Summer is all about refreshing your space with vibrant energy and light-filled charm. This season, we’re seeing a delightful resurgence of design elements from decades past, reimagined for today’s homes. Nostalgic touches are making their way back into our living rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor spaces with unexpected twists that feel both familiar and fresh.
From colorful glassware to rattan furniture, these returning trends offer perfect opportunities to update your home without a complete overhaul. Many of these comebacks are budget-friendly too, making summer decorating accessible for everyone. You’ll find plenty of ways to incorporate these elements, whether you’re planning a major redesign or just want to add seasonal accents.
1. Rattan and Wicker Furniture
The natural, airy appeal of rattan and wicker furniture has made a triumphant return to summer design scenes. These lightweight materials bring instant texture and casual elegance to any space, from living rooms to covered patios. The woven patterns create visual interest while maintaining a relaxed vibe, perfect for summer entertaining.
Today’s rattan pieces come in more sophisticated silhouettes than their predecessors, with cleaner lines and modern shapes. Designers are pairing these natural elements with unexpected textiles like velvet or incorporating them into minimalist spaces for an interesting contrast. Even small accents like rattan trays or pendant lights can introduce this trend without overwhelming your existing decor.
2. Bold Wallpaper Patterns
Wallpaper is experiencing a major comeback, especially patterns that make a statement. Floral designs, geometric shapes, and nature-inspired motifs adorn walls in unexpected places throughout the home. The new wave of wallpaper isn’t just for full rooms: accent walls, ceiling applications, and even framed wallpaper panels are popular ways to incorporate this trend.
Digital printing technology has revolutionized wallpaper options, offering higher quality images and more customization than ever before. Many newer wallpapers are also designed to be removable, making them perfect for renters or those who like to change their decor seasonally. Bold patterns work especially well in smaller spaces like powder rooms or as statement backdrops in dining areas.
3. Colorful Glassware
Say goodbye to clear glasses and hello to vibrant, jewel-toned glassware that adds instant personality to your table. Colored glass in emerald greens, cobalt blues, and amber yellows recalls vintage collections while feeling thoroughly modern in mixed-and-matched sets. These pieces transform everyday meals into special occasions with minimal effort.
Collecting vintage or reproduction colored glass has become a popular hobby, with many homeowners displaying their finds on open shelving or in glass-front cabinets. The play of light through colored glass creates beautiful shadow patterns, especially in summer when natural light is abundant. Colored glassware pairs particularly well with simple white dishes and natural linens for a balanced table setting.
4. Macramé Accents
The bohemian craft favorite from the 1970s has returned with a contemporary twist. Modern macramé features cleaner designs, more sophisticated color palettes, and often incorporates mixed materials like wood beads or metal accents. Wall hangings, plant holders, and even macramé light fixtures add texture and handcrafted appeal to summer spaces.
DIY macramé projects have surged in popularity, with many people learning the craft through online tutorials. The repetitive knotting technique has even been promoted as a mindfulness practice. Professional macramé artists are creating large-scale installation pieces that function as room dividers or statement wall art in high-end homes and boutique hotels.
5. Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces
The blurred boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces continues to gain momentum. Screened porches, three-season rooms, and covered patios function as extensions of the home with comfortable furniture, outdoor rugs, and weather-resistant accessories. These transitional spaces maximize living area during warm months and create perfect spots for summer entertaining.
Designers are treating outdoor spaces with the same attention to detail as interiors, incorporating lighting layers, textiles, and even artwork designed to withstand the elements. Outdoor kitchens and dining areas have evolved beyond basic grills to include pizza ovens, refrigerators, and full cooking stations. The pandemic accelerated this trend as homeowners sought to maximize their property’s functional space.
6. Terrazzo Surfaces
This speckled composite material that dominated commercial spaces in the mid-century is now gracing residential homes in fresh new ways. Modern terrazzo appears in countertops, flooring, backsplashes, and even smaller accessories like planters and coasters. The playful pattern adds visual texture while remaining neutral enough to pair with various design styles.
Today’s terrazzo often features larger aggregate pieces and more dramatic color combinations than its historical counterparts. Manufacturers have developed more affordable alternatives to traditional terrazzo, including porcelain tiles that mimic the look and DIY epoxy kits for creating custom pieces. The durability of terrazzo makes it especially suitable for high-traffic areas and outdoor applications.
7. Conversation Pits
The ultimate retro entertainment space is making a surprising comeback in contemporary homes. Modern conversation pits feature built-in seating arranged in a sunken square or circle, creating an intimate gathering area that encourages face-to-face interaction. These architectural features have been updated with cleaner lines and more neutral upholstery than their 1970s predecessors.
While traditional sunken floors require significant renovation, designers are creating similar effects with modular sectional seating arranged in circular formations. The concept speaks to a desire for designated tech-free zones where conversation takes precedence. Some newer versions incorporate fire features in the center for additional ambiance during outdoor evening gatherings.
