Texas Homes Are Bringing Back These 12 ‘Outdated’ Design Trends
Texas homeowners are ditching modern minimalism and going retro in the best way possible. Old-school design elements that once seemed outdated are now the hottest thing in home decor.
Expect to see bold patterns, vintage vibes, and nostalgic touches making a serious comeback across the Lone Star State.
1. Wallpaper With Bold Patterns
Did you know that wallpaper sales have jumped nearly 40% in recent years? Texans are embracing dramatic florals, geometric shapes, and even tropical prints to add personality to their spaces. It’s not your grandma’s dusty rose anymore.
Bold wallpaper transforms boring walls into conversation starters instantly. You can use it on one accent wall or go all-in with an entire room. The key is choosing patterns that reflect your personal style while keeping the rest of the decor balanced.
Installation has become easier with peel-and-stick options available everywhere now. Renters and homeowners alike can experiment without long-term commitment worries.
2. Wood Paneling Comeback
If you grew up in the ’70s, wood paneling might trigger some interesting memories. Today’s version looks nothing like that dark, dated stuff though. Homeowners are choosing lighter woods and vertical installations for a fresh, contemporary feel.
Wood brings warmth and texture that painted drywall simply cannot match at all. It works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, and even bathrooms when properly sealed. Plus, it adds natural insulation and soundproofing benefits to your space.
Many designers mix wood paneling with white walls to create stunning contrast. This trend proves that old ideas can feel brand new again.
3. Brass Fixtures And Hardware
Shiny chrome dominated kitchens and bathrooms for decades, but brass is stealing the spotlight now. This warm metal adds instant elegance and vintage charm to any room. It pairs surprisingly well with both modern and traditional design styles too.
Brass cabinet pulls, faucets, and light fixtures create cohesive looks throughout your home. The material develops a beautiful patina over time, adding character and uniqueness. You don’t need to replace everything at once either.
Start with small accents like drawer pulls or towel bars first. How cool is it that something old feels so fresh again?
4. Shag Rugs Return
Remember sinking your toes into thick, fluffy carpet as a kid? Shag rugs are back and better than ever before. Modern versions come in neutral tones and sophisticated textures that work perfectly in contemporary spaces.
These rugs add comfort and warmth to rooms with hard flooring like tile or wood. They’re especially popular in bedrooms and living areas where you want that cozy feeling. Plus, they help absorb sound in open-concept homes.
Maintenance has improved too, with stain-resistant materials making cleanup much easier than before. Your feet will thank you every single morning.
5. Cane And Rattan Furniture
It’s funny how furniture your grandparents owned suddenly looks incredibly stylish again. Cane and rattan pieces bring natural, organic vibes that complement Texas’s warm climate perfectly. These materials are lightweight yet surprisingly durable for everyday use.
You’ll find cane headboards, rattan chairs, and woven storage baskets everywhere in design magazines. They work beautifully with bohemian, coastal, and even minimalist decor styles. The neutral tones blend seamlessly with almost any color palette too.
Best part? These pieces are often more affordable than solid wood furniture. Sustainability matters, and these renewable materials check that box nicely.
6. Arched Doorways Make Statements
Straight lines and sharp corners have ruled home design for way too long now. Arched doorways add softness and architectural interest that rectangular openings simply cannot provide. They create visual flow between rooms while making spaces feel more elegant and timeless.
Many homeowners are retrofitting existing doorways to include arches during renovations. The curves draw your eye upward, making ceilings appear higher than they actually are. This trick works especially well in older homes with lower ceiling heights.
Though installation requires skilled carpentry, the dramatic impact justifies the investment completely. Your home instantly feels more custom and thoughtfully designed.
7. Popcorn Ceilings Get Makeovers
Nobody wants actual popcorn texture anymore, but textured ceilings are definitely having a moment. Contractors are smoothing out old popcorn and applying modern textures like skip trowel or knockdown finishes. These updated techniques add visual interest without the dated look.
Textured ceilings help hide imperfections and add dimension to rooms that might otherwise feel flat. They’re particularly popular in living rooms and bedrooms where you want subtle sophistication. The key is choosing textures that complement your overall design aesthetic.
Are you tired of staring at boring flat ceilings? This trend gives you something interesting overhead without overwhelming the space.
8. Mirrored Walls Reflect Style
Mirrors do magical things for small spaces by creating the illusion of depth. Full mirrored walls are popping up in entryways, dining rooms, and even bedrooms across Texas. They reflect light beautifully, making dark rooms feel brighter and more welcoming instantly.
Modern installations use frameless mirrors or geometric arrangements for contemporary looks. You don’t need an entire wall either, strategic mirror placement achieves similar effects. They’re especially effective opposite windows where they double natural light.
Cleaning might require extra effort, but the visual impact makes it worthwhile. How amazing would your space look with doubled square footage?
9. Conversation Pits For Gathering
When was the last time you saw a sunken living room? Conversation pits are making a comeback for homeowners who love entertaining guests. These cozy, lowered seating areas encourage face-to-face interaction in ways regular furniture arrangements cannot match.
Built-in cushions and intimate layouts create the perfect spot for game nights or deep conversations. They work best in homes with open floor plans and high ceilings. The sunken design naturally defines the space without needing walls or dividers.
Installation requires significant renovation, but the unique result becomes your home’s signature feature. Guests will remember your house forever.
10. Colored Bathroom Fixtures
All-white bathrooms feel sterile and boring after a while, don’t they? Colored fixtures in shades like soft pink, mint green, and powder blue are popping up everywhere. These nostalgic pieces add personality and charm that standard white porcelain simply cannot deliver.
Vintage fixtures are being salvaged and restored, while new manufacturers are reproducing classic colors. They pair beautifully with white subway tile and brass hardware for that perfect retro look. The key is balancing bold fixtures with neutral surroundings.
Your bathroom becomes a unique space that reflects your personal style completely. Why blend in when you can stand out?
11. Vintage Kitchen Appliances
Modern stainless steel appliances look sleek but lack personality and character altogether. Vintage-style refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers in fun colors are transforming Texas kitchens. Brands now manufacture retro-looking appliances with all the modern technology you need inside.
These statement pieces become the focal point of your kitchen instantly. Colors like robin’s egg blue, cherry red, and cream create cheerful cooking spaces. They work especially well in farmhouse and eclectic design schemes.
Though they cost more than standard appliances, they’re conversation starters every single time. Your kitchen will feel like a happy place where memories happen.
12. Statement Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans used to be purely functional, but now they’re design statements too. Texas homeowners are choosing fans with unique blade shapes, bold colors, and artistic designs. These aren’t your builder-grade basic fans anymore at all.
Statement fans combine form and function perfectly in the hot Texas climate. They come in styles ranging from industrial metal to natural wood and everything between. The right fan can completely change a room’s aesthetic while keeping you cool.
Installation is straightforward, and the energy savings add up over time nicely. Why settle for boring when you can have beautiful and functional together?
