A blast from the past - vintage trends that are getting hotter

Vintage trends- some may be as old as dinosaurs- are making a grand comeback. The saying “What was old is new again”, and “What is true is still true” has gradually become our reality as we evolve in time and technology with the consciousness of nurturing our environment.

It’s easy to spot interior design styles from the 80s making a comeback these days. Let’s explore some of those trends that bring back memories from the 60s, 70s and ‘80s.

What makes trends last?

How do you spot the start of trends? Its a rather difficult question to answer since trends are a result of several factors - social, psychological and economic- that cause styles or tastes to change. However, once these trends are adopted by a critical mass of society, they become mainstream.

The trends we see today are trends for just 4 reasons: the right place, the right time, the right moment, and the right people. Open Concept Bathrooms may have been in the right place and at the right time, but it’s a major example of an interior décor trend which failed to resonate with the right people.

A sharp contrast is found in the after-effect of the world war when art-deco became trendy. Its luxury and exuberance perfectly reflected the social atmosphere of the period. It happened at the right time and affected the right people therefore it won the heart of the majority.

As seen above if it gets to the right people at the right time and stays with them long enough, the trend will remain in vogue.

Reinvention is also very important and since our needs, habits, and society as a whole keeps changing, we will have to reintroduce things from the past through a new lens in order for them to become trendy again. This is true about fashion and media, and decor is also not out of it. This explains why vintage is trending again in Lagos.

That said, here are the top 5 vintage trends coming back to the interior design industry.

Top 5 vintage trends

1.     Wall coverings

Dating as far back as the 1700s with a history too complicated to share here, this mule-headed trend has remained till this day, though it has traded its former more familiar look for something more refined. By refined, I mean saturated colors, crisp lines, and watercolor-like designs. Theres a wallpaper design for every interior space so that you can never go wrong. Plus, they are relatively cheaper than other wall fixtures.

Wallpapers are vintage collections that have been revived and are in use especially in rooms that are devoid of humidity and heat (Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms). 3D variants have also been making its rounds all around Lagos and a whole lot of home owners are favoring them against the usual painting.

2.     Rattan furniture

This is one stubborn trend. Beginning with our African ancestors in ancient Egypt, it faded after a while, only to resurface sometime around the 1960s and ‘70s in Europe. However, it soon faded again.

Now though, like a cross-breed between an Egyptian mummy and Frankenstein, it’s back in the flesh. Its lightweight woven eco-friendly material gives off a natural, cozy look that’s perfect for any portion of your interior and exterior.

Because of its durable texture and its natural look, it exudes a stylish fragrance that fits any part of your home: sitting room, bedroom, garden- name it. Its light weight makes it ubiquitous as it can be moved about the house rather easily. And, because it is waterproof and stain resistant, you don’t have to worry about it getting ruined any time soon.  Which begs the question: why isn’t Rattan more popular?

Rattan furniture has found its way back into a whole lot of living room and bedrooms in Lagos with the most popular being the swing-chair. You can’t go wrong with a least one rattan style furniture anywhere in your home in Lagos.

3.      Wood paneling

Starting out as the go-to wall feature around the 60s and ‘70s due to its low cost, it phased out quickly as it seemed to make interior spaces seem boring and enclosed. News flash: it’s back in vogue!

When done right, it could make your interior space touchdown with nature or have a sense of sophistication. It all depends on how you do it. Modern uses have entailed painting the wood and installing the panels in more creative patterns such as cascading V’s and diagonals. Many homeowners have embraced wood-paneled walls in areas like sitting rooms and bedrooms. Gives the rooms an all-round chic and rich look.

4.      Art deco designs

Considering that it’s also called Style Moderne, it’s rather ironic that this design trend dates as far back as a hundred years. But don’t put it on the back burner yet: this ‘20s high-style glitz is still all the rage today! Art Deco motifs with their precise, acutely defined geometric shapes paired and strong color patterns include features ranging from arched and angled shapes to metallic finishes, and fluted detailing. You can use this vintage style to give your interiors an air of luxury and sophistication.

It’s not strange anymore walking into houses in Lagos and being treated to a rich blend of art deco designs from the ceiling down to the flooring of the rooms in the house.

5.      Gallery walls

The concept of turning our walls into art galleries started around the late ’80s and ’90s and faded out around 2005 with people opting for more flashy styles. In recent times, though, they have gradually reclaimed center stage with stylish interior influencers boldly incorporating them into their homes. Ranging from family portraits to full-blown art and paintings, this postmodern style leaves you with a lot of fun choices for any room in your home. Plus, it’s cheap, easy to create and can take your family and visitors down memory lane rather quickly.

Gallery walls are all the rave now in most Nigerian homes and you can see in the mix personal and family photos with a collection of own-paintings and purchased paintings all hung up there on the walls.

Finally…

The reinvention of designs makes it new even when it is old. Trends last longer when they are adaptable to modern discoveries and human mentality, while also evolving with an ever-changing society. These standards are how top-notch interior designers like us predict what the future will look like and adapt to the ever changing world of interior designs and that’s how we have helped lots of Nigerian homes stand-out in their looks and appeal.

So, which of these vintage styles are you taking home with you this season?