Design trends from the 70s to the early 2000s: How Boomers and Gen X shaped their homes
If you’re renting a mid-century home in Los Angeles, or settling in a suburban Seattle rental, your interior design options may reflect more than your personal preferences. They are shaped by the time you are older. For baby boomers, it means a cozy, timeless interior with a traditional touch. With Gen X, it is often a combination of practicality and personality, and nods to both modern and retro styles.
From earth tone palettes from the 1970s to high-tech transition spaces from the early 2000s, each generation has left its mark on the way homes are built and styled. In this Redfin article, experts consider the definitional design trends of Gen X and Boomer over the decades and how those choices still affect the home today.
How Boomers Design their Homes
Here is how design experts explain the aesthetics shaped by the Boomer generation (1946–1964). From traditional touches to comfortable layouts, their styles reflect decades of living experience, and many of these timeless elements can still be reproduced and loved in today’s modern homes.
1. Nostalgia meets craftsmanship and durability
“Boomers often design with nostalgia in mind,” says Angela Johnson of the Johnson & Lopez Group. “You can see a heirloom, antique or replica of items for young people. Matching furniture sets are common, such as adjustable bed frames, dressers, nightstands, and repeating fabric patterns of drapes and upholstery items.
2. Prioritize comfort and stay in the home for a long time
“The Boomers generation is now focusing on aging,” says Jennifer Ramsey of Jennifer Ramsey, Interior. “Making their independence is a top priority, so many people remodel to stay home as long as possible. They don’t care much about trends, comfort and functionality. Most already have defined styles.
3. Mix rich colors and classic designs with a bold personality
“My favorite thing about working with Boomers is their appreciation for their timeless, high quality and distinctive furniture,” says Paulina Hospod, president of Aha! interior. “They are drawn to rich hues like forest greens and mustard, and are not afraid of bold wallpapers or marble. They confidently mix many patterns and textures. Neutral designs for families and creates playful backyards and cozy spaces.”
4. Design for Aging – Before You Need
“Many boomers are still chasing their dream homes without considering future mobility. “We have found that aging support features, such as step-free entrances and wide doors, are often misunderstood as being rejected or misunderstood.
5. Balance trends and traditions with a coordinated approach
“It’s hard to generalize across the board,” says Adam Hicks of CooperBuild. “Boomer’s clients are conscious of trends – think of a sophisticated Soho Loft – others prefer classic elegance like the traditionalism of the Upper East Side. But overall, Boomers tend to be more modest due to their design choices compared to other generations who often embrace a shiny, more expressive style.”
6. Prioritize low maintenance designs
“We use a lot of universal design principles for boomers,” says Jessica Holwick, Renovation and Design, Reboot. “They prefer a transition style with practicality and low maintenance as their top priorities.
7. Mix classics and patterns for a comfortable personality
“As a young boomer, I love classic furniture like Chesterfield sofas and cozy wing chairs. I pair them with modern accessories,” says Elizabeth “Betsy” Ramsey, founder of Natty Gal. “I keep the big pieces neutral and layer the throws and pillows in seasonal colors. To add character, I mix the patterns. Our living room has a leopard print drape that complements the neutral tone zebra print wing chair.”
8. Designed with comfort, texture and future resale in mind
“Boomers play safely with a neutral colour palette, but take more risks with style,” says Dominique, also known as interior designer Dominique Elizabeth. “They embrace Zellige tiles, grooved finishes, woody textures that add comfort and dimension. Their choices often take into account the principles of timeless design, focusing on return to investment and appealing to future heirs.”
9. Blend style, functionality and future flexibility
“Boomers want a home that’s easy to clean and has plans for the future without sacrificing style,” says Elizabeth Dodson, co-founder of Homezada. “Think aging features like single-hole faucets, dust-prone moldings, first-floor suites, wider entrances and elevators. They prefer open layouts, more natural light and multi-purpose spaces that support fun, home management and even yoga.
10. Bathroom design you need
“Boomers look good and often want standalone bathtubs, but they can quickly become a safety hazard,” says Karen Billman, Billman’s design. “Many people don’t realize the risk of lifting their legs and balancing until it’s too late. They have walk-in showers, non-slip floors and bars that double as towel holders. Brands like Kohler and Delta are designed to blend in with style.
11. Choose quality over trends
“Reliability drives all decisions when it comes to Boomer’s design preferences,” says David Doan, owner and COO of Artisan Interiors. “They rely on referrals, reviews and real conversations before hiring designers. Timeless styles such as English mansions, French nations, and mid-century moderns are common demands.
How Gen X designs their homes
Here’s how experts define the aesthetics of Gen X design from the late 60s to the early 1980s: Influenced by analog childhood and evolving technology, Gen Xers cherishes quiet luxury, layered neutrality, and spaces built for real life where we can all learn.
1. Layers of purposeful warmth, comfort and craftsmanship
“Gen X homeowners are drawn to designs that balance refinement and soul,” says Kimberli Roth of Clay+Coda. “They prefer warm forests, natural materials, vintage pieces that feel sturdy and practically, and many prefer defined layouts over open plans, creating every corner of their individuality.
2. Blends integrated smart design with timeless style
“The Gen X has moved away from the boomer’s supersaturated harvest tone and opted for a more cooler palette and a more timeless, streamlined look,” says Maggie of Hudson Brow Design. “They love combining technology with comfort, including hot water floors, integrated speakers, smart showers, and color-changing lights. They all improve both the utility and the atmosphere. The style is modest yet luxurious, and is always tailored to your personal preferences.”
3. Features, calming, and prioritize your community with all designs
“Gen X doesn’t care about flashes or oversized homes. They want the comfort, quality and space that supports their full life,” says Wendy C. Devine of FivePoint Valencia® Homes. “They like efficient floor plans, neutral palettes, spa-like bathrooms, and technology that actually works. Children, parents, carriers, quiet zones and smart features help to recharge.
4. Mix classic style with a bold and personalized touch
“The Gen X is made with grey walls and a dull design,” says Sharon E. O’Brien of Beaumont Interiors. “They blend warm and cool colors that are eye-catching but livable. They get trending, but ultimately choose textures, furniture and art that reflect your lifestyle.
5. Designs with a soul, not a trend
“The Gen X design is shaped by the development of analogue: mixtape, dial-up, soulful, intentional space,” says Maresa McNamara of Spazi Design. “We are drawn to the rich forests, organic textures and pieces that feel collected over time. For many of us, design is not about following trends. It’s about creating a clean, modern, deep personal, timeless space.”
6. Layer meaning into every detail
“Gen X is drawn to a timeless, living space that mixes refinement and comfort,” says the team at Searten Home. “They prefer handheld walls, artisan work and layouts that reflect both style and real-world functionality. Curated collections, meaningful art and every nook and cranny of hobbies help create a warm, layered and distinctive home.”
7. Mix quiet luxury with daily features
“Gen X Homes balances practicality with modest luxury,” says Advanced Construction and Design, Inc. Libby Moffatt stock says.
8. I’ll build until the end
“Gen X knows that style means nothing without power. So they choose materials like litkol grout, which are ritokol grout, waterproof, waterproof, and virtually no maintenance.
9. Fill in space with art
“As There, I deeply value quality craftsmanship. I draw in art details that reflect time and intention. Whether it’s thoughtfully designed architecture or hand-crafted work, I am drawn to spaces where I can feel the passion of the creator.
