So I wrote a contribution towards this piece for Ideal Home magazine back in July, all around the previously seen as ‘dated’ trends making a comeback in the world of interiors. Ideal Home quoted some of my thoughts in its article, so I wanted to share an expanded version with you all! Here goes..

I've noticed previously outdated 80s interior trends making a real comeback this year, inspired by the popular TV shows *Rivals* and *Stranger Things*. This resurgence makes sense right now, in 2026, as trends tend to cycle back every 40 years.

Mixing old and new is an age old design principle as it prevents a space from looking flat and soulless. Contrasting clean, modern lines with the warmth and texture of past styles adds character. That's why I love embracing past trends and mixing them in with new styles.

Embracing previously outdated trends such as bold neon colours, terracottas, pastel pinks, and mint green from the 80s is all about doing it subtly, in small doses, and introducing them alongside a refined, contemporary backdrop.

Geometrics and country florals are making a comeback, just don't plaster the pattern all over your walls. Instead, choose a small area such as within panelling, and display it alongside a calm, neutral palette.

Bobbi Beck wallpaper used in Claire Alexandra Designs hallway / stairs & landing project in Swanland

Geometric design was first popular in the art deco era of the 1920s. It re-emerged in the mid century modern times of the 50s/60s and then again in the eighties. In the eighties, geometric pattern was a huge part of the Memphis Design style, introduced by a collective of Italian architects and designers who retaliated against brutalism and contemporary minimalism to introduce bold colour, unconventional shapes and geometric pattern.

Geometric fell out of favour during the later half of the nineties, due to a overwhelming preference for minimalism returning. The busy lines and shapes of geometric pattern were too far removed from that aesthetic.

The best way to incorporate geometric pattern into your home in a contemporary way is through a softer palette, so rather than choosing bold, contrasting colours, go for geometrics in light neutrals which won’t appear too busy or overly dramatic. Herringbone wooden floors and herringbone textured carpets are everywhere at the moment, and a great example of a subtle use of the design. Geometrics are the perfect motifs to mix with florals if you’re going for a bold look, as they complement each other beautifully. A contemporary take on the florals of the eighties would be something more abstract: a line drawing or an unusually proportioned flower or leafy pattern. Think less Laura Ashley and more Kit Kemp.

Terracotta tiles are becoming popular again, as are terracotta paint colours. The texture of terracotta tiles brings a gorgeous warmth and character to a space. Mixing them with light, warm taupes, greens, brass and off whites creates a fresh, contemporary vibe, but with personality, and looks great alongside contemporary style furniture.

Bathroom project in Malton by Claire Alexandra Designs

Terracotta tiles were first popular during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, and came back again in the eighties. This was due to the Mediteranean design boom when Mexican and Spanish style tiles, in a rustic, unglazed finish were popular.

However, the eighties eventually saw the introduction of mass produced clay terracotta tiles, which lacked the texture and quality of the original artisanal tiles. These put people off. In addition, interior trends pivoted toward minimalism and people's tastes steered away from earthy, warm palettes toward cool greys. Sleek, minimal polished stone replaced terracotta. Since Covid, however, greens and earthy tones have slowly crept back in, as people's tastes move further away from greys, and toward natural, warm tones.

I have been really loving wallpaper borders this year. Rather than positioning them underneath the coving and running them around the top of the walls as we did in the 80s, bring them up to date with a more contemporary pattern such as stripes, and run them above the skirting boards or dado rails, and up and over door frames. Ottoline do some fabulous, modern style border designs

The dated decor trends I'm falling for again – these looks from the 80s and 90s are officially back in fashion