Every generation has its own set of trends that define its era. The styles and habits that baby boomers hold dear, are these days viewed as outdated by younger generations.
Here are some of these trends that boomers continue to embrace, even as others have left them behind.
Heavy Wood Furniture
In many boomer households, you’ll find bulky wooden furniture dominating the living spaces. These pieces, often made from dark woods like mahogany or oak, were once symbols of elegance and durability. Today, there’s a shift towards minimalist designs and lighter materials.
Younger folks prefer sleek, space-saving furniture that offers flexibility and a modern aesthetics.
Collectible Figurines
Remember those glass cabinets filled with porcelain dolls or ceramic animals? For many boomers, collecting these figurines was a cherished hobby. They would proudly display their collections, often accumulated over decades. Their children and grandchildren prefer decluttering and minimalism, viewing such collectibles as dust gatherers rather than treasures.
Formal Dining Rooms
In the past, a separate dining room was a staple in many homes, reserved for family meals and special occasions. These formal spaces, complete with large dining tables and ornate settings, have been rejected by the younger generation, who prefer open floor plans where the kitchen, dining, and living areas blend seamlessly.
Patterned Wallpaper
Floral and paisley wallpapers were all the rage in boomer homes, adding color and personality to rooms. They were seen as a way to showcase style and sophistication. But not anymore.
The busy designs of yesteryear can feel overwhelming to contemporary tastes, which opt for simplicity and ease of maintenance.
Linoleum Flooring
Once considered a practical and affordable flooring option, linoleum found its way into most kitchens and bathrooms. The post-war generation liked its durability and the variety of patterns available.
In contrast, current trends prefer materials like hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl planks that offer a more refined look. Linoleum is now an endangered species.
Lace Doilies
To add a touch of elegance, the older generation adorned their furniture with lace doilies. These delicate pieces were used to protect surfaces and as decorative accents. Today, such fussy embellishments are seldom seen.
Younger generations don’t want extra accessories, especially those requiring meticulous upkeep, viewing them as unnecessary and old-fashioned.
Carpeted Bathrooms
Carpeting in bathrooms was once a trend, embraced for the comfort and warmth it provided underfoot. Folk who grew up with this feature might still appreciate it, but most people now see it as impractical and unhygienic. Tiles and waterproof flooring are the preferred choices, offering cleanliness and a sleek appearance.
Knick-Knack Shelves
Shelves filled with various trinkets, souvenirs, and mementos were common in boomer homes. These displays told stories of travels and life events. But these dust collectors have been banished from modern homes. Younger individuals prefer clean, open spaces with selective decor pieces, finding cluttered shelves overwhelming and aesthetically unpleasing.
Pastel Bathroom Fixtures
Soft pink, mint green, and baby blue sinks, toilets, and bathtubs were once the height of bathroom fashion. Some of the old generation might still have these colorful fixtures in their homes, but they’re disappearing fast. Today, the trend is towards neutral tones like white, gray, or beige, offering a timeless and clean look that appeals to modern sensibilities.
Ruffled Bed Skirts
Back in the boomers’ day, adding a ruffled bed skirt was a common way to dress up a bed, hiding the box spring and any items stored underneath. They often used them to coordinate with bedding sets. Today, the style leans towards platform beds and fitted sheets, eliminating the need for bed skirts altogether and promoting a more streamlined appearance.
Avocado Green Appliances
In the 1970s, kitchen appliances in shades of avocado green were all the rage. Baby boomers who renovated during that era might still have these colorful machines. These days, stainless steel and matte black finishes are in vogue, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic that avocado green simply doesn’t match.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
To cover entire floors of your house with plush carpeting was once perceived as a sign of luxury and comfort. The older generation often chose thick carpets, including shagpile, in various colors for their living spaces. Now, hardwood floors with area rugs are preferred, offering easier maintenance and a more versatile design approach.
Popcorn Ceilings
Also known as acoustic ceilings, these textured surfaces were popular for their ability to hide imperfections and dampen sound. Many boomer homes still feature them. However, they’ve totally fallen out of favor in recent years, in large part due to their dated appearance and difficulty to clean, with most homeowners opting for smooth, flat ceilings instead.
Chintz Fabrics
Remember how floral chintz fabrics adorned everything from curtains to sofas in your parents’ and grandparents’ homes? These busy patterns were a way to bring color and life into a room, they reckoned. Today, interior design trends prefer solid colors and subtle patterns, viewing chintz as overly fussy and outdated.