5 Retro Touches In Jersey City Homes Trending Again And 3 That Never Faded

Walking through Jersey City’s charming neighborhoods, you’ll notice a delightful mix of old and new in home design. Many vintage elements that once defined the city’s historic brownstones and row houses are making a stylish comeback.

Meanwhile, some classic features have remained steadfast favorites through decades of changing trends. Let’s explore which retro touches are experiencing a renaissance and which never lost their appeal in Jersey City homes.

1. Colorful Subway Tiles Making a Splash

Remember those vibrant bathroom tiles from your grandparents’ house? They’re back with a modern twist! Jersey City homeowners are embracing colorful subway tiles in kitchens and bathrooms, trading sterile white for bold teals, sunny yellows, and rustic terracottas.

The trend connects perfectly with the city’s historic architecture. Many residents are researching original color schemes used in their century-old homes to recreate authentic period looks with better materials.

Unlike the plain white versions popular in recent decades, these colorful variations add personality while maintaining that classic geometric appeal.

2. Wallpaper Revival Transforming Spaces

Gone are the days when wallpaper meant grandma’s faded florals! Bold patterns are adorning accent walls in Jersey City brownstones and condos alike, with geometric prints and tropical motifs leading the charge.

Local designers report a 40% increase in wallpaper installations over the past two years. The modern versions feature peel-and-stick technology, making them renter-friendly for the city’s apartment dwellers.

I’ve noticed particularly creative applications in entryways and powder rooms, where dramatic patterns make small spaces feel like jewel boxes rather than afterthoughts.

3. Mid-Century Modern Furniture Comeback

Clean lines and organic shapes from the 1950s and 60s are finding new homes throughout Jersey City. Tapered legs, low-slung sofas, and teak sideboards have become prized possessions, especially in the city’s converted warehouse apartments.

Local vintage shops can barely keep these pieces in stock! The streamlined designs work surprisingly well in smaller urban spaces, offering style without bulk.

Many homeowners mix authentic vintage finds with modern reproductions, creating spaces that honor the past while embracing contemporary comfort and functionality.

4. Terrazzo Flooring’s Spectacular Return

The speckled composite material once relegated to school hallways is now a sought-after luxury in Jersey City homes. Modern terrazzo incorporates recycled glass and metals, creating eco-friendly surfaces with unlimited color possibilities.

Homeowners are installing it beyond traditional flooring applications. I’ve seen stunning terrazzo countertops, shower surrounds, and even custom furniture pieces throughout renovated properties.

The material’s durability makes it perfect for high-traffic areas in bustling households, while its customizable nature allows for personalized designs that won’t look dated in a few years.

5. Rotary Phones as Functional Decor

Those classic telephones with spinning dials aren’t just collecting dust anymore! Retrofitted with modern technology, vintage rotary phones now serve as fully functional landlines or Bluetooth-connected devices in stylish Jersey City homes.

Local technology shops offer conversion services, preserving the authentic ring while adding contemporary convenience. The hefty Bakelite models in particular have become conversation starters in home offices and entryways.

Beyond their technological appeal, these phones add authentic character that mass-produced modern gadgets simply can’t match.

6. Exposed Brick Walls That Never Lost Appeal

From the historic factories of the Powerhouse Arts District to the brownstones of Hamilton Park, exposed brick remains Jersey City’s signature interior feature. This raw, textural element connects modern living spaces to the city’s industrial past.

Many homeowners who previously covered these walls are now carefully removing layers of plaster and paint. The process requires specialized restoration techniques to avoid damaging the century-old masonry.

Each wall tells a unique story through varied colors, patterns, and occasional painted ghost signs from businesses long gone.

7. Hardwood Floors Standing the Test of Time

The warm glow of original hardwood floors continues to charm Jersey City residents in homes new and old. Those lucky enough to have original tiger oak or heart pine beneath their feet understand they’re walking on irreplaceable history.

Local flooring specialists have seen a dramatic shift away from wall-to-wall carpeting toward restoring these natural surfaces. Even homes without original wood are installing reclaimed materials salvaged from demolished buildings.

The patina that develops over decades gives each floor a unique character impossible to replicate with modern manufacturing techniques.

8. Stained Glass Transoms Capturing Hearts

Those colorful glass panels above doorways aren’t just pretty, they’re part of Jersey City’s architectural DNA. Original stained glass transoms filter light in magical ways, creating rainbow patterns that dance across interior walls throughout the day.

Homeowners fortunate enough to have intact pieces carefully preserve them during renovations. For those without originals, local artisans create custom designs that complement historic aesthetics while reflecting modern tastes.

Beyond their beauty, these windows provide privacy while allowing natural light to flow between rooms, a perfect blend of form and function.