Can you believe it’s been a whole decade since we were living it up in 2016? That was the year “Stranger Things” premiered and The Chainsmokers’ song “Closer” was blasting everywhere. And back then, we could just browse the internet without worrying about AI videos taking over. But funny how nostalgia has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you’re planning out your home decor, the next you’re craving that familiar comfort. Nostalgic home design is all about tapping into that cozy, feel-good vibe from the past. And 2016 was a whirlwind for home design, where bold colors ruled and the cowgirl chic aesthetic was totally attainable. We want our homes to reflect our personality, so it makes sense we’d want to take a trip down memory lane. In 2016, the design trends were about escaping that showroom-perfect look, where everything matched and mixing patterns was a big no-no. It was all about being confident, creative, and open to new styles. So who knows, maybe 2026 will be the new 2016. Until then, whether you’re ready to dive into a full-blown 2016 revival or just want a subtle nod to those trends, we’re revisiting the year when gallery walls and millennial pink were the height of home decor.
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Mixing colors and patterns
Katarzynabialasiewicz/Getty Images Back in 2016, mixing up different colors and patterns was a deliberate move away from that boring, minimalist look. Homeowners were really expressing their personalities through bold colors, funky shapes, and unexpected pattern combos that you’d never have dared to put together the year before. The result? A whole lot of fun and character in your living spaces.
Bohemian-inspired interiors
Ilija Erceg/Getty Images Boho-chic decor was all the rage in 2016, bringing that laidback, lived-in vibe to home interiors. It was this eclectic mix of layered fabrics, woven textures, and earthy tones. The idea was to create a space that felt cozy and inviting, without looking too fussy or overdone. Macrame wall hangings, natural wood pieces, organic shapes, and rattan accent chairs – the kind of stuff that celebrates patterns, textures, and stories.
Leopard-print accents
Property Photography/Shutterstock Leopard print was totally the it-thing in 2016. It was being used as a neutral that brought tons of personality and character. Throwing a leopard-print rug into a room made a statement, while draping a leopard-print throw over a sofa or bed added a splash of that timeless style. And for the real risk-takers, there was even leopard-print wallpaper to really set the tone. It was all about experimenting with your home decor back then.
Bold wallpaper
Onurdongel/Getty Images In 2016, statement-making wallpaper was all the rage, with patterned murals, natural textures, and geometric prints that made you smile. These eye-catching wallpaper designs were usually reserved for smaller spaces, like powder rooms or accent walls. Kind of like the bold, touchable wallpapers that are trending today, it was a year of wallpaper that grabbed your attention without going overboard.
Scandinavian-inspiration
Tulcarion/Getty Images Scandinavian-inspired interiors were really big in 2016, offering that pared-down, uncluttered look as a nice break from all the maximalism. The aesthetic was all about clean lines, light-colored woods, and soothing neutral shades. The Danish style brought in warmer tones from natural materials like rattan and wood furniture. And people were also bringing the outdoors in with plants to make spaces feel more inviting. Overall, it was a simple, cozy, and balanced look.
Multi-era mashup
Piovesempre/Getty Images Home decor in 2016 was this cool mix of modern designs and just a hint of vintage or antique pieces. The look was simple and balanced, with contemporary furniture paired up with a few carefully curated vintage finds – never going overboard in any one decor category. It had this collected, lived-in vibe, where people incorporated thrift store treasures and layered different textures, rather than going for that showroom-perfect look.
Golden finishes
Gayrat Tolibov/Getty Images Back in 2016, gold fixtures and hardware were all the rage, bringing a warmer touch compared to the cool chrome of the past. People were gravitating towards rose golds, brushed golds, and satin golds that instantly gave everything a super luxe vibe. Those golden faucets, showerheads, and cabinet pulls were the real standouts, often paired with white tiles, marble, or other soft colors to keep the look balanced.
Western-style influences
Artazum/Shutterstock Back in 2016, if you were a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll, you didn’t have to choose – thanks to the western-inspired decor trend. Ranch-y elements like leather furniture, cowhide rugs, and faux longhorn horns were being worked into modern decor in really cool ways. And that look is still going strong today if you want to add a touch of the Wild West to your home.
Millennial pink
Ground Picture/Shutterstock Back in 2016, millennial pink was the color of the year that got upgraded to neutral status, thanks to those soft, beige undertones. You could find this trendy hue on everything from sofas and chairs to tiles and walls. It was a surprisingly versatile color that looked modern but still warm and fun, without being too over-the-top. Millennial pink had a way of softening up spaces while letting you explore other pastel shades that brought a sense of cohesion.
