11 Living Room Trends In Illinois That May Return Sooner Than You Think

Remember those living room styles your parents or grandparents had that seemed so outdated? Well, fashion is cyclical, and home design is no exception.

Illinois homeowners are rediscovering design elements from the past and giving them modern twists. Many interior designers across the Prairie State are noticing these vintage-inspired comebacks in client requests.

Let’s explore which living room trends are making their way back into Illinois homes faster than you might expect.

1. Mid-Century Sofas

Clean lines and tapered legs are hallmarks of mid-century sofas that Illinois homeowners are falling in love with again. The practical yet stylish designs from the 1950s and 60s complement today’s more minimal aesthetic while adding a touch of nostalgia.

What makes these pieces special is their versatility. They work beautifully in Chicago apartments and Springfield suburban homes alike, offering comfort without sacrificing style. Many local furniture stores report increased demand for these classic pieces.

If you’re considering this trend, look for sofas with walnut frames and jewel-toned upholstery for an authentic mid-century feel with contemporary appeal. Illinois winters practically beg for a cozy yet stylish spot to curl up!

2. Velvet Upholstery

Luxurious to the touch and rich in appearance, velvet upholstery adds instant warmth to Illinois living rooms. This sumptuous fabric is experiencing a major revival, especially in deeper hues like emerald green, navy blue, and burgundy that stand up well to Midwestern seasonal changes.

During harsh Illinois winters, velvet furniture creates a cozy sanctuary that feels both elegant and comforting. Local designers note that clients are increasingly requesting velvet accent chairs and sofas to create focal points in their living spaces.

Modern manufacturing techniques have made today’s velvet more durable and stain-resistant than vintage versions. This practical upgrade makes the material perfect for family homes from Chicago’s North Shore to downstate communities where both style and function matter.

3. Statement Rugs

Bold patterns underfoot are making a dramatic comeback in Illinois homes. Geometric designs, vibrant colors, and vintage-inspired patterns are replacing the neutral floor coverings that dominated recent years. These statement rugs instantly transform living spaces without major renovations.

Homeowners in Naperville, Evanston, and other Illinois communities are using these eye-catching floor pieces to define conversation areas in open-concept homes. The trend works particularly well in Prairie-style homes common throughout the state, where architectural simplicity provides the perfect backdrop for pattern play.

Local rug retailers report increased interest in both authentic vintage rugs and new pieces with retro-inspired designs. Many Illinois residents are discovering that a statement rug can tie together existing furniture while adding personality and warmth to their living rooms.

4. Brass Lighting

Warm metallic finishes are illuminating Illinois living rooms once again. Brass lighting fixtures from floor lamps to chandeliers add a golden glow that feels both timeless and fresh against the state’s frequently overcast skies.

Unlike the shiny brass of the 1980s, today’s versions feature softer, brushed finishes that complement rather than dominate a space. Chicago interior designers report clients specifically requesting brass fixtures to replace the chrome and nickel that dominated recent decades.

This trend pairs beautifully with the historic architecture found throughout Illinois cities like Oak Park and Galena. Many homeowners are discovering vintage brass fixtures at local antique shops or choosing new pieces with classic designs. The warm metal tone creates a welcoming ambiance during the state’s long winter months while maintaining its appeal year-round.

5. Bold Wallpaper

Dramatic patterns are climbing Illinois walls again after years of solid paint colors dominating the scene. Floral, geometric, and textured wallpapers are transforming living rooms from basic to breathtaking with relatively minimal investment.

Homeowners in Champaign-Urbana and the Chicago suburbs are particularly embracing this trend, often using bold wallpaper on a single accent wall rather than throughout entire rooms. This approach creates visual interest without overwhelming the space perfect for the practical Midwestern sensibility.

Local designers recommend patterns that reflect Illinois’ natural beauty prairie grasses, woodland scenes, or abstract designs in colors that mirror the changing seasons. Many Illinois wallpaper specialists report increased demand for both traditional paste applications and modern peel-and-stick options that appeal to both homeowners and renters wanting to personalize their living spaces.

6. Terrazzo Accents

Speckled stone composite surfaces are finding their way back into Illinois homes in fresh, modern applications. Terrazzo that distinctive material with colorful chips embedded in concrete or resin is appearing on coffee tables, side tables, and decorative objects rather than just floors.

This versatile material brings playful texture to living spaces while maintaining a sophisticated look that appeals to Illinois homeowners from Lake Forest to Carbondale. The durability of terrazzo makes it especially practical for the state’s climate fluctuations.

