Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      Are your plants not looking as lush and colorful as you hoped? Make sure you haven't made any of these missteps. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women’s Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 109-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women’s Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 109-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement in 1908 has become a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style
    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See All Health & Family
    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See All Pets
    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. BHG.com
  2. Decorating
  3. Decorating Tips & Advice
  4. Expert Decorating Advice
  5. Decorating Trends That Are Coming Back

Decorating Trends That Are Coming Back

February 19, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
living room
They say that all good things must come to an end, but trends are the exception. Here are 19 classic and creative design elements and details that have come back with gusto, and they're now better—and easier to replicate—than ever.
Start Slideshow

1 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Blue and White

living room

The simple and sweet blue-and-white color palette feels fresh, despite the fact that it’s been a go-to combination for generations. A staple of the early '90s, it feels fresh when applied in modern patterns and as part of an eclectic design scheme.

1 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Brass

bathroom with pink wallpaper

Brass has experienced a widespread resurgence in the design world, this time coming back as a softer, antiqued version of the shiny brass circa 1995. In tandem with its cousin gold, brass is now beginning to overtake chrome and brushed nickel as the preferred metal of choice. Use it on your faucets, frames, and fixtures.

2 of 12

3 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Orange

living room

Throughout much of the 1960s and '70s, orange was one of the more popular shades within interior design. Now orange is back in the top spot. But rather than appearing in mod florals, trippy tie-dyes, and crushed velvet sofas, orange is featured with cottage and nautrical themes, plenty of crisp whites, and doses of bright blues. Plenty of wood surfaces and natural textures help to erase any holdover hippie or disco vibes associated with the hue.

3 of 12

Advertisement

4 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Flokati (aka - the New Shag)

Lake Cabin Tour

Shag carpet has been long gone (can I get an amen?), but flokati is the new iteration in town. It's perfectly in step with today's eclectic-global-natural take on style. Genuine flokati is made from sheep's wool, but you'll find many synthetic versions available because of its popularity. The material, whether real or faux, features telltale ultra-high-pile fibers and invites sinking your feet into. Often, it sports a black design for a graphic punch.

4 of 12

5 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Macrame

macrame hanging plants

Yet another revived product of the retro '60s and '70s is macrame. Today we see this woven, knotted rope finish on things like hanging planters, wall-mounted textiles, and even pieces of jewelry. (And not a scary owl in sight!) While you can buy readymade pieces, you can get the look at home using your own two hands.

5 of 12

6 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Midcentury Design

cabinet

Throughout much of the mid-1900s, a specific style emerged that featured characteristic clean lines, simple silhouettes, and starburst detailing. That look has finally come full circle, and it has reemerged as a hot style. (And we probably have Mad Men to thank for that.) Scout out authentic pieces at your local thrift stores and flea markets, or nab reproductions at many favorite retailers.

  • Rooms that Could Have Appeared on Mad Men

6 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pastels

Bedroom with Pink Walls

Miami Vice and '80s preppies gave pastels a bad name for a while and relegated the soft, muted colors to children's rooms and play areas. But no more! Now pastel hues are seen in just about any space. To combat the light look and the tendancy to go saccharine, add in a bold accent color or two.

7 of 12

8 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Make It Work

Watch and see how to make soft colors like pastels look super sophisticated.

8 of 12

9 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Skirted Tables

Decorating Gallery

The skirted tables that you loved so much in the 1990s are back in style and ready to take back their place beside to your bed or sofa. To update the look, consider layering linens (a global-inspired scarf is up to the minute) and add a glass top. Skip the lace doily and save the chintz for something else. 

9 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wallpaper

bathroom

The patterns may have changed, but it’s safe to say that wallpaper is experiencing a major renaissance in design. Featuring a wide variety of options -- geometrics, modern florals, and simple color blocking, too -- wallpaper is a simple and trendy way to update the look of any room or feature wall in your house.

  • These Rooms Will Convince You That Wallpaper is Back

10 of 12

11 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wood Paneling

living room

Ok, so the fake stuff wasn't so hot, which led to paneling's bad rap. But it's time to officially ditch the myth that wood paneling is only for mountain lodges and rundown retro homes. Nowadays, wood-lined walls are chic and stately, adding warmth and a hint of whimsy to your favorite rooms.

11 of 12

12 of 12

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Why We Love It

See clever ways wood paneling can look "now," not dated.

12 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 12 Blue and White
    2 of 12 Brass
    3 of 12 Orange
    4 of 12 Flokati (aka - the New Shag)
    5 of 12 Macrame
    6 of 12 Midcentury Design
    7 of 12 Pastels
    8 of 12 Make It Work
    9 of 12 Skirted Tables
    10 of 12 Wallpaper
    11 of 12 Wood Paneling
    12 of 12 Why We Love It

    Share options

    Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

    Login

    Shop | Better Homes & Gardens

    • Textured Throw Pillows
    • Round Mirrors
    • Kitchen Rugs
    • Hallway Runners
    • Tufted Area Rugs
    • Kitchen Island Pendants
    • Wall Sconces
    • Bedside Lamps
    • Throw Pillows
    • Vases
    • Shop More

    Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Media Kit
    • Content Licensing
    • Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    View image

    Decorating Trends That Are Coming Back
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.