The evolution of interior design trends over the decades reflects the changing desires and priorities of society. From the 1920s to the 2020s, design has been shaped by a desire for comfort, functionality, and personal expression. Here's a breakdown of the key trends from each decade, with a focus on how they still influence modern spaces.
1920s: Art Deco Glamour
The 1920s were all about Art Deco, with bold geometry, contrast, and rich materials like brass and velvet. Interior designer DuVäl Reynolds describes it as "very glamorous" and "an era of design I really love."
To incorporate this era into modern spaces, opt for an Art Deco craftsmanship approach. Lay a geometric two-tone wood parquet as a quiet foundation, introduce custom brass hardware with a sculptural hand, and add a contrasting marble between a double bullnose on a rounded kitchen island. This will create a subtle yet statement-making space.
1930s: Streamlined Elegance
The 1930s saw a softening of Art Deco, with a focus on streamlined and practical designs. Reynolds notes that curves and built-ins became more common, creating a more relaxed and organized aesthetic.
Today, you can nod to the 1930s by skipping an entertainment unit in favor of a streamlined media built-in. This practical and organized approach instantly draws the eye, and it's a trend that dates all the way back to the 1930s.
1940s: Modesty and Theatrical Optimism
The 1940s were marked by a sense of somberness and comfort-driven design, influenced by wartime. Reynolds describes it as "more modest and comfort-driven," with warmer woods, simpler furnishings, and softer, more traditional details.
In contrast, Rose highlights the theatrical optimism of the era, with Dorothy Draper's bold, confident interiors serving as an antidote to wartime austerity. High-contrast palettes, oversized patterns, and classical motifs reimagined at scale created a glamorous blend of traditional forms with a modern, spirited sensibility.
1950s: Mid-Century Modern
The 1950s saw the birth of mid-century modern design, an aesthetic that continues to dominate today. Reynolds associates this era with clean lines, functional pieces, and a sense of openness, especially with the indoor-outdoor connection.
To incorporate mid-century modern elements, suggest adding a piece of furniture with tapered legs, warm wood tones (walnut or teak), or something with a simple, sculptural shape. Keep the palette neutral and layer in texture (like wool or linen) to make it feel current rather than too "theme-y."
1960s: Bold and Experimental
The 1960s saw the MCM movement expand, diversifying in both palette and pattern. Reynolds describes it as "more color, more experimentation, and a willingness to play with new materials and bold patterns."
To add a 1960s flair to your space, lean into the pop influence of the era. Place a sculptural sofa with a Kagan-like curve in a saturated tone, pair it with a lacquered or acrylic table, and soften the composition with a light pastel hand-painted James Turell-inspired mural on the wall.
1970s: Earthy and Relaxed
The 1970s were all about earth tones, natural woods, woven textures, low seating, and a more relaxed approach to living. Dyckman describes it as a "strong connection to organic materials and spaces that felt less formal."
Today, the earth tones and organic elements of the 1970s remain a mainstay in many modern homes. Keep it edited and intentional, and people will still respond to rooms with texture, wood tones, and a palette pulled from nature.
1980s: Bold and Excessive
After the minimalism of the 1970s, the 1980s saw a shift towards bold design statements and excess. Dyckman describes it as "glossy finishes, bold color, dramatic silhouettes, and a more expressive use of scale."
The lesson from the 1980s is to not be afraid of going big, but to use it with more restraint. This can be achieved through a sculptural light fixture, a larger piece of art, or a stronger contrast in materials.
1990s: Comfort and Simplicity
The 1990s saw a shift towards comfort and simplicity, with a focus on minimalism, neutral palettes, and spaces that were more casual and livable. Dyckman and Reynolds agree that this decade was all about making home feel comfortable and functional.
Today, comfort still matters, but it works best when paired with more depth and contrast. A comfortable room should still have shape, texture, and some personality.
2000s: Refined Minimalism
The 2000s saw a return to minimalism, albeit in a refined manner. Rose describes it as "echoing Christian Liaigre’s quiet restraint and disciplined palettes."
Open kitchens as understated social hubs, seamlessly integrated into the architecture, and comfort expressed through generous, low-slung proportions. This era was all about making interiors feel substantial and finished, with a desire for polished spaces.
2010s: Curated Spaces
The 2010s saw the rise of Instagram-ready homes, with a focus on all white kitchens, gray floors, fast furniture, and modern farmhouse details. Dyckman describes it as a "strong pull toward clean, highly curated spaces."
Today, people are moving away from overly trend-driven homes and embracing a more collected and individual approach. The takeaway from the 2010s is to keep what is functional and clear, while bringing back warmth and a stronger sense of personality.
2020s: Authenticity and Personality
The 2020s are all about authenticity and personality in the home. Reynolds describes it as "interiors becoming more personal and layered," with a focus on sustainability, mixing old with new, and bringing in natural elements.
To embrace today's less-styled, more-collected mentality, compose the space as a layered mix, incorporating a vintage credenza, custom upholstery, and contemporary lighting. Weave in art, objects, and biophilic elements so the room feels personal, evolved, and quietly assembled over time.
