The generational differences can be seen in design and home décor trends. Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, frequently cling to comfortable and sentimental design choices.
Younger generations view many of these trends as outdated or unfeasible. Here are eleven home trends that boomers adore but are frequently mocked by others.
1. Carpeting From Wall To Wall
Thick, luxurious wall-to-wall carpeting was a hallmark of comfort and luxury in homes during the boomer era. Although the carpet is comfortable underfoot, it attracts dust and allergies and is challenging to clean.
For these reasons, many people choose hardwood or laminate flooring in the current period due to their simplicity of upkeep and cleaner appearance.
2. Wooden Panels
Dark, thick wood paneling was once frequently utilized in basements and dens and represented the height of luxury in homes.
These days, however, paneling of this kind is commonly criticized for giving rooms a gloomy, old-fashioned, and closed-off appearance. Wood paneling can’t provide the lighter, airier spaces that modern aesthetics need.
3. Ceiling Popcorn
Popcorn ceilings, often referred to as cottage cheese ceilings, gained popularity due to their acoustic qualities and capacity to conceal flaws.
Although they may contain asbestos, popcorn ceilings are also infamous for gathering dust and being challenging to paint or repair.
4. Wallpaper With Flowers
Boomers frequently love flowery wallpaper because it is vibrant and individualistic. However, large, intricate floral patterns can be overwhelming, so younger homeowners usually replace them with more neutral walls that facilitate modern, minimalist furnishings.
5. Bulky Curtains
Once upon a time, opulent, heavy curtains that completely obscured natural light were considered a prestige symbol.
These days, lighter materials or blinds that let in more light and give a cleaner appearance are frequently used in their place, reflecting a growing preference for natural lighting.
6. Skirts For Furniture
Having furniture with skirts or fringes was very popular since they were seen as sophisticated and classy. Mid-century contemporary furniture with angular, apparent lines and no fuss is fashionable these days.
7. Harvest Gold And Avocado Green Appliances
Throughout the 1970s, the ultimate kitchen statement was made with vibrantly colored appliances in hues like avocado green and harvest gold. These days, stainless steel or integrated appliances that mix perfectly with kitchen cabinetry are usually preferred over these hues.
8. Wallpaper With Flocking
Flocked wallpaper was another luxurious feature that many baby boomer homes loved, with its raised, velvety patterns. Even though it can offer a layer of texture, it is less popular today due to its excessive ornate character and upkeep requirements.
9. Brass Hardware
Many boomer homes had gleaming brass fixtures and fittings, symbolic of money and status. For a more modern and understated appearance, matte black, stainless steel, and brushed nickel are the materials for contemporary design.
10. Decorative Dining Areas
Although many younger people today view formal dining rooms as wasteful spaces and prefer open floor layouts that allow for more casual dining and living spaces, boomers may have loved them for holding elaborate dinner parties.
These trends show how tastes in house design are changing over time, even though they may not be to everyone’s taste right now. Another may ignore one person’s favorite thing, yet every trend provides an insight into the aesthetic ideals of its era.
Thanks for reading.