By Dana Fiori
So much can change in 100 years, especially the way we design our homes. Style and trends are constantly evolving, and interior decor is no exception to this. There is often a substantial shift in architectural and interior design trends every ten years, always making way for new ideas as well as holding on to some old ones.
“In New Jersey, we’re seeing a lot of renovations,” explains Deborah Leamann, owner and Interior Designer at Deborah Leamann Interior Design, LLC. “It is such a historical housing area, and homeowners are wanting to obtain the open concept trend.”
No matter the decade, home designs are tremendously affected by historical, economic, and global issues of the era. Dating all the way back to the 1900s, here are some of the most influential design trends of the last 100 plus years.
1900s: The early 1900s was the height of the arts and craft movement, as well as the woodwork era. All furniture was handmade complete with romantic folk styles and fabrics. Since there wasn’t mass production or modern technology, many people made their interior décor by hand. Many homes were built with exposed beams on the ceiling and large windows to let in natural light.
1910s: Styles and designs slowly became more lavish in this decade. Upscale homes showed off their wealth by displaying artwork or intricate wood working pieces. Art Nouveau is what influenced design during this time. Most houses were adorned with wallpaper and had hardwood floors that complimented rich, deep colors that remained popular because they evoked luxury.
1920s: Welcome to the roaring twenties where everything, including home décor, was flashy. The style of this era included metallic fabrics, shiny materials, and glossy floors. Many people were inspired by Hollywood glam—mirrors and splashes of bold color throughout the home added to the particular glamorous vibe.
1930s: With the stock market crash in 1929, thirty’s design trends became more minimalistic and represented the loss the country was going through. Homes were redone with simple décor and muted neutrals, as opposed to the bold and bright colors of the previous decade. In the Golden Age of the radio, many families had theirs as focal points of living rooms and were treated as beautiful pieces of furniture.
1940s: World War II had a significant influence on interior design, as well as the size of homes. Because there was a supply shortage, the forties continued with minimalistic design. Homes were known to be particularly clean because polio and other diseases posed as a threat. This led to the trend of white kitchens so spills and dirt could be spotted easier.
1950s: The fifties brought the era of ranch-style homes and the introduction to open concept living. This is the time the television was introduced, so families incorporated informal living spaces where they could gather and watch television or listen
to the radio together. The pastel color scheme, long, low sofas, and vinyl floors were quintessential.
1960s: The sixties were an exciting and revolutionizing time in history. With a rich culture and addressing racism and sexism head-on, ideas and experimentation were explored not only in lifestyles but also in design. Progression in electronics, technology, and manufacturing brought this era of furniture made out of molded plastic and organic shapes. Self-expression led to high personalization. There were bold colors, fun patterns, interesting furniture layouts, and new design ideas.
1970s: Radical experimentation from the sixties overflowed into the seventies in design and historical trends. Heavy florals, patterns, animal print, and bohemian vibes made the seventies one of the most fun decades. Influenced by the back-to-nature movement, which arose both from hippie rejection of consumers and materialism, as well as the 1973 oil crisis. Sunken living rooms were one of the most memorable design trends, as well as Avocado Green as the staple color. Skylights and exposed brick created a natural feel so many were after.
1980s: The eighties were the age of prospering technology. With the birth of the cell phone, the Internet coming into homes, and large stereo systems many people had help staying connected to the latest trends. Geometric shapes and pastels were key components. Pastels were a much lighter color palette compared to the bold colors of the seventies. Extravagant window curtains and glossy hardwood floors were staples in most homes. There was another side to eighties designs other than the in-your-face abstract patterns—preppy/country chic was also significant, with Ralph Lauren playing a major influencer role with his preppy-Americana style.
1990s: When you think of the nineties home the first two places that probably pop into mind are the ones from Full House and Friends—both perfect representations of design in this decade. Mixing patterns, pinewood, shabby chic, and white wicker ruled the mainstream, while floral and gingham pattern was popular for furniture.
2000s: More and more houseplants made appearances, as well as the introduction to sunrooms with large windows allowing for lots of natural light, were key to this turn-of-the-century style. Tuscan style décor such as aged finishes, intricate patterns, and terracotta tiles were also used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens the most.
2010s: Neutral colors like grays and tans can be found in most homes today, creating a clean look and a cozy atmosphere. Open concept living is trendy among the layout of homes, as well as open shelving. These open design trends are particularly popular because they allow for flow and movement and the rooms feel larger. Bohemian touches such as soft pinks, D.I.Y., and greenery remain popular. are also a big trend among home designs today.