X
Design
An interiors guide through the decades

Published: 17/09/2016

1940s
The 1940s saw the beginning of the end of World War Two, which brought about huge advancements in modern technology and science. This time of progress and development wasn’t necessarily reflected in the interiors of the time.
Old Style Living Room Interior
Old Living Room Interior
The 40’s saw homes injected with an uninspiring colour palette of subdued earthly colours and bleak and uniform imagery. The iconic 40s style revolves around floral wallpaper and thick curtains. Floral and geometrical patterns also plagued linoleum floors and were combined with rugs to create the illusion of separate room areas. Home interiors reflected the generation of post war sentiment.
1950s
The 50s era maintained these muted colours and introduced thick fabrics and checkerboard patterns. Living rooms often opted for plain walls and carpets with small patterns and muted shades of brown and grey.
Old Style Dining Room
Old Style Living Room
Ornaments adorned empty spaces to add character while white washed furniture and wooden floors also garnered popularity.
1960s
60s interiors were swinging, cool and above all “groovy baby” Prints were flamboyant and all the rage – draped across sofas and wallpapered in many rooms. Furnishings and decorations ranged from deep oranges, rich reds to pinks, purples and yellows
Retro Living Room
Retro Living Room
1970s
England in the 70s was full of bright colours, lava lamps, flares and flower power! Patterned prints including geometric shapes and stripes were common in most family homes. Vibrancy was key in this era. Curvy and bold designs were popular, including tub chairs and metallic bar stools were heavily featured in living rooms across the country. And don’t forget shaggy rugs!
Retro Seating Area
Retro Seat
1980s
Following on from the vibrancy of the 70s came one of English design’s biggest faux pas: the avocado green bathroom suite. A style staple in any 80s bathroom, it featured alongside swish fan ceiling lights and extendable desk lamps. The 80s loved an overhead lighting system, busy wallpaper and recliners.
Purple Carpet Room
Old Fashioned Sofa
1990s
90s interiors saw huge popularity for synchronicity of style – from pine furniture and wood kitchens, to neutral colours and beige or cream suites. Laminate wood-effect flooring flourished, homeowners wanted authentic looks at low cost prices!
Modern Logging Area
Vintage Sofa
2000s
The noughties saw minimalism take off, with designers embracing clean whites and crisp neutral colours. Accent walls were a favourite feature, and clutter was tackled wherever possible. Wooden and hard floors became the norm and were introduced in most rooms.
Modern Seating Area
Modern Living Room
I wonder what the next few decades will bring within the world of design and interiors? Here’s hoping for robot cleaners at least!
You May Also Like