20 Retro Finds That Are Back In Style For Today’s Homes

Remember those quirky pieces from grandma’s house that once seemed outdated? Well, they’re making a serious comeback! Interior designers are embracing nostalgic elements from the past, giving them modern twists that fit perfectly in contemporary homes.

I’ve rounded up 20 retro treasures that are stealing the spotlight in today’s design world, proving that everything old eventually becomes new again.

1. Record Players

Vinyl has made an astonishing comeback in our digital world. The warm, crackling sound quality offers something streaming services simply can’t replicate.

Modern record players come in sleek designs that blend vintage functionality with contemporary aesthetics. Some even include Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports for the best of both worlds.

I’ve noticed these conversation pieces taking center stage in living rooms, not just for playing music but as stylish decor statements that celebrate analog craftsmanship.

2. Macramé Wall Hangings

The bohemian knotted art from the 1970s has returned with a refined, artisanal touch. Crafters have reimagined these textile pieces with cleaner lines and more sophisticated patterns.

Natural cotton rope creates beautiful texture that adds warmth to stark walls. I love how these handcrafted pieces bring organic elements into spaces dominated by technology and hard surfaces.

You’ll find them adorning bedroom walls, hanging above sofas, or even serving as room dividers in open floor plans.

3. Rattan Furniture

Rattan’s airy, tropical vibe has captured hearts once again. These woven wonders bring natural textures and visual lightness to any space without the heaviness of traditional wooden furniture.

Peacock chairs, curved headboards, and rounded coffee tables showcase rattan’s versatility. Designers pair these pieces with crisp linens and bold textiles for a fresh interpretation of 70s style.

The sustainability factor also appeals to eco-conscious homeowners looking for renewable material alternatives.

4. Conversation Pits

Sunken living rooms are making a surprising architectural comeback! These cozy, built-in seating arrangements create instant intimacy in larger spaces and encourage face-to-face interaction.

Modern versions feature modular components, plush upholstery, and integrated technology. Unlike their 1970s predecessors, today’s conversation pits incorporate charging stations and clever storage solutions.

Homeowners appreciate how these architectural features naturally define gathering spaces without walls, perfect for our renewed focus on meaningful connection.

5. Terrazzo Surfaces

Those speckled composite surfaces from mid-century buildings are everywhere now! Terrazzo’s playful pattern of embedded stone chips creates visual interest without overwhelming a space.

Beyond traditional flooring, I’m seeing terrazzo on countertops, table surfaces, and even decorative objects. Modern manufacturing techniques have made this material more accessible and customizable than ever before.

The sustainability angle appeals too – many versions incorporate recycled materials like glass and marble remnants.

6. Velvet Upholstery

Luxurious velvet has shed its stuffy reputation to become a texture-rich staple in contemporary homes. Jewel-toned velvet sofas and chairs add instant sophistication and visual depth to neutral spaces.

Performance velvets have revolutionized this fabric’s practicality. Stain-resistant treatments mean you don’t have to sacrifice durability for beauty, making velvet viable even in homes with kids and pets.

The material’s light-catching quality creates subtle dimension that flat fabrics simply can’t match.

7. Houseplant Jungles

The 1970s houseplant obsession has returned with even greater fervor! Indoor jungles featuring monsteras, fiddle leaf figs, and trailing pothos create living art within our homes.

Macramé plant hangers and architectural plant stands elevate these green friends from mere decorations to design statements. Plant parents display their collections in coordinated pottery that complements interior color schemes.

Beyond aesthetics, we’ve embraced plants for their air-purifying qualities and the sense of calm they bring to our tech-saturated environments.

8. Floral Wallpaper

Grandma’s busy floral patterns have been reimagined with bold scale and contemporary color palettes. Today’s florals make dramatic statements rather than fading into the background as they once did.

Peel-and-stick options have made this trend accessible to renters and commitment-phobes alike. I’ve used these in accent walls, ceiling applications, and even furniture makeovers for instant character.

The contrast between traditional floral motifs and modern furnishings creates a delightful tension in design-forward spaces.

9. Sunburst Mirrors

These radiant mirrors capture the optimistic spirit of mid-century design while adding architectural interest to walls. Gold, brass, and mixed metal finishes reflect current metallic trends.

Unlike their vintage counterparts, contemporary sunburst mirrors often mix materials like wood, rattan, and metal for textural complexity. They work beautifully above mantels, in entryways, or anywhere that needs a focal point.

The reflective qualities amplify light in darker spaces, making them as functional as they are decorative.

10. Shag Rugs

Plush underfoot comfort has returned to our hard-surfaced homes! Today’s shag rugs feature improved materials that resist matting and are easier to clean than their 1970s predecessors.

Neutral colors and varied pile heights create subtle texture that adds warmth without the dated look of rainbow-colored shags. These cozy floor coverings instantly transform the acoustic properties of a room, absorbing sound for a quieter environment.

