Three ‘ugly’ 80s decor trends set to make a comeback – ‘grandmacore’ is all the rage
IF you’re looking to freshen up your home in time for Spring, then you might want to take note.
Interior designers have revealed the trends that are quickly making a comeback in 2025 – and it includes three “ugly” 80s decor trends that were once considered to be outdated.
Molly Woodward-Moor, creative director at Stone Superstore, has said it’s all about bold colours, the eclectic charm of ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia, and the vintage aesthetics of grandmacore this year.
And she also shared her top tips on how to incorporate them into your home in a way that feels fresh and modern, rather than old and tired.
The interior designer said: “In a world where design trends often prioritize modern aesthetics, there’s been a noticeable shift back toward the bold, nostalgic charm of past eras.
“Trends once considered outdated are now making a comeback, from bold colours, the eclectic charm of ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia, along with the vintage aesthetics of grandmacore.”
Avocado bathrooms
Avocado bathrooms is an 80s aesthetic that sees the room filled with green-coloured tiles, fixtures, and accessories.
This trend embraces boldness and unapologetic individuality from a fun, recognisable era that brings with it “feelings of familiarity, comfort and optimism.”
And Molly has said that this return of bold, clashing colours, retro designs, and quirky elements is all about creating a space that is full of character.
She said: “Whilst nowadays, we might not embrace avocado bathtubs, toilets, and sinks, there are ways to merge the vintage charm of this aesthetic with modern touches to create a stylish 80s inspired space.
“Green tiles are a timeless and popular choice for many bathroom aesthetics thanks to their versatility when it comes to pairing with other colours, working well with neutrals like beige and grey, warm tones like dark woods, and pops of colour such as pink and burnt orange.
“You can incorporate avocado green tiles, whether on the floor or wall, for a more modern take on the avocado aesthetic.
“To avoid the bathroom feeling too dated, balance out the green tiles with other materials to add depth, such as wooden shelving, natural wicker baskets to store towels, or a wooden vanity.
“Warm, layered lighting is very reminiscent of the 80s and we’re seeing this trend again this year, with many people incorporating shower lamps into their space.
“If avocado green tiles aren’t your colour, retro-patterned floor tiles are a brilliant way of capturing the trend in a different way, such as checkerboard or small geometric shapes.
“Opt for something that has a bit of vintage flair but still feels modern.”
Florals and pattern ‘grandmacore’
Grandmacore is a nostalgic style that celebrates the comforts of a traditional grandmother’s home and lifestyle.
And the use of florals and clashing prints is key to creating this retro aesthetic.
While many may consider this to be “ugly vintage” from the 70s and 80s, they can be styled in just the right way with bold patterns in bright saturated colours.
Molly explains: “A hallmark of grandmacore is the use of florals and clashing prints.
“Whether used through textiles, wallpapers, or upholstery— florals are experiencing a major resurgence in interior design.
“Whilst florals were once seen as outdated and overly fussy, they are making a major comeback in the form of more intentional design choices.
“We’re seeing florals being mixed with other bold prints such as gingham or stripes to offer a cosy and nostalgic charm of a grandparent’s home, blending vintage with modern, eclectic touches.”
The 8 interiors trends that will become outdated in 2025
EXPERTS have told how the future of interiors is all about timelessness and sustainability - this is because 2025 is focusing on creating spaces that are both stunning and practical.
Gone are the days of quick fixes and all-white schemes – it’s time for more classic, enduring choices that focus on quality over quantity.
Interior design expert Zara O’Hare from Land of Rugs has said several popular trends are on their way out this year to make space for fresher, more sustainable options.
From having too many photo frames in the house, to concrete floors and brass furnishings, here are eight things that are becoming outdated this year.
- The all-white look – “People are now turning to richer, warmer colour schemes, especially with the rise of mid-century modern designs.”
- Shiny brass & light wood – “The trend of light woods like oak is giving way to deeper, neutral tones like walnut and cherry, which offer a more sophisticated feel”.
- Industrial kitchens & open spaces – “The style can feel cold and impersonal, which makes it hard to sustain in the long run.”
- The fast furniture era – “Consumers are now more thoughtful about where they source their furniture, focusing on quality materials and sustainability over quick, throwaway designs.”
- Open shelving woes – “We’ll definitely see a return to closed cabinets as people seek more storage solutions that are easy to maintain.”
- Bouclé fabric – “This material, while popular for a time, isn’t as versatile as other fabrics. It tends to come in neutral shades, which makes it feel a bit one-dimensional.”
- Overdecorating (especially with personal photos) – “While it’s important to make a home your own, this trend is becoming a bit too much for many, as it clashes with the move toward more minimalist, timeless aesthetics.”
- The overuse of neon and bright colours – “The appeal of neon is fading as people move toward more muted tones like deep blues, rich greens, and terracotta.”
Stone-tiled fireplaces
Many of us associate stone fireplaces with the 70s and 80s, which is why homeowners who are looking for a lovely fireplace have installed ultra-modern media wall fireplaces instead.
However, even though these offer sleek, minimalistic designs, more and more people are now looking for timeless styles and authentic materials.
Stone-tiled fireplaces are now making a comeback, with a new generation discovering the cosy comfort that the design can bring to a space.
Molly said: “Whilst the stone panels that run from floor to ceiling might be a thing of the past, people are looking for an updated approach to give their fireplace a timeless elegance.
“Whether it’s tiling an alcove that sits a log burner or a traditional open-hearth fireplace.
“Instead of the heavy stone tile work that might have been common in the past, modern interiors are embracing large-format stone tiles or slabs that create a feature around the fireplace.
“These larger tiles reduce the visual clutter and create a more seamless, elegant look that feels chic and understated.
“Limestone, slate, and porcelain tiles are top picks for fireplaces, offering versatility in design, whilst being durable and easy to clean.”