10 Tacky Home Decor Items Making a Comeback

If you’ve lived in New England for more than a minute, you know the cycle of home decor. We spend ten years ripping out floral wallpaper and painting everything "Agreeable Gray," only to spend the next ten years scouring estate sales in Wellesley for the exact same patterns our grandmothers loved.

At Laurel Wreath Homes, we’ve noticed a shift. The "minimalist box" era is cooling off, and homeowners in Newton, Westwood, and beyond are craving soul, texture, and: dare we say it?: a little bit of kitsch. What was once labeled "tacky" by the HGTV-obsessed masses is being rebranded as "timeless" and "collected."

The trick to pulling off these items without your house looking like a time capsule from 1984? It’s all in the styling. Here are 10 "tacky" home decor items that are making a massive comeback in the most sophisticated of ways.

1. Skirted Upholstered Armchairs (and Sofas)

For a long time, the design rule was: "Legs or bust." If your sofa or armchair didn’t have tapered wooden legs or sleek metal feet, it was considered heavy and dated. But the "Grandmillennial" movement has brought skirted upholstery back into the spotlight: especially on armchairs and couches.

A skirted armchair (or a skirted sofa) adds a layer of softness and polish that "leggy" furniture simply can’t. In a laid-back living room, a pair of skirted swivel chairs in a high-quality linen or a subtle pinstripe can ground the space. The modern version isn’t a loose, floppy ruffle: it’s a refined, tailored skirt with structured pleats (think crisp kick pleats or box pleats) that reads classic, clean, and intentional.

2. Ornate Gold Mirrors

Remember when everyone was spray-painting their vintage frames matte black? We’re officially giving you permission to stop. The ornate gold mirror is the darling of the design world right now: just in a more refined, sophisticated way (less heavy scrollwork, more clean curves and quiet detailing).

Whether it’s a massive Louis Philippe mirror leaning against a wall in a Newton entryway or a smaller, intricate piece above a powder room vanity, these mirrors provide a necessary "clash" with modern architecture. The contrast between a sleek, contemporary room and a mirror that looks like it was looted from a French chateau is exactly what makes a home feel like it was curated over time, not bought in a single afternoon at a big-box store.

3. Burlwood Everything

Burlwood: that swirly, knotty, slightly chaotic-looking wood: was the height of luxury in the 70s and 80s before it fell into the "tacky executive desk" category. Today, it’s back in a big way. From coffee tables to picture frames, burlwood offers a natural texture that feels much more interesting than standard oak or walnut. It’s organic, it’s weird, and in a neutral space, it acts as a piece of art all on its own.

4. Lime Washed Walls

Lime washing (or using limewash paint) is one of those “old house” details that somehow feels more modern right now. Instead of a flat, one-note paint job, limewash creates a soft, chalky, slightly clouded finish with gentle texture and tonal movement. It reads historic and organic—like the wall has a story—without feeling heavy or busy.

It’s also perfect for adding depth to Newton or Wellesley homes when you want that layered, collected look but don’t want to commit to wallpaper. We love it in bedrooms, dining rooms, and even hallways where you want the architecture (and the light) to do the talking.

5. Floral Upholstery (Small-Scale Patterns)

We’re not talking about the oversized cabbage-rose prints that can read a little... grandma’s formal living room. We mean small-scale florals: tidy ditsy patterns, delicate botanicals, and classic "needlepoint-style" blooms that feel charming, layered, and surprisingly versatile.

The trick to making floral upholstery feel current is scale (and placement). Small-scale patterns tend to read as a soft texture from a distance, which makes them easier to live with than a big, high-contrast print. Try it on an accent chair, a set of dining seats, a bench cushion, or even a pair of pillows to bring in that collected, lived-in character without committing to an entire room.

6. Wood Paneling

Wait! Before you run away, we aren't talking about the flimsy, faux-wood sheets from your uncle’s 1975 basement. Modern wood paneling: often called "skinny slat" or "micro-fluting": is the 2026 version of this retro classic. It adds incredible architectural interest and warmth to a room. When done in a light white oak or a deep, moody walnut, it takes a boring drywall box and turns it into a high-end retreat. It’s the ultimate way to bring that "boutique hotel" vibe to a primary suite in Westwood.

7. Brass Accents (The Unlacquered Kind)

For a while, brass was the ultimate "no-go" because we all remembered the shiny, yellow-gold door handles of the 90s that eventually pitted and peeled. But unlacquered brass is a different beast entirely. It’s designed to patina, darkening and changing over time with the oils from your hands. This "living finish" is the opposite of tacky: it’s soulful. You’ll see it popping up in our bathroom renovations, adding a touch of old-world charm to modern plumbing fixtures.

8. Primary Colors

For a long time, the "safe" design choice was to stick to neutrals with maybe a pop of navy. But we’re seeing a return to bold, saturated primary colors: think tomato reds, cobalt blues, and deep emerald greens. Using these colors in small doses, like a green velvet armchair or a piece of folk art, prevents the room from looking like a primary school classroom. It’s about confidence. A bold color choice says, "I know who I am, and I don't care about resale value as much as I care about loving my home."

9. Fringe, Tassels, and Pompoms

Passamenterie (the fancy word for trimmings) is back. What used to be seen as "dust collectors" are now being used to add a playful, tactile element to cushions, curtains, and even the bottom of those skirted chairs we mentioned earlier. Our favorite updated take right now: pom-pom trim down the sides of a curtain panel (it’s subtle, graphic, and charming) paired with tailored tassels on the corners of pillows for that finished, designer look. It’s all about the "layered" look that we love at Laurel Wreath Homes.

10. Checkerboard Patterns

Whether it’s a classic black-and-white marble floor in a mudroom or a funky, oversized checkerboard rug in a playroom, this pattern is everywhere. While it can lean "diner" if you aren't careful, in the right context, it’s incredibly chic. It provides a geometric grounding that works surprisingly well with both traditional and modern furniture.

Why "Tacky" Works

So, why are we suddenly gravitating toward the things we used to hide? Because "perfect" design can often feel a little... boring. A home that is 100% on-trend and 100% new lacks the friction that creates character.

By taking something traditionally considered "tacky": like an ornate gold mirror or a skirted chair: and placing it in a modern, fresh context, you create a conversation. You’re telling the story of a home that isn't just a showroom, but a place where different eras and styles live together in harmony.

At Laurel Wreath Homes, we specialize in finding that perfect balance. We love the challenge of taking a piece you inherited from your grandmother and figuring out how to make it the coolest thing in your living room. Whether you’re looking for a full kitchen and living room overhaul or just some help finishing a room, we’re here to help you navigate the line between tacky and timeless.

Ready to start your own design comeback? Contact us today to chat about your project. Whether you're in Medfield, Walpole, or anywhere in the Greater Boston area, we’d love to help you build a home that feels exactly like you.