gather dust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it\u2019s now enjoying a well-deserved revival, thanks to its natural texture, lightness, and versatility. In modern times, rattan is being styled in more refined, design-led ways \u2013 sleek silhouettes, statement lighting, and a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces that bring warmth and character to any room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNatural materials in living spaces are proving popular once again with vintage-style rattan also making a comeback,\u201d explains Melissa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTheir tough, fibrous texture combined with their light, woven aesthetic makes the material a perfect choice for homeowners looking to add a traditional touch to a modern living space.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rattan furniture has make a comeback. Image credit: Habitat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mixing decor styles together<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There was a time when mixing styles felt like a decorating faux pas – everything had to match, from the furniture sets to the finishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, however, the most stylish homes embrace contrast and character. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blending eras, textures, and influences feels not only modern, but personal, it’s about creating a space that tells a story rather than making things too matchy, matchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cMost homeowners are leaning towards interiors that are truly personalised and unique, often combining varied design styles in their spaces, resulting in an eclectic home that exudes character,\u201d explains Melissa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe era of matching furniture sets is over for many, as we look to regain more warmth, individuality and charm in our homes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melissa recommends looking to mismatching wooden finishes and layering art and antiques, carefully positioned around your space, for a home that showcases personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Retro
Mixing decor styles has also been taken off the don’t-do list. Image Credit: Hillarys<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Closed living spaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For years, open-plan living was the ultimate goal, and closed-off rooms felt old-fashioned and boxy, but now, we\u2019re rethinking the value of a bit of separation, with broken-plan layouts and cosy nooks making a stylish and practical comeback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter decades of home design centring around open living, with high traffic areas such as living rooms and kitchens often combined as one, homeowners are seeking a shift to more traditional and closed floorplans,\u201d explains Melissa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melissa says many are moving away from open plan layouts in favour of clearly defined areas, such a home office and separate dining space, which allows for greater privacy in the home and can help improve organisation between rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Interior designers are reporting a return to closed and broken plan layouts. Image Credit: Pooky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Short or puffy curtains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once dismissed as dated or overly traditional, short curtains, that skim the window sill, are having an unexpected comeback. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Styled in crisp fabrics or playful prints, they bring a tailored, relaxed charm, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere full-length drapes feel too formal or fussy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShorter curtains, once left behind in favour of long, flowing drapes are seen as stylish once more,\u201d explains Ana Zuravliova, trends specialist at Blinds Direct<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEspecially when used in relaxed formal spaces like kitchens or home offices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To keep the look contemporary Ana suggests opting for lightweight fabrics in earthy tones or muted pastels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSofter shapes and fuller fabrics are making a return too, echoing the puffy styles of the 90s but with a modern sensibility,\u201d she continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key, Ana says, is in the fabric choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThink linen-blend curtains or richly textured roman blinds in shades like muted greens or mustard,\u201d she explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese colours and textures strike a balance between retro charm and modern sophistication, making the look feel intentional rather than dated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Short curtains are no longer considered an interior faux-pas. Image credit: Hillarys<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stripes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While stripes never truly disappeared, for a while they felt a bit too safe or traditional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, they’re being reimagined in bold scales, unexpected colour combinations, and playful placements – on walls, upholstery, and even ceilings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new take on stripes feels graphic, fresh, and full of personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStipes fell out of favour during the height of minimalist interiors,\u201d explains Ana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday, homeowners are moving back towards designs that bring character and depth, and stripes are a great way to add boldness without overwhelming a space.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Ana vertical stripes in particular can draw the eye upward and if used on curtains can make windows appear taller and rooms more spacious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe same applies to striped roman blinds, which offer a softer, tailored way to bring pattern into a room while keeping the look modern and versatile,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stripes have been reimagined. Image credit: Tori Murphy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dark colours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dark colours like black, charcoal, and deep browns were once seen as too heavy or oppressive for the home, reserved for dramatic statements rather than everyday spaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But now, they\u2019re being embraced for their depth, elegance, and ability to create atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Used thoughtfully, for example on walls, cabinetry, or even ceilings, these moody hues can feel calm and cocooning, adding a modern edge that\u2019s anything but gloomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBlack curtains and blinds are now being used to add instant drama and sophistication,\u201d explains Ana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey work best when contrasted with lighter walls or layered with sheer fabrics to soften the effect.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, smoky teals and blue-green tones are becoming more popular. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese shades create a modern neutral, calming and versatile atmosphere, adding depth without overpowering a space,\u201d Ana adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Abigail
Darker hues are being embraced once more. Image Credit: Abigail Ahern x Herringbone Kitchens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at <\/a><\/em><\/strong>Obsessed with Wednesday? 13 Whimsy Goth ideas for your home<\/strong><\/em><\/a> or<\/em><\/strong> <\/a>Fashionable fungi: How to get the mushroomcore look in your home<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/em>. And check out Labubu interiors have arrived! 11 ways to embrace \u2018cutecore\u2019 in your home<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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