In collaboration with the launch of ConservatoryLand’s ‘100 Years Of Interior Design’ video, design expert Sylvia James of Homehow explains which decor trends dominated the past 100 years, as well as revealing which trend is back for 2023.
Whilst social media can provide a daily source of inspiration for seemingly ‘new’ ways to decorate the home, interior trends actually go through cycles, with trends we see today often being inspired by the past. Looking back at the past ten decades, James reveals the winning interior trends that have lasted the test of time and inspire interiors today, as well as those that have been left in the past.
5 decor trends that dominated the past 100 years:
 | Art Deco (1930s) James explains, “Art Deco is classically about sweeping curves and angular geometrics with sumptuous colours and gold and chrome highlights. That’s why it’s themes return time and again.” |
 | Mid-Century Modern (1940s) James says, “Although it wasn’t called Mid-Century Modern at the time, this interior trend is still popular today thanks to the Scandinavian-inspired furniture.” |
 | Back-to-nature (1970s) James highlights that, “In response to the plasticky, throwaway culture that sprang up in the 1960s, the 70s saw a real revival of natural materials and colours. Much like today, rattan, wood and macrame were popular textures in the home.” |
 | Industrial (1990s) James says, “Towards the end of the 1980s, many decaying warehouses and factories were turned into apartments. Keeping their original large metal windows and bare brickwork, the industrial look was born.” |
 | Shabby Chic (2000s) – James says, “Shabby Chic is all about distressed furniture that has a slightly vintage, cottage feel. It’s the forerunner to Cottagecore with lots of white and pale pastel shades and a slightly romantic, French aesthetic.” |
Current trends to leave in the past
Whilst TikTok can provide a daily source of inspiration for ways to decorate the home it can be a double edged sword. Here are three current decorating trends which can date your home, or make it less desirable for selling:
1. Gold and copper fittings
James says, “Gold and copper hardware, like other metallics are likely to fall back out of fashion. You might think they’re timeless classics, but just take a look at brass fixtures and fittings. They were big in the 1980s but quickly looked dated and chintzy in our homes. So, it’s likely that gold and copper tones will suffer a similar downfall..”
2. Moody hues
James says, “Drenching rooms in dark hues creates a very distinctive interior, which is not to every buyer’s taste. Some buyers may be looking for a light and airy home, so you’re limiting your options. This is why the tried and tested advice is to keep things neutral.”
3. Maximalism
James says, “The exact opposite of the Scandinavian and Japanese forms of minimalism, the maximalism trend sees all available wall and floor space used to its full potential.”
Whilst this can look great, James advises that this can limit appeal if looking to sell your home, “An array of colours and styles can be quite overwhelming and hard for buyers to see past. Basically, a buyer wants to be able to picture themselves living in your home.”
The Key Interior Trends by Decade:
Why 2023 is the year of naturalism
Taking inspiration from the 60s, 70s and more recently the 2010s, James highlights: “Interiors incorporating a simple, neutral and cosy aesthetic will remain popular.Japandi and naturalism trends are bound to slowly evolve. But because they take in neutral tones and natural materials, and have a focus on sustainability, they’ll likely stand the test of time.”
To watch the AI-generated video and discover more interior inspiration please visit: https://www.conservatoryland.com/blog/interior-trends-of-the-last-100-years/
