8 Retro Design Trends Set to Reignite in 2025, According to Experts

As the new year approaches, many homeowners are curious about the latest trends for decorating or renovating their spaces. Surprisingly, the future of design is rooted in the past, with iconic styles from previous decades poised for a grand revival.

We consulted top designers to uncover which design trends are staging a comeback and how to seamlessly integrate them into your living spaces. Discover the 8 nostalgic design trends set to dominate 2025.

Bold Patterns and Maximalism

Colleen Bute Bennett of CBB Design Firm notes a resurgence of bold wallpapers, striking prints, and layered textures. "Following a long phase of minimalism, homeowners are now gravitating toward more dynamic and expressive interiors," she explains. "Maximalism offers a way to infuse personality into spaces, with vibrant patterns and rich textures creating lively, story-filled rooms that exude joy and individuality."

Warm, Earthy Tones

Bennett highlights that earthy shades such as terracotta, rust, ochre, and deep greens are set to dominate in 2025. This resurgence is driven by a deeper connection to nature and well-being. "Warm, natural tones are making a strong comeback as they evoke a sense of calm and intimacy," she explains. "These colors not only create a cozy atmosphere but also resonate with eco-friendly design principles by reflecting the beauty of the natural world."

Retro Influences From the '70s And '80s

Retro-inspired decor is gaining popularity, featuring curved furniture, vibrant color schemes, and materials like rattan, velvet, and brass, notes Bennett. "Nostalgia remains a powerful force in design, with the bold and playful aesthetics of the '70s and '80s making a strong return," she says. "These decades symbolize creativity and joy, and homeowners are embracing their unique styles to infuse personality and charm into their spaces."

Wallpaper Accents

For those hesitant to cover entire rooms with wallpaper, Bennett highlights a growing trend of using it in specific areas like entryways, accent walls, and even ceilings. "Homeowners are increasingly turning to bold wallpaper designs to create striking focal points," she explains. "This approach allows for personalized touches without making the space feel overly busy or overwhelming."

If you prefer a temporary solution or want to handle installation yourself, peel and stick wallpaper is an excellent choice. 

Bespoke Decor

Why compromise when you can have exactly what you envision? Customized furniture and decor, once a luxury, are becoming more accessible to everyone, not just professional designers. "Bespoke decor is on the rise," says designer Max Humphrey. "There’s a renewed appreciation for the craftsmanship of handmade furniture, and I expect to see more vintage and antique pieces finding their way into modern homes."

Alison Antonelli, senior designer at Eisen Design House, emphasizes the value of handcrafted furniture. "Ultra-modern designs with clean lines often lack the human touch and emotional connection," she notes. "Handmade pieces carry a unique narrative and a sense of history that adds depth to any space."

Dark Wood

Dark wood is making a strong comeback in both cabinetry and furniture. "While light wood has dominated recent trends, there’s a growing preference for richer, darker tones," says Carolyn Cerminara, founder of Cerminara Design. "I’ve been using walnut stains and black cerused finishes extensively. These deeper hues introduce elegance and warmth, creating a more inviting and refined atmosphere in any room."

Ready to embrace the dark wood trend? Instead of replacing your cabinets or flooring, consider staining existing pieces in good condition for a simple yet impactful upgrade.

Natural And Organic Materials

Thinking about a faux marble countertop? Cerminara suggests reconsidering. "Clients are increasingly prioritizing health and sustainability, leading to a preference for natural, durable materials like stone, wood, rattan, and bamboo," she explains. "These elements not only infuse spaces with warmth and an organic feel but also support a wellness-oriented design philosophy that enhances overall well-being."

Marbling

Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors notes a resurgence of '90s-inspired marbling on fabrics and surfaces. "Marbling, a technique that mimics marble veining on non-marble materials, is making a stylish comeback," she says. "This swirling effect, rooted in an old English tradition, can be applied to fabrics, paper, and walls, offering a timeless yet trendy aesthetic that’s set to dominate in 2025."