• Molly Woodward-Moor, interior designer and creative director talks through the ‘outdated’ interior trends that are making a comeback. 
• Search terms such as ‘retro futuristic’, ‘nostalgia core’, and ‘grandma core’ are growing according to Pinterest Trends. 

In a world where design trends often prioritize modern aesthetics, there’s been a noticeable shift back toward the bold, nostalgic charm of past eras. Trends once considered outdated are now making a comeback, from bold colours, the eclectic charm of ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia, along with the vintage aesthetics of grandmacore.  

From the desire for personal expression, comfort, and warmth, Molly Woodward-Moor, interior designer and creative director at Stone Superstore talks through why outdated trends are making a comeback, and how to incorporate into your home in a way that feels fresh and modern, rather than old and tired. Whether it’s blending the boldness of the ’80s with contemporary touches or weaving together nostalgic elements from multiple decades, you’ll learn how to create a space that feels both timeless and uniquely yours. 

Avacado bathrooms are making a comeback:  

The 80s aesthetic is driven by the desire for nostalgia, embracing boldness and unapologetic individuality and some ‘outdated’ 80s trends are making a comeback being a fun, recognisable era that brings with it feelings of familiarity, comfort and optimism. The return of bold, clashing colours, retro designs, and quirky elements is all about creating a space that is full of character. 

Searches for ‘cozy bathroom’ are up 100% since last month according to Pinterest Trends and whilst 80s inspired avocado bathrooms may not be ‘cosy’ is the typical sense; the encompassing warm greens nostalgic familiarity all contribute to making a space feel more comfortable and cosier. People are also shifting to making every room aesthetically pleasing. Whilst the bathroom was traditionally seen as a purely functional space, it’s now being designed with more attention to detail and people are embracing the idea of infusing personality and style into them. 

Whilst nowadays, we might not embrace avocado bathtubs, toilets, and sinks, there are ways to merge the vintage charm of this aesthetic with modern touches to create a stylish 80s inspired space. 

Green tiles are a timeless and popular choice for many bathroom aesthetics thanks to its versatility when it comes to pairing with other colours, working well with neutrals like beige and grey, warm tones like dark woods, and pops of colour such as pink and burnt orange. You can incorporate avocado green tiles, whether on the floor or wall for a more modern take on the avocado aesthetic. 

To avoid the bathroom feeling too dated, balance out the green tiles with other materials to add depth such as wooden shelving, natural wicker baskets to store towels, or a wooden vanity. 

Warm, layered lighting is very reminiscent of the 80s and we’re seeing this trend again this year, with many people incorporating shower lamps into their space. We often have the standard overhead lighting in bathrooms, but beyond basic functionality, a shower lamp can contribute to create a calming ambiance, especially when it’s used with a warm or dimmable bulb. If avocado green tiles aren’t your colour, retro-patterned floor tiles, are a brilliant way of capturing the trend in a different way, such as checkerboard or small geometric shapes. Opt for something that has a bit of vintage flair but still feels modern.  

Stone-tiled fireplaces: 

Most people associate stone fireplaces with the 70s and 80s and whilst many people have made the switch to ultra-modern media wall fireplaces that offer sleek, minimalistic designs, the desire for timeless styles and authentic materials is on the rise.  

Videos using the hashtag ‘stone fireplace’ have reached over 9 million views on TikTok, with a new generation discovering the cosy comfort that the design can bring to a space.  

Whilst the stone panels that run from floor to ceiling might be a thing of the past, people are looking for an updated approach to give their fireplace a timeless elegance, whether it’s tiling an alcove that sits a log burner or a traditional open-hearth fireplace. 

Instead of the heavy stone tile work that might have been common in the past, modern interiors are embracing large-format stone tiles or slabs that create a feature around the fireplace. These larger tiles reduce the visual clutter and create a more seamless, elegant look that feels chic and understated.  

Limestone, slate, and porcelain tiles are top picks for fireplaces, offering versatility in design, whilst being durable and easy to clean.  

Florals and pattern play are back in:  

A hallmark of grandmacore is the use of florals and clashing prints. Whilst many associate intricate florals as being kitsch or ‘ugly vintage’, these florals are often associated with vintage patterns from the 70s and 80s—think large-scale, bold florals in bright, saturated colours (like oranges, browns, and yellows) that cover every surface, from upholstery to wallpapers. Whether used through textiles, wallpapers, or upholstery— florals are experiencing a major resurgence in interior design.  

Whilst florals were once seen as outdated and overly fussy, they are making a major comeback in the form of more intentional design choices. We’re seeing florals being mixed with other bold prints such as gingham or stripes to offer a cosy and nostalgic charm of a grandparent’s home, blending vintage with modern, eclectic touches.