It’s no secret that trends tend to come back around, and sometimes they do so with a vengeance.
But when it comes to home decor, it’s like the universe hit “rewind” on a few classic Boomer favorites that are suddenly “cool” again.
So if you’ve ever peeked into your parents’ or grandparents’ homes and thought, “Wow, this looks like something straight out of the 70s,” well, guess what? The 70s are back, baby.
From bold wallpaper to wood paneling, here are 5 things Boomers had in their homes growing up that are now making a major comeback!
1. Bold Wallpaper—Because Subtlety Was Never the Goal
In the 70s, if your wallpaper didn’t give off an “I’m the life of the party” vibe, were you even trying?
Bold, patterned, in-your-face wallpaper was the signature move of every Boomer household, transforming any wall into an instant conversation starter.
We’re talking floral prints, geometric designs, and colors that made the rainbow look like a mere suggestion.
Fast forward to today, and it turns out the bold wallpaper craze has circled back like a boomerang, but now it’s all about “vintage charm” and “retro aesthetics.”
Forget minimalist beige walls—now we’ve got rich textures, daring prints, and patterns so loud they could be heard in the next room.
So if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s time to slap some funky wallpaper up and embrace your inner Boomer.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether the wallpaper in your grandparent’s house was a design choice or a cry for help, just embrace it. Bold is the new subtle.
2. Vinyl Records—Because Digital Just Can’t Compete with the Crackle
Back in the day, a vinyl record was more than just a way to play music—it was an experience. You didn’t just press “play”; you set the needle down with ceremony, and the warm crackle of the vinyl was a ritual.
Vinyl records were the soundtrack of Boomer life—whether it was Frank Sinatra crooning in the background or The Beatles giving you a good ol’ shake with their tunes.
And guess what? After a brief stint of being “outdated” (mostly by people who had never experienced the magic of flipping a record), vinyl records have made a huge comeback.
People are dropping serious cash on turntables, digging through record stores like treasure hunters, and, yes, buying records of their favorite 80s hits or even surprisingly good indie albums.
The sound may be a little crackly, but hey, that’s the charm. Plus, you can totally act like you’re an aficionado by talking about the “warmth of the analog sound.”
3. Cast Iron Cookware—Because It Can Handle Your Cooking Chaos
If there’s one thing Boomers knew, it was that cast iron cookware was the gift that kept on giving. These hefty kitchen workhorses are essentially immortal.
They can go from stovetop to oven to campfire without breaking a sweat (unlike that fragile non-stick pan that definitely couldn’t handle your overzealous pancake flipping).
Whether you were frying chicken or baking cornbread, cast iron was the pan that made you feel like a seasoned pro.
Well, guess what? Everyone’s back to using cast iron now, and they’re not just for fried chicken anymore. From skillet pizzas to deep-dish cookies, the versatility of cast iron is having its moment again.
It’s like the pan that never goes out of style, and in this economy, who can argue with cookware that practically lasts forever? (And if you treat it right, it’ll pass down through generations, much like your vintage vinyl collection.)
4. China Cabinets—Because Grandma Knew How to Display Her Fancy Stuff
In the heyday of Boomer homeownership, nothing said “sophistication” like a china cabinet filled with delicate porcelain figurines, glassware, and fine china that you definitely weren’t allowed to touch.
These cabinets weren’t just storage—they were like the sacred temple of your family’s most prized possessions.
You’d glance at them with awe but never get too close, lest you disturb the meticulously curated collection.
Fast-forward to today, and china cabinets are having a resurgence, this time with a modern twist.
People are dusting off their collections of vintage glassware, heirloom dishes, and decorative knick-knacks, proudly displaying them behind glass doors.
Suddenly, that old china cabinet doesn’t look so outdated anymore—it’s retro chic. Maybe it’s time to give your own collection of fine china a home. After all, what’s a fine plate if no one gets to admire it?
5. Wood Paneling—Because Who Needs Paint When You Have Texture?
Wood paneling: the ultimate Boomer home flex. Sure, it may have looked like something out of a 70s bachelor pad, but it was oh-so-cosy in its time.
Covering entire walls in wood (usually dark oak or walnut) was all the rage. These paneling-heavy homes screamed “classic Americana,” and that was exactly the vibe every Boomer was going for.
And guess what? Wood paneling is back, but this time, it’s been given a modern makeover. It’s not the “tacky” look people remember—it’s all about the warmth, texture, and rustic charm of natural wood.
Now, wood paneling is taking over accent walls, home offices, and even bathrooms. It’s like your home’s Instagram filter—adding a touch of old-school cool while also giving the place a welcoming, earthy feel.
So go ahead, add a little wood paneling to your walls, and tell your friends it’s “vintage-inspired” when they ask if you’re bringing the 70s back.