Five “Passé” Home Trends Make a Major Comeback

Avocado-colored appliances and shag carpet were probably a few home trends you happily filed under the label “done.” And they may be. But plenty of looks once considered passé are making a huge comeback in homes. They’re features buyers covet and sellers are incorporating in their properties. And New York Modern Spaces luxury realtor Bari Lynn, who also has an extensive background in interior design, walks us through her top five in the accompanying video.
 
1. Old stuff...but with a twist. The look is mixing old with new. For a long-time, Lynn says people were clamoring for sleek and modern home furnishings. She says that is done. Now everyone wants vintage pieces and reclaimed wood looks mixed with modern pieces. At retail, Lynn says Restoration Hardware has become the destination.

2. Industrial fixtures and sinks. These fixtures look plucked out of an early 20th century factory or a restaurant kitchen. The sinks are more functional than their modern predecessors and you can get the look from somewhere as pedestrian as Home Depot (HD). Check out the video for examples of the look.

3. Shaker-style cabinets. These cabinets were considered “out” as they channeled the “farmhouse.” But new versions have a sleeker look and have replaced high-gloss minimalist cabinets in today’s cool kitchens. (Check out the video if you don’t know what we’re talking about.)

4. Subway tile. This is literally the tile they use in New York subways. It debuted in these underground train stations in the early 1900s and became popular in pre-war homes at the time, according to This Old House magazine. It’s basic, durable and cheap. And now, it’s even cool again. You can buy it at Lowe’s (LOW) starting at under $1 a square foot. Ditch the decorative tile and put the money you’re saving toward a splurge elsewhere.

5. Wallpaper. This isn’t your grandma’s wall covering. We’re talking faux brick veneers and wood wallpaper that looks like the real thing. There is even wallpaper for renters. Lynn recommends Tempaper, which allows you to get the look without losing your security deposit.

Additional video footage:                                                                                                                             States Industries, RetroRenovation.com, John and Trixi Hunt, Gabba Media LLC, Braun Productions