Local artisans are creating custom terrazzo pieces using color combinations that reflect regional preferences blues and greens near Lake Michigan, warmer earth tones in central and southern parts of the state. Many Illinois homeowners appreciate how these pieces incorporate recycled materials, aligning with growing environmental consciousness while adding distinctive character to their living rooms.

7. Curved Furniture

Soft, rounded silhouettes are replacing sharp angles in Illinois living rooms. Curved sofas, crescent-shaped sectionals, and rounded armchairs create inviting conversation areas while adding visual interest through their sculptural forms.

Chicago designers note this trend works exceptionally well in the many vintage apartments and homes throughout the state, where curved furniture can soften the rectangular rooms typical of traditional architecture. The organic shapes feel both fresh and nostalgic a perfect combination for today’s design sensibilities.

Beyond aesthetics, curved furniture promotes face-to-face interaction, making it ideal for Illinois’ community-oriented culture. Local furniture makers report increased requests for custom curved pieces, while retailers note stronger sales in rounded designs. Many Illinois homeowners find these pieces create natural flow in their living spaces while making rooms feel more welcoming and comfortable.

8. Wood Paneling

Vertical wooden elements are making a sophisticated comeback in Illinois living spaces. Unlike the dark, glossy paneling of the 1970s, today’s versions feature natural finishes, lighter woods, and thoughtful installation that highlights architectural features.

Homeowners in historic neighborhoods from Bloomington to Waukegan are rediscovering how wood paneling adds warmth and texture to living rooms. The material provides excellent insulation against Illinois’ temperature extremes while creating visual interest that paint alone cannot achieve.

Local carpenters and designers recommend using reclaimed wood when possible, connecting to Illinois’ agricultural heritage while promoting sustainability. Many homeowners are installing paneling on a single wall or in alcoves rather than throughout entire rooms, creating focal points that honor traditional craftsmanship while maintaining a contemporary feel. This balanced approach perfectly suits Illinois’ blend of historic appreciation and forward-thinking design.

9. Patterned Throw Pillows

Vibrant fabric accents are bringing personality back to Illinois sofas and chairs. Geometric prints, floral patterns, and textured weaves in mix-and-match combinations allow homeowners to refresh their living rooms seasonally without major investments.

This accessible trend appeals to practical Illinois sensibilities while satisfying the desire for personal expression. Designers in Springfield and Rockford report clients building collections of pillow covers that can be swapped out as seasons or moods change.

Local fabric shops and artisans are seeing increased interest in regionally-inspired patterns prairie landscapes, architectural motifs from Chicago landmarks, and abstract designs in colors reflecting Lake Michigan’s changing hues. Many Illinois homeowners appreciate how these small textile additions can completely transform a living space while honoring local aesthetics. The layered, collected look creates depth and interest perfect for the state’s variable climate and indoor-focused winter months.

10. Open Shelving

Curated display spaces are replacing closed storage in Illinois living rooms. Floating shelves and freestanding bookcases showcase collections, books, and meaningful objects while creating visual interest on previously blank walls.

This trend resonates with Illinois residents who value both practicality and personal expression. Homeowners from Peoria to Highland Park are using open shelving to display everything from family heirlooms to local art pieces, creating living spaces that tell their unique stories.

Local woodworkers report increased demand for custom shelving in materials that complement Illinois’ architectural styles oak for Craftsman homes, walnut for mid-century spaces, and industrial metals for converted lofts. Many Illinois interior designers recommend balancing displayed items with negative space to avoid visual clutter. This thoughtful approach to storage and display creates living rooms that feel both organized and deeply personal.

11. Accent Chairs

Statement seating pieces are creating focal points in Illinois living rooms once again. Distinctive chairs in unexpected shapes, bold colors, or interesting textures add personality while providing functional extra seating for gatherings.

Homeowners across the state, from Chicago high-rises to Carbondale bungalows, are investing in quality accent chairs that stand out rather than blend in. Local furniture stores report particular interest in designs that reference mid-century aesthetics while incorporating contemporary comfort features.

These distinctive seating options work especially well in Illinois’ varied housing styles, from Victorian homes in Oak Park to modern condos along Lake Shore Drive. Many residents are choosing locally-made pieces or vintage finds from the state’s excellent antique markets. The result is living rooms that feel curated rather than cookie-cutter, reflecting Illinois’ blend of Midwestern practicality and sophisticated design sensibility.