The Appeal of Timeless Design
Classic home features are making a major comeback, and homeowners are loving the return of these timeless elements. They add charm and character that modern trends sometimes miss.
From intricate moldings to vintage tilework, these styles offer a lasting appeal that connects us with the past.
Swipe or scroll to rediscover how these beloved details are being reimagined today.
Wainscoting
Wainscoting is returning with a modern update. Traditionally used to protect walls, this wood paneling now adds refined depth to rooms.
Designers today favor painting it in bold colors or staining it naturally to complement contemporary interiors. From half-wall to full-wall paneling, wainscoting lends a timeless architectural detail that elevates a room’s style.
Herringbone and Chevron Patterns
Classic herringbone and chevron patterns are cropping up in flooring, backsplashes, and even wallpaper.
They are two popular patterns used in modern interior designs now, especially for flooring and wall coverings. While they may look similar, they have distinct characteristics.
Herringbone is a zigzag pattern with 90-degree angles, while Chevron is a V-shaped zigzag pattern with 45-degree angles.
Both layouts offer a stunning, vintage-inspired modern look.
Freestanding Tubs
Freestanding tubs fell out of fashion in the 20th century when showers became popular. Now they are making an impressive return. There’s a chance you might still have one in one of your bathrooms.
Now, with diverse materials and shapes, they fit various design styles, from classic to contemporary. Homeowners are especially liking clawfoot styles as stunning focal points in bathrooms.
Subway Tiles
Subway tiles are far from outdated. They have been around for over a century.
Originating in New York’s subways over a century ago, they became a home favorite for their durability and easy maintenance. Today, they’re used in diverse colors, textures, and layouts.
This timeless tile adds a clean, fresh look to any space. Those who love versatility in their kitchens and bathrooms can go for subway tiles with their eyes closed.
Crown Molding
Crown molding is returning to add an elegant touch to walls and ceilings. Originally designed to mask ceiling joints, this feature now enhances room sophistication.
They are perfect for creating a seamless transition between wall and ceiling.
And what’s the best part? Updated styles range from minimalist to ornate, allowing homeowners to choose according to their interior style.
Arched Doorways
Arched doorways are being reintroduced as a soft and elegant alternative to standard square frames. Once a staple in Mediterranean and Spanish-style architecture, arches bring an organic flow and sophistication to interiors.
In modern spaces, the arched design is not limited to the doorway. You can see it in furniture and even mirrors. It adds a subtle architectural feature to any room’s design.
Brass Fixtures
After a long stay of stainless steel and chrome in trends, brass fixtures are back and we’re loving it. Their golden tones add elegance and warmth to kitchens and bathrooms, giving a vintage vibe with a modern edge.
Whether in faucets, cabinet handles, or light fixtures, brass blends perfectly with natural materials and earth tones. They perfectly add the lived-in feel to any boring space.
Louver Doors
Louver Doors are also making a comeback in 2024. While they had their peak popularity in the mid-20th century, they are now reappearing as a stylish, functional, and versatile design choice for various home settings recent trends.
These doors provide privacy while allowing ventilation, making them ideal for spaces like bathrooms, closets, and laundry rooms.
This renewed interest in louver doors aligns with broader trends, such as the integration of fluted and textured designs in modern interiors.
Butcher Block Countertops
Yes, you heard it right. Butcher block countertops are back in style. They are famous for adding natural warmth to kitchens dominated by cold stones like marble and granite.
They’re durable and functional, and add a cozy feel to any kitchen. Butcher block counters also age beautifully, developing a unique patina over time.
Terrazzo Floors
Terrazzo floors, another mid-century staple, are making a bold return. Known for their speckled appearance, terrazzo combines pieces of marble, quartz, or glass, resulting in a unique, artistic look.
Terrazzo is used in both flooring and accent surfaces. Updated with vibrant colors and eco-friendly materials, they will perfectly fit in modern homes.
Glass Doorknobs
Forget glass slippers, glass doorknobs are popping up again as a chic trend in homes. Once a luxury item in the early 20th century, they’re now available in a variety of styles and colors.
They add elegance to any door, catching the light beautifully and creating a subtle vintage statement.
Glass doorknobs are small but they make a big visual impact, proving that sometimes, old-fashioned charm is best.
Checkerboard Floors
Checkerboard floors, a favorite in the ’50s and ’60s, are back in style. Even many celebratory are adding them in their homes, and you should too.
This high-contrast pattern instantly draws attention and adds a playful vibe to spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
Beyond classic black and white, bold checkerboard floors are trending in a variety of colors.
Shiplap Walls
Shiplap, once reserved for barns and farmhouses, is now a popular feature in homes seeking rustic charm. Originally designed for durability, it brings texture and warmth to walls.
Modern designs use shiplap in various finishes and colors, adapting it to almost any decor style. It’s a great way to add visual interest and a cozy feel to rooms.
Beamed Ceilings
Exposed beams, once a structural necessity, are now a design feature of modern interiors. They’re being reclaimed in rustic, natural wood or painted to suit modern aesthetics.
Whether your home is a farmhouse-inspired space or a contemporary loft, beamed ceilings create an open and inviting atmosphere.
Want to upgrade your ceiling with some modern style, check out Statement Ceilings That Add Instant Drama.
Pocket Doors
Pocket doors have returned as a practical, space-saving solution. These doors slide into the wall, allowing for more usable space.
Perfect fit for homes with small spaces and compact areas. Modern versions come in diverse styles, from minimalist glass panels to classic wood, that easily blend with every interior.
They offer both style and function, combining the best of old and new.
Which features do you already have in your home, and which ones would you like to add? If you religiously follow trends, be sure to check out 15 Interior Design Trends You Won’t Want to Miss.