- Nostalgia decor involves using design elements from the past to evoke comfort.
- Interior designers share their favorite examples, plus how to get involved in the trend.
Whether it's a piece of artwork, charming knick knack or antique glassware that's been passed down, we all have decor that reminds of us of a simpler time — think trips to grandma's house, Sunday dinners or even holiday parties as a child.
For me, evoking that sense of familiarity through design is what makes my home feel, well, homey. My space just wouldn't feel the same without the couple of elephant figurines my grandmother lovingly gave me or the cozy throw blankets from my childhood home.
Turns out there's a name for that desire in the interior design world: nostalgia decor. And it's not just about aesthetics. "It’s about feeling. It’s the art of surrounding yourself with pieces that spark memory. It taps into the places, people and rituals that shaped you," says Ellie Christopher of Ellie Christopher Interior Design.
Still, nostalgia decor isn't about simply recreating the past. It's about designing a home that reflects who you are today, shaped by the styles and moments that have influenced you. Interior designers share their thoughts on the trend, plus how to put it to the test without making your space feel dated.
What Is Nostalgia Decor?
"Whether it's a bold retro wallpaper, an antique gallery wall or a funky mid-century lamp, nostalgia decor helps you tell your story. The best part is that no two nostalgic spaces look the same," says Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories. "It all depends on when you grew up and how you mix old memories with fresh style."
More personal than simply incorporating past interior design styles into your home, nostalgia decor is about bringing what makes you, you into the present day. Decorate your kitchen with patterns that remind you of home, incorporate antiques from relatives into your living room or go for a wallpaper that takes you back to afternoons at grandma's. What's most important is how the design makes you feel.
Nostalgia Decor Inspo From the Pros
Although it all depends on what makes you feel nostalgic, design pros offer a few popular examples of the trend that they're seeing across the industry.
"Nostalgia decor can include floral or geometric wallpapers from the 70s, mid-century modern furniture or vibrant 80s colors." — Corinne Ekle of c2 Design
"You’ll often see cozy prints like toile or chintz, rich textures like corduroy and chenille or charming accents like embroidered pillows." — Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design
"As someone born in the 80s and raised by boomers, I’m naturally drawn to things like floral prints, warm wood tones and a little pattern play." — Ellie Christopher of Ellie Christopher Interior Design
How to Experiment With the Trend
Seamlessly blending the old with the new can be a difficult task, especially when you're working with heirlooms or antiques that might not necessarily suit your current design style. Here's what designers recommend when getting started.
✔️ Start small: "Start with a pattern that reminds you of your grandmother’s house, then layer in trim or contrasting fabrics to give it a modern twist. If full draperies feel like too much, try incorporating it into a pillow or an upholstered bench. Reframe antique prints with a fresh mat, recover that heirloom chair in something bold or give an old chest a new life with a coat of paint," says Christopher.
✔️ Don't rush it: "Curating nostalgic pieces slowly over time helps your home feel personal and lived-in, not staged or overly thematic," says Jay.
✔️ Mix and match: "Homeowners can mix vintage pieces with contemporary elements, use nostalgic textures as accents and incorporate modern lighting or accessories to create balance and freshness," says Ekle.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
