close
close

Nostalgic decoration: 12 grandma things that are cool again

Nostalgic decoration: 12 grandma things that are cool again

Vintage furniture, homewares and decorative items have long been an essential part of any bohemian, French or eclectic interior, but many of the retro homewares and nostalgic decorations your grandparents once owned are currently back in the spotlight.

We’re talking the furniture upholstered in whimsical patterns, the faux plants, the colorful quilts and the pintucked homewares. Thanks to the rising popularity of grandmillennial style, the things your grandparents once owned are cool again today.

Here are twelve of our favorites.

1. Shaggy carpets

Plush shag rugs that your feet can sink into are back in style and better than ever. This time, though, opt for a rug that can zone a room rather than lining it wall-to-wall.

If you are looking for a shag rug for your own home, Miss Amara has some beautiful options to choose from.

white shaggy carpet
Athena handmade shag rug in ivory, from $399, Miss Amara. (Photo credit: (Photography: Miss Amara))

2. Artificial plants

From money plants to ferns, artificial plants are making a comeback. Make sure you look for products that look and feel as realistic as possible, like The Plants Project’s artificial plants. They’re some of the most realistic we’ve seen, and there’s a huge range of plants and styles to choose from. But don’t forget to dust them regularly!

artificial plant
The Plant Project, starting at $40.

3. Round cushions

Round cushions with needlepoint patterns, crochet fronts or pintuck details are back on store shelves and look great in contemporary colours such as pale pink, sage green, dark orange, champagne and black. If you’re looking for new cushions for your living room, look no further than Myer.

round cushions in green, white and dark orange
Toro leaf pillow, from $30, Myer.

4. Quilted and knitted throw blankets

A hand-quilted or knitted blanket from Grandma is original and full of personality. Not only does it make a treasured gift, it’s also the perfect throw blanket for an eclectic or bohemian home. If you’d like to knit one yourself, we’ve got 6 free blanket knitting patterns for you to try.

pink knitted blanket

5. Deck chairs

Once the centrepiece of any bachelor pad, recliners have had a makeover and are now available in sleek and understated designer models that fit perfectly into the modern home. Check out this minimalist style recliner from Fantastic Furniture, available in 2 or 3 seater versions. Comfort is king.

grey lounger
Evans 2-Seater Recliner Sofa, from $699, Fantastic Furniture.

6. chintz

Chintz is often seen in English cottages and made its big appearance in the 90s but seems to be making a comeback into homes. Look for bedspreads, curtains, wallpaper and furniture in bright and bold chintz patterns.

Chintz bedspread in blue
Sabine chintz printed cotton duvet cover, from $69.98, Myer.

7. Stained glass lights

Beautifully crafted stained glass lamps are enjoying a huge popularity right now, and this resurgence can be seen in contemporary designs and settings, where they add a special touch.

8. Checkerboard tiles

Checkerboard floors and tiles are becoming increasingly popular in mainstream design, but they have always been a classic choice and never really go out of style.

9. Wallpaper

It’s all about how you style your wallpaper, as that’s what makes a room. Colorful, patterned designs bring joy to an otherwise dull room, so we’re glad to see them making a comeback.

green wallpaper in the kitchen with green glassware on wooden shelves
(Photography: Alana Landsberry, Styling: Nonci Nyoni) (Photo credit: (Photography: Alana Landsberry, Styling: Nonci Nyoni))

10. Matching Tupperware

Tupperware is a real nostalgia hit and offers great storage options for not only storing food but also organizing the pantry.

Tupperware Container Storage
(Photo: Tupperware)

11. Decorative plates

Whether hanging on the wall or displayed stacked, decorative plates were a popular piece back in the day. Although they fell out of popularity for some time, many have reintroduced painted plates as statement wall art to fill empty spaces.

decorative patterned panels
(Photo: Getty)

12. Crystal glassware

Colored crystal is classy and elegant, but it was always used only for ceremonial occasions. Nowadays, affordable replicas of these designs are available, so it’s no big deal if they break.

Crystal glassware
(Photography: Alana Landsberry, aremedia.com.au) Pearl Tumbler Box of 4, Hard to Find.

How can I make my room nostalgic?

Give your room a nostalgic look and feel by incorporating furniture or decorative items that evoke memories in you. Do any of the above pieces remind you of your childhood? Take a trip to your local vintage store and look for antique frames, old clocks and other items that make you feel nostalgic.

Why do people love vintage decor?

People love vintage decor because it adds character and personality to a room. It can have sentimental value if it has been passed down and carries a story, representing a different time and nostalgic feelings.

What is considered vintage in home decor?

For a piece of furniture to be considered vintage, it is usually about 40 years old.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *