22 Jul Home Trend Watch: Newstalgia

Arriving on the home design scene in 2021, newstalgia was quickly named one of the top design trends to watch for in 2022. Newstalgia is a style that freshens and spices up the nostalgic retro items of the past with contemporary upgrades or combines old and new pieces to create a familiar but fresh feel. This style became appealing in a time when people were seeking comfort and cozy feelings, eschewing the stark, impersonal qualities of minimalism, but also rejecting the overwhelm of the reactionary maximalism. 

One of the most important aspects of this design style is that it encourages you to  curate your own unique, and meaningful collections of pieces that tell a story. The goal is to highlight elements that feel current but also familiar—whether that’s by mixing and matching the old with the new or finding new items that give you familiar, comfortable feelings. Think of every room as a blank page with the potential to tell your story.

Another great thing about this design approach is that it aligns with the values of sustainability and awareness of over-consumption.

Intrigued? Here is some advice and ideas to get you started.

Breathe new life into retro shapes

One of the best tricks to achieving this look is finding old pieces with “classic” lines and updating them with new colors, finishes, and fabrics. If you find a shiny gold mirror that reminds you of the one your parents had in your childhood home, take the time to refinish it to look current. If you love the round, chunky retro silhouettes, give them an update to tell your own unique story and avoid your space looking like a memorial to a day gone by.

Combine antique staples with new accessories

Find larger antique pieces such as shelves, chairs, or a piano and either use as-is or give them a fresh finish and use them as the foundation for new items. For example, pair a mixed set of antique chairs with a new table and high tech lighting.

Incorporate items with “soul”

Now is the perfect time to showcase those special family heirlooms and sentimental items. Show off great aunt Gerda’s blue wine glasses. Dust off grandpa’s collection of cigar boxes and use them as risers for new, uniquely “you” vases. No heirlooms of your own? Not to worry. Hit up your local thrift stores and find items that feel familiar to you.

Whether it’s a small corner shelf or your entire house, newstalgia is worth giving a try.

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