Do you want to find out if your style of décor is considered boomer-esque? You’ve come to the right place. This article delves into 17 quintessential home décor choices that define a generation, from linoleum flooring to popcorn ceilings. Whether you’re proud of your style or want to give your home an upgrade, that’s up to you!
Shag Carpets
One trend that certainly outlasted the ‘60s and ‘70s is shag carpets, though they’re typically found in the homes of boomers today. Once the epitome of luxury and style, these soft carpets are now considered pretty retro and are often chosen in bold, bright colors to make a statement.
Wood Paneling
Wood paneling is a staple in the dens and basements of boomers, adding a rustic or cozy vibe to a room. It evokes a nostalgic mid-20th-century aesthetic but is also a clear indicator of what era the homeowner is from. It’s typically made from dark wood or faux wood finishes.
Patterned Wallpaper
“Wallpaper almost always looks bad, but baby boomers put it everywhere,” as per Daily Choices. Whether it’s the bathroom or the kitchen, no room can escape the bold, busy designs—like florals or geometric patterns. It’s sometimes even combined with matching curtains and upholstery!
Avocado Green and Harvest Gold Appliances
Nothing screams “boomer” more than these two colors: avocado green and harvest gold. If you’ve got a kitchen appliance in this color, it seems you just might be still following the trends from the ‘60s and ‘70s. While these appliances were once seen as modern, they now come across as a nostalgic callback.
Linoleum Flooring
Good old linoleum flooring, once valued for its affordability and ease of installation, is now quite often regarded as outdated. While, of course, some people still choose linoleum flooring for their homes, the more boomer-style choice would be linoleum in bright colors and patterns.
Faux Wood Décor
Faux wood is another staple of a boomer home, used in everything from furniture to ornaments to wall coverings. While it’s appreciated for its low cost and easy maintenance, it’s certainly not the most modern of choices, especially when it comes to items with exaggerated, artificial wood grain patterns.
Brass Fixtures
According to Better Homes & Gardens, “Brass is once again a favorite finish in kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond.” These fixtures add a touch of elegance and shine to home interiors. However, brass is still largely seen as a “boomer” choice when combined with other items on this list.
Floral Couches
There’s a 99.99% chance that the only people who still own floral couches are boomers, so if you’ve got one, it’s a dead giveaway. These couches, with their large, vibrant floral prints, were very common in living rooms back in the day, typically matched with patterned curtains and throw pillows for the complete look.
Tufted Velvet Furniture
This kind of furniture was pretty popular back in the day, seen as a luxurious addition to a home—particularly when it came to couches and beds. It was popular for its depth, texture, and rich colors. You’d be hard-pressed to find any non-boomers choosing to decorate their homes with this furniture today, though.
Crystal Chandeliers
Let’s be honest. Crystal chandeliers definitely don’t scream “modern,” that’s for sure. They may be symbolic of elegance and luxury, and there’s no denying that they’re statement pieces, but these days, they’re often only found in the homes of boomers.
Mirrored Closet Doors
Boomers tend to love mirrored closet doors for their dual purpose and the fact that they reflect light. However, as shared by Apartment Therapy, these doors are now considered to “lack character.” Many of the younger generation go for big, statement, stand-alone mirrors these days.
Vertical Blinds
Another home décor choice that is pretty boomer-esque is vertical blinds. Though favored by this generation for their practicality in controlling light and privacy, they aren’t considered very popular (especially in bright colors) and are a no-go when much more modern choices are available.
Popcorn Ceilings
If there’s one thing that modern consumers hate, it’s a popcorn ceiling. So, if you’ve got this type of ceiling at home, it’s a dead giveaway that you’re a boomer. These ceilings were once chosen for their noise-reducing capabilities and textured aesthetic but are really criticized today for their potential asbestos content and difficulty to clean.
Tuscan Kitchens
Tuscan kitchens are said to be inspired by Italian countryside aesthetics, with natural materials and earthy colors. This type of décor often features elements like wrought iron and exposed wood beams. Not too long ago, these were still considered pretty stylish, but it’s now largely accepted that these kitchens are a boomer choice.
Carpeted Bathrooms
There’s no excuse for this one, boomers. As The Spruce explains, bathrooms are prone to moisture and humidity, meaning carpets can get moldy, require frequent replacement, and aren’t very hygienic. You wouldn’t ever catch a non-boomer with a carpet in their bathroom, so if you’ve got one, there’s no need to tell us what year you were born.
Doilies and Table Runners
These pieces of home décor, often made from lace or embroidered fabric, have long been used to protect surfaces while adding a decorative touch to a room and are very common in living areas and on the dining tables of boomers. However, younger generations tend to opt for more modern additions and choices.
Decorative Plates and Figurines
The last thing on our list of décor choices that scream “I’m a boomer” is decorative plates and figurines, typically displayed on walls or in special cabinets as part of room décor. While they may have been collected from travels or are family heirlooms, this style of décor is really indicative of what generation you grew up in.
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