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. Houseplants Everywhere – Because you need Green Indoor
In the 1970s, houseplants were a staple in home décor-trailing ivy in macramé hangers, spider plants on windowsills, and Ficus trees in cozy corners.
Today, that leafy love has returned, with millennials and Gen Z transforming their homes into lush indoor jungles.
But this isn’t just about aesthetics. Houseplants have become part of a lifestyle centered on mindfulness, wellness, and sustainability.
From propagation projects to curated plant shelves, caring for greenery is now a calming ritual and creative outlet. Social media has helped fuel the trend.
More than mere decoration, plants improve air quality, reduce stress, and connect us to nature in an increasingly digital world.
This modern plant craze may be rooted in nostalgia, but it’s blossoming with new purpose and intention.
3. 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.”
4. 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.)
5. 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?
6. 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.
7. Conversation Pits – Because why not make it cozy
Once a staple of mid-century modern design, conversation pits were all the rage in the 1960s and 70s—sunken seating areas that encouraged face-to-face interaction long before screens dominated our attention.
But by the 1980s and 90s, these cozy architectural features had all but vanished, replaced by furniture arrangements designed around televisions instead of people.
Now, in an age where digital overload is the norm and genuine connection is increasingly sought after, architects and interior designers are breathing new life into this retro concept.
Modern conversation pits are making a stylish comeback, adapted for today’s lifestyles.
Many now feature modular seating that can be reconfigured for different social settings, built-in charging stations to keep devices nearby but discreet, and ambient lighting to cultivate a relaxed, intimate mood.
Some even include integrated bookshelves, planters, or fireplaces, transforming the pit into a multifunctional centerpiece of the home.
As we rethink the way we live and interact within our spaces, the conversation pit serves as both a nostalgic nod to the past and a bold reimagining for the future—inviting us to unplug, sit down, and truly connect.
8. Colorful Appliances – Because one color is never enough
For years, stainless steel reigned supreme in kitchen design, favored for its sleek, modern look and perceived neutrality.
But after decades of metallic monotony, color is making a triumphant return to the heart of the home.
Echoing the playful palettes of the 1960s and 70s—think avocado green refrigerators and harvest gold ovens—today’s colorful appliances are brighter, bolder, and more refined.
Modern brands are embracing this shift, offering everything from retro-inspired pastel pink refrigerators and mint green dishwashers to vibrant cobalt blue stand mixers and fire-engine red ranges.
These aren’t just statement pieces—they’re a celebration of personality. Whether you’re a fan of sunny yellows that energize your mornings or matte black appliances that add dramatic flair, there’s a hue to match every taste.
This colorful resurgence is part of a larger design movement that favors individuality over uniformity. Homeowners are no longer afraid to break the mold and infuse their spaces with personal style.
Instead of blending in, kitchen appliances are now standing out—doubling as functional tools and eye-catching décor.
Whether used to complement a broader color scheme or to serve as a singular, standout focal point, colorful appliances are transforming kitchens from sterile workspaces into vibrant, expressive gathering spots.
In a world where uniqueness is celebrated, the once-muted kitchen is finally getting its moment in full color.