As an interior designer, the author has seen homeowners implement interior design trends from various decades in their homes. Some appliances reflect the 1960s with bright colors, while wood paneling recalls the 1970s. Designers today sample from past decades to create new looks. The document then summarizes interior design trends over six decades from the 1960s to today, noting popular colors, materials, and furnishings for each era.

1. Interior Design
Trends Through Time
VIRGIE VINCENT
v i r g i e - v i n c e n t . c o m

2. As an interior designer
working in today’s market,
many homeowners are implementing pieces and concepts
from various decades. In the same home, I’ve seen some
appliances in colors reminiscent of the 60s, wood panelling
that was popular in the 70s, and sleek furniture that’s a
reflection of the interior design trends of today.

3. As with many of
today’s trends,
designers are sampling from various decades to create
something entirely brand new. Are you curious to see what
interior design trends were big over the past 60 years? Read
below to find out!

4. 1960s
This groovy decade brought about paisley and flower patterns,
bright colors, and furniture in mod shapes. Mint green or baby
pink were often the colors of choice for kitchen appliances
like stoves, refrigerators or dishwashers, while wood was often
the choice for furnishings. To complete the atmosphere, many
homeowners burned incense, turned on lava lamps and used
soft lighting to create a relaxed vibe.

5. 1970s
The relaxed style and wooden furnishings that were big in the
60s were still present in the 70s. Wood was taken one step
further with paneling that decorated the walls of living rooms.
Brightly colored stoves, dishwashers, and refrigerators were
still common. As for decor, many walls, rugs and couches were
designed in colors of warm shades such as brown, mustard
yellow and orange. I guess you can say the design world in the
70s was just an extension from the 60s!

6. 1980s
This decade embraced clean and preppy styles in pastels and
other light colors, which brought about a sense of luxur. Since
this was the decade when television started to become such
an important mainstay in American homes, many homeowners
strived to achieve the luxurious interior design looks they saw
in their favorite television shows. Matching was also big in this
decade, as many people started to coordinate window
dressings to bedding, chairs and even appliances.

7. 1990s
The last decade of the century brought about sleek furniture
and decor in neutral colors like tan, grey, black and white.
Florals were also present in many upholstered pieces, and in
fact, some would say floral designs overstayed their welcome
in this decade since many homeowners used clashing floral
designs in everything from couches to rugs to lampshades.

8. 2000s
A new millennium brought about the sense of cleanliness and
minimalism in the home. Stainless steel appliances and all-
white kitchens with small pops of color were an appropriate
reflection of this trend. Homes in this era also had a lighter
and airier feel with brighter colors and more natural
lighting. In addition, designers started to move away from the
“everything must match” mentality and instead encouraged
homeowners to express their individuality.

9. 2000s
The 2000s also brought about a new type of room to have in
the average American home: an office. Gone are the days of
a lovely sitting room to have company, because the advent of
the internet meant more people could spend their working
hours at home.

10. 2010s
In today’s decade, we’re seeing a sampling of decor from
years past, but with an added twist. Because technology is
such an important factor in our lives, we’re seeing furniture
and decor built with tech in mind: tables with hidden outlets,
charging stations disguised as statues, and entertainment
centers with built-in drawers to hide various wires.

11. What do you think we’ll
be seeing in the future?
VIRGIE VINCENT
v i r g i e - v i n c e n t . c o m