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The Retro Renaissance Is Here

13 hours ago

We take a deep dive into the 'nostalgiacore' interiors trend

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It’s out with the new and in with the old this year: from antique Tiffany lamps to patterned ceilings (did someone say ‘Art Deco revival‘?), retro interiors are all the rage. Here’s everything you need to know about the ‘nostalgiacore’ trend.

What Is Nostalgiacore?

They say trends are circular, and while classic design styles like minimalism, cottagecore and Japandi remain reliably popular, there’s a growing desire within the interiors world for something a little more retro. Enter ‘nostalgiacore’: the celebration of all things vintage, funky, and sentimental.

‘The world has felt a little turbulent lately, and minimalist interiors don’t quite offer the cocooning feel that we crave from our homes,’ reflects Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director of French Bedroom. ‘It’s no surprise, then, that we’re turning to nostalgiacore, which is synonymous with familiarity and comfort.’

‘Nostalgiacore is a cosy trend that harks back to the bygone years,’ adds Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. ‘By introducing styles from the past – think chintzy prints, carpets, classic colourways and decorative detailing – we can create a home that feels comforting and familiar.’

From bedrooms to kitchens, there’s a retro look for every room. Here’s the rundown.

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Clashing Patterns

‘A key part of the nostalgiacore trend is marrying opposites together in a harmonious way, such as pairing vintage items with modern ones, or clashing bright colours with striking patterned prints,’ says Lena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse.

So, maximalism is very much the way forward – the challenge is maintaining a sense of balance. ‘Begin by introducing bold, retro patterns like geometric prints or floral designs, pairing these with furniture in earthy tones, teak wood, or plush velvet,’ suggests Lena. ‘Layering patterns is key: don’t be afraid to mix a floral throw with geometric cushions or a striped rug, for example. The trick is to keep the colour palette consistent across different patterns so they complement each other.’

Personal Touches

‘Combine elements from different time periods and display old photographs to bring some sentimental charm, but make sure to balance these personal elements with contemporary touches so that the space remains functional and fresh,’ Lena advises.

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Dark Wood

The hallmark of any retro room? A bit of dark wood, of course.

‘Dark wooden furniture adds depth and elegance to any room, enhancing the nostalgic feel while also creating a warm, inviting atmosphere,’ Lena reflects. ‘Pair dark woods with textures like velvet or sleek metals for a further mix of current and traditional styles.’

Earthy Tones

Earthy shades are among the biggest colour trends for 2025 – and, luckily, they’re also a key part of the retro look. Lena suggests choosing shades like ‘mustard yellow, burnt orange, and soft green’ to evoke that sense of nostalgia. ‘These tones can be used as accent colours in upholstery or soft furnishings to create a cosy environment,’ she adds.

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Open Shelving

What better way to show off antiques, mementoes and vintage finds than using some retro shelving?

‘Open shelving is a great way to add to the nostalgic feel,’ Lena confirms. ‘Consider displaying a mix of vintage crockery, books, and characterful ceramics.’

For guaranteed charm, hunt for some decorative plates. ‘Whether you choose delicate florals or bold geometric designs, wall plates will create a real retro focal point,’ Lena explains.