As a generation, Baby Boomers have a unique and distinctive taste when it comes to home decor. The interior design trends they favored reflect a mix of practical comfort and formal elegance, rooted in tradition and nostalgia.
Whether you’re preparing to sell a home and want to modernize its look, or you’re a buyer trying to spot a potential flip, it’s useful to know the tell-tale signs of “Boomer Decor.”
Here’s a list of 14 key signs to look out for, along with some insights into why these particular design choices were so popular with the Boomer generation.
1. Overabundance of Family Photos
One of the most common characteristics of a Boomer-styled home is the plethora of family photos.
These pictures, ranging from studio portraits to candid holiday snaps, are usually displayed in ornate frames and arranged in clusters on mantelpieces, side tables, or walls. This not only reflects the Boomer’s strong emphasis on family ties but also their desire to preserve memories and moments.
2. Traditional Floral Wallpaper
If you walk into a home and see walls lined with traditional floral wallpaper, you might be looking at Boomer decor. This design trend was big in the mid to late 20th century and is often associated with a comforting, homely feel.
These wallpapers add a touch of nature and femininity to the home, a preference that many Boomers still hold.
3. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Hardwood flooring may be the trend now, but wall-to-wall carpeting was the Boomer’s choice for comfort and luxury. Not only did it provide warmth in the colder months, but it also added a cozy and inviting feel to the home. If you come across a house with carpeting in every room, it’s likely a relic of Boomer decor.
4. Display of Collectibles and Antiques
Boomers often view their homes as showcases for their life’s collections. These might range from antique furniture to collectible porcelain dolls, vintage stamps, or even souvenir spoons.
These items, often displayed in glass-front cabinets or hung on walls, not only tell a story about the homeowner’s interests and travels but also reflect the Boomer’s appreciation for history and craftsmanship.
5. Heavy Drapery and Valances
Another classic sign of Boomer decor is the use of heavy drapery and valances. These window treatments, often in rich fabrics and intricate patterns, were not only a sign of luxury but also provided privacy and helped control the amount of natural light in the room. If you see these in a home, it’s a clear nod to the past.
6. Formal Dining Room Set-Up
Unlike today’s preference for casual dining and open-plan living, Boomers often prefer a formal dining room setup. This typically includes a large dining table, matching chairs, and a sideboard or china cabinet for displaying fine china and glassware. ‘=
This setup was often reserved for special occasions and reflects the Boomer’s appreciation for formal entertaining.
7. Cluttered Spaces and Rooms
Boomer decor often includes rooms filled with furniture, accessories, and personal items. This isn’t necessarily a sign of disorganization; instead, it reflects a preference for displaying cherished belongings and creating a cozy, lived-in feel. While today’s trends lean towards minimalism and clean lines, Boomers often prefer a home that looks lived in and loved.
8. Outdated Bathroom Fixtures
From pastel-colored toilets to brass faucets, outdated bathroom fixtures are another telltale sign of Boomer decor. These fixtures, which were popular in the 60s and 70s, can give a home a dated feel. However, they also provide a nostalgic link to the past and reflect the homeowner’s resistance to change.
9. Antique Styled Chandeliers
Boomers’ love for antiques and grandeur is also evident in their choice of lighting fixtures. Antique-styled chandeliers, often with ornate designs and dangling crystal prisms, are a common sight in Boomer homes. These lighting fixtures not only add a touch of elegance to the home but also reflect the homeowner’s penchant for classic and timeless designs.
10. Wood Paneling
Wood paneling, especially dark-toned species like mahogany or walnut, was a popular choice for Boomers. Whether it’s covering a single accent wall or an entire room, wood paneling brings a warm and cozy feel to a home. If a house has wood-panelled walls, it’s likely a remnant of Boomer decor.
11. Avocado Green or Harvest Gold Appliances
Colorful appliances, particularly in shades of avocado green or harvest gold, are a clear sign of Boomer decor. These colors were trendy in the 60s and 70s and were often paired with matching or coordinating kitchen cabinets. While these appliances may seem outdated today, they can add a charming retro vibe to a home.
12. Oversized Furniture
Boomer decor often features oversized furniture. Large sofas, recliners, and king-sized beds were popular choices as they provided comfort and reflected a sense of prosperity. While these pieces can make a room feel crowded, they also add a cozy and inviting ambience.
13. Decorative Plates on Display
Decorative plates, often adorned with scenic or floral designs, are a staple of Boomer decor. These plates, typically displayed on plate racks or hung on walls, add a touch of charm and personality to a home. They also reflect the homeowner’s love for collectibles and decorative items.
14. Lack of Open Concept Living Space
Unlike today’s trend towards open-concept living, Boomer homes often have a traditional layout with separate rooms for different functions. A house with a separate living room, dining room, and kitchen is likely styled by a Boomer. While this layout may seem outdated, it also provides defined spaces for different activities and lends a certain charm to a home.
These are just a few of the signs that a home has Boomer decor. Of course, everyone’s taste is different, and it’s possible to find a Boomer-age homeowner with a modern, minimalist home, just as it’s possible to find a Millennial homeowner who loves vintage wallpaper and china cabinets. For more insights into home decor trends, check out this podcast.