8. Statement Lighting
Lighting fixtures have moved beyond pure function to become sculptural focal points in summer design. Oversized pendants, artistic chandeliers, and unexpected materials like rattan, paper, and ceramic are transforming ordinary rooms into showcase spaces. These statement pieces often incorporate natural elements that complement summer’s organic aesthetic.
The trend extends to outdoor spaces as well, with dramatic lighting transforming evening gatherings. Solar-powered options have expanded dramatically, offering sophisticated designs that don’t require electrical installation. Many statement fixtures incorporate dimmers or color-changing capabilities to create different moods throughout the day and evening.
9. Earthy Color Palettes
Rich terracottas, olive greens, and warm neutrals are replacing the cool grays that dominated for years. These nature-inspired hues create a grounding effect in summer interiors and connect indoor spaces with the outdoors. The palette recalls 1970s color schemes but with more sophisticated, muted undertones for contemporary appeal.
Paint companies are responding with expanded collections of earth-toned options. Designers often layer these colors, using deeper shades for architectural features and lighter versions for walls. These warm colors pair beautifully with natural materials like wood, leather, and stone, creating cohesive spaces that feel intentional and welcoming.
10. Curved Furniture
Angular minimalism is giving way to softer silhouettes in summer furniture trends. Curved sofas, round tables, and arched details create a sense of flow and relaxation in living spaces. These organic shapes recall Art Deco and 1980s design influences while feeling fresh in today’s contexts.
The movement away from hard edges reflects a broader trend toward comfort and emotional well-being in home design. Curved pieces often make spaces feel larger and more navigable by eliminating sharp corners. Designers are combining these softer forms with textural elements like bouclé upholstery for an especially inviting effect.
11. Sunken Bathtubs
The luxurious bathing experience of a sunken tub is experiencing renewed interest in bathroom design. These dramatic fixtures create spa-like retreats for summer relaxation and cooling off. Modern versions often incorporate steps, seating ledges, and adjacent shower areas for a complete bathing zone.
While traditional sunken tubs required significant structural accommodation, newer designs offer similar experiences with platform surrounds that create the sunken effect without major renovation. Many feature therapeutic jet systems or chromotherapy lighting. Natural materials like stone and wood frequently surround these fixtures, enhancing the connection to outdoor bathing traditions.
12. Hanging Chairs
Playful suspended seating has swung back into style for summer spaces both indoors and out. Egg chairs, rattan swing seats, and macramé hanging pods create instant focal points while adding a sense of whimsy to rooms and patios. The gentle movement of these pieces enhances relaxation during summer leisure time.
Modern hanging chairs feature sturdier construction and more weather-resistant materials than earlier versions. Installation systems have improved as well, with more secure mounting options for indoor use. Many designers are placing these statement pieces in unexpected locations like bedrooms or home offices rather than limiting them to porches or patios.
13. Geometric Patterns
Bold, graphic patterns inspired by 1980s design are making a significant comeback in summer textiles and accessories. Angular shapes, high-contrast color combinations, and repeating motifs add energy to neutral spaces through pillows, rugs, and artwork. The structured nature of these patterns creates an interesting counterpoint to summer’s typically relaxed aesthetic.
Designers are using geometric elements in more restrained ways than in previous decades, often limiting them to a single statement piece in a room. Digital printing has allowed for more complex and precise patterns than were previously available. Many contemporary interpretations incorporate hand-drawn elements that soften the rigidity of perfect geometric forms.
14. Tiled Countertops
The practical beauty of tiled kitchen surfaces is experiencing renewed appreciation after years of solid-surface dominance. Colorful ceramic tiles arranged in creative patterns bring personality and handcrafted character to kitchen and bathroom counters. The segmented nature of tile creates natural opportunities for incorporating multiple colors or creating custom designs.
Modern installations address previous concerns about grout maintenance with improved sealants and epoxy grout options that resist staining. Many homeowners are choosing larger format tiles to minimize grout lines while maintaining the distinctive tiled look. The versatility of tile allows for creative expression through pattern, color, and texture combinations not possible with single-material surfaces.
Bringing Summer Nostalgia Home
The resurgence of these 14 design elements proves that good ideas never truly disappear. They simply evolve for new generations. Incorporating these returning trends doesn’t require a complete home overhaul. Start with smaller accents like colored glassware or macramé wall hangings before committing to larger investments like furniture or architectural features.
The beauty of these comeback trends lies in their adaptability to personal style. Each can be interpreted through contemporary, traditional, or eclectic lenses to suit your existing aesthetic. Try combining several elements that speak to you rather than attempting to incorporate every trend. The most successful summer spaces reflect the personalities of the people who live in them while creating comfortable, functional environments for warm-weather living.
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