15 Home Decor Styles Gen X Should Refresh

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Back in the late ’80s or early ’90s, if you were flipping through home decor catalogs, you’d probably have seen quite a few dried flower arrangements, lace curtains, and those inimitable sponge painted walls. The design trends of Gen X have lived their time and could use a fresh coat of paint—literally and figuratively. Now that Gen Xers are the latchkey kids turned home-owning adults, they are in a one of a kind place to resurrect their spaces by giving nostalgic decor a new twist.

Let’s face it: Trends fade in and out, but some styles are just begging to feel current again. Whether you are renovating your childhood bedroom that’s now become your home office, or you’re reimagining the family living room, this guide gives you creative, easy to use updates to 15 home decor styles that are in need of a glow up.

Shabby Chic

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Distressed furniture and pastel color palettes were the go to for shabby chic’s heyday. The vibe is undeniably cosy, but the look is a little too fussy for today. Instead of heavy chipped paint, choose modern trends like matte finishes or unfinished woods that feature sleek minimalist accents. Cut the clutter with light linens while still keeping the softness, but swap out frilly lace.

Tuscan Kitchens

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At one time, all magazines featured rich dark wood cabinets, paired with heavy granite countertops and warm tonal walls. Instead, choose to introduce airy whites, creams, or soft grays in order to lighten up things. You don’t need to abandon the Mediterranean vibe altogether — just take it down a notch with terracotta planters or a single bold ceramic tile backsplash.

Southwestern

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Too much turquoise, terracotta, Navajo patterns was the old school Southwestern vibe. You can keep the earthy, warm aesthetic but balance it with muted tones and modern silhouettes. Try to use rugs featuring quirky textures or leather accents, but without going too over the top on kitschy cactus motifs.

Victorian Maximalism

Elegant vintage-style sofa and chair with tufted leather upholstery on a wooden floor.
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Victorian-inspired interiors were all about opulence: Dark colors, heavy drapery and ornate furniture. A lighter hand works wonders these days. Keep one or two statement pieces, a tufted sofa or an intricate mirror, and offset them with modern open spaces and plenty of natural light.

Rustic Cabin

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You don’t have to feel like you’re stuck in the woods with log cabin decor in hunting lodge. Keep wood tones and cozy textiles to retain the warmth, but keep the industrial and modern elements in there like sleek metal light fixtures or bold artwork so that you don’t look too theme-y.

Art Deco

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Geometric bold designs and bright jewel tones scream glamour but then they also overwhelm. Rather than going all out Gatsby, celebrate a little Art Deco by adding metallic finishes, clean, clean lines and a bit of velvet. A statement mirror or a geometric rug can do a lot without doing too much.

Coastal

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You don’t have to decorate your coastal space like a beachside gift shop. Toss the old overdone seashell displays and anchor themed pillows. Instead opt for airy, sun lit rooms, with soft blues, whites and natural fibers such as rattan or jute. You can get the vibe with one piece of driftwood or a painting of the ocean.

Boho

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Bohemian style is a timeless thing, but the cluttered look of yesteryear is out. A few curated pieces such as a macramé wall hanging or patterned throw pillows will keep its free spirited essence alive, but leave breathing space. Also, plants, which are always a boho staple, will bring the life without the mess.

Minimalism

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From the early 2000s, minimalism felt stark and unwelcoming — bare walls, and furniture that belonged in an office. It’s warmer today, think Scandinavian hygge. Create a lived in feel with cosy throws, warm lighting and personal touches.

Mid-Century Modern

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The design world has been falling in love with mid-century modern pieces for years, but overdoing it can turn your home into a museum. Choose one or two iconic things, an Eames chair or a teak credenza, and to balance it out with more modern furniture.

Farmhouse

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Its charming simplicity was the cause of the farmhouse trend’s explosion, but the overly staged, cookie cutter look is going out of style. Change the style with darker wood tones, less shiplap walls, black hardware made of metal, Edison bulb lighting.

Industrial

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Exposed brick walls and steel beams ruled the industrial style everywhere. Warm up the look with woven rugs, or upholstered furniture. Adding a pop of color here and there won’t hurt either.

Hollywood Regency

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This excessively glamorous style was hugely reliant on having mirrored surfaces and bright colours. Tone it down and bring it into the present with statement lighting or a single bold velvet piece that will anchor the room.

Zen-Inspired

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The serene vibes of the minimalist Japanese inspired style became popular. You don’t have to stick to a monotone color scheme; use rich earth tones or textural fabrics to give your home depth while still maintaining that calming feel.

Retro

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Retro decor was bright oranges and avocado greens, but it’s possible to pay tribute to this era without going all in on the Brady Bunch. When adding vintage inspired accessories or textiles, again don’t do this in excess but add them with neutrals to keep the balance in place.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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