Many homeowners layer shag rugs over flat-weaves for dimension and comfort zones within larger spaces.

11. Arched Doorways

Graceful curves are replacing harsh right angles in today’s architecture. Arched doorways and passages create a sense of flow and softness that rectangular openings simply can’t achieve.

Homeowners are knocking down walls to reveal or create these elegant transitions between spaces. The arch motif extends to furniture too, with curved headboards and rounded seating becoming style staples.

This architectural element draws from Mediterranean and Spanish influences while feeling thoroughly fresh in contemporary settings.

12. Fondue Sets

Communal dining experiences are heating up our social gatherings once again! Modern fondue sets have sleek designs and improved heat sources that make cheese and chocolate dipping safer and more convenient.

Colorful enameled cast iron pots add a pop of personality to table settings. I’ve noticed these becoming centerpieces for intimate dinner parties where the cooking becomes part of the entertainment.

The interactive nature of fondue perfectly suits our desire for meaningful connection around food.

13. Wicker Peacock Chairs

The iconic throne-like silhouette has returned as a statement piece in today’s eclectic interiors. These dramatic chairs create instant focal points in bedrooms, reading nooks, and covered porches.

Contemporary versions come in painted finishes or natural materials with weather-resistant treatments. Their dramatic fan-shaped backs frame the sitter like living art, perfect for our social media-conscious decorating approach.

I love pairing these with unexpected elements like modern art and sleek furniture for a collected-over-time feel.

14. Geometric Patterns

Bold shapes and repeating motifs from the 1960s and 70s have made a triumphant return in textiles and wall treatments. Hexagons, diamonds, and abstract organic forms create visual energy in otherwise simple spaces.

Color combinations have evolved from psychedelic palettes to more sophisticated pairings. These patterns appear on everything from throw pillows to large-scale rugs and curtains.

Digital printing technologies have expanded the possibilities, allowing for more complex and precise geometric designs than were possible decades ago.

15. Stained Glass Accents

Colorful glass pieces are casting rainbow shadows in today’s light-filled homes. Rather than traditional religious imagery, contemporary stained glass features abstract designs and simplified color blocking.

Hanging panels in windows create ever-changing light patterns throughout the day. Smaller pieces appear as table decor, candle holders, and even incorporated into furniture details.

Artisans are creating custom installations that reference this ancient craft while feeling completely of-the-moment.

16. Brass Fixtures

Warm metallic finishes have pushed aside chrome and brushed nickel in kitchens and bathrooms. Unlacquered brass that develops a natural patina over time appeals to those seeking authenticity and character.

Cabinet hardware, faucets, and lighting in this golden metal add warmth to cooler color schemes. The material pairs beautifully with both light and dark surfaces, making it incredibly versatile.

Manufacturers offer mixed-metal options that combine brass with matte black for a thoroughly modern take on this traditional material.

17. Bar Carts

Mobile entertaining stations have rolled back into our homes, celebrating cocktail culture and thoughtful hospitality. Today’s bar carts balance function and style with features like bottle storage, glass racks, and serving surfaces.

Materials range from traditional brass and glass to industrial wood and metal combinations. These versatile pieces often serve multiple purposes – as plant stands, coffee stations, or entryway organizers when not hosting happy hour.

Styling these carts has become an art form, with curated bottle collections and bar tools displayed as decorative elements.

18. Wood Paneling

Forget the dark, dated basement walls of the past – today’s wood paneling takes cues from Scandinavian design with lighter finishes and thoughtful application. Vertical slats create height while adding warmth and acoustic benefits.

Designers apply paneling to accent walls, ceilings, and built-in furniture for architectural interest. Many homeowners opt for sustainable or reclaimed wood options that tell environmental stories.

The natural variation in wood grain provides organic pattern in minimalist spaces that might otherwise feel stark.

19. Lava Lamps

The ultimate 1970s novelty has been reimagined with sophisticated color combinations and sleeker silhouettes. These mesmerizing mood lights create ambient glow and conversation-starting movement.

Contemporary versions feature LED bases and safer heating elements than the originals. They’ve moved beyond teenage bedrooms to appear in home offices, media rooms, and adult living spaces.

The meditative quality of watching the flowing blobs appeals to our wellness-focused mindset, offering a low-tech way to decompress.

20. Mushroom Lamps

Those iconic dome-shaped table lamps from the 1970s have sprouted up in design-forward homes everywhere! The soft, diffused light they create feels both nostalgic and perfectly suited to today’s comfort-focused interiors.

Updated versions come in matte finishes and contemporary colors that reference their vintage roots without looking dated. Their compact footprint works well on smaller tables and shelves where lighting is needed.

The rounded forms provide welcome organic shapes in rooms dominated by rectangular furniture and technology.