Retro living room display, yellow chair and blue console table pushed to the wall; old record player and records above. – Keladawy/Getty Images
There is something to be said about the way old decor is making a comeback. In fact, many of the current interior decorating trends you see going on today are modern updates of ancient interior decorating styles. Such is the traditional art style of retro home decor, which favors fun, furniture and hand-painted details that are attractive and full of old-school charm.
Traditional art interiors aren’t new, but their popularity soared in 2023 and peaked in 2025. However, according to Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director at luxury goods website 1stDibs, you’ll find pre-1920s pieces everywhere in 2026. Homes and Gardens; “they calm the plot and make it feel determined.”
Historically, traditional arts were handmade crafts made by apprentices with no formal training, and often without much equipment. So this method is a way to preserve culture and traditions. Many of these handicrafts include furniture such as wooden chairs, handmade blankets and delightfully imperfect ceramics.
Folk art decor is warm, fun, and has character, just like the old-school decor your grandmother loved. Modern adaptations use kitschy essentials, indoor living, and imperfect and aging makeup. Consider handmade furniture with a hand-painted surface. But more importantly, traditional beauty is about telling stories through decoration, creating a home that is fun and deeply personal.
Read more: 16 Vintage Kitchen Appliances That Made an Unexpected Comeback
How to use traditional art in your home
Traditional art interior decoration with a view from the kitchen and dining area, and a door leading to the bedroom. Traditional paintings, decorative plates on the walls, and flower beds are included. – Coldsnowstorm / Getty Images
This custom home decor should feel unified and fun, so you’ll want to avoid mass-produced pieces that can make your space feel too monotonous or bland. Look for vintage and handmade pieces that you can find at thrift stores or thrift stores, or online marketplaces. “I think more than traditions in particular, people embrace the pleasure and wonder of collecting unique and special objects and art from different stages and periods,” Audra Kiewiet de Jonge, founder of the interior design firm Art/artefact, explains in an interview with Veranda.
This trend is based on the maximalist, and you will want to make sure that the pieces you choose feel personal and collected over time. For color, rely on earthy shades, such as rich, deep reds and browns, as well as fun pops of color such as bright, saturated blues and greens. The functional, vibrant, and often extravagant details of Norwegian decor—including antique pieces that retain their patina, such as large wooden chests and armoires, large benches, and antique dining chairs—are prime examples of this aesthetic.
For a true traditional feel, consider hand painting your designs onto these pieces. This includes pictures of flowers or animals using fun, bright colors of paint or stencils. Aged wood not only brings a rustic, folky feel to your space, but also adds warmth and character. Lighting with unique silhouettes, even modern ones, can work here as well, such as scallop floor or table lamps with warm lights.
And it wouldn’t be traditional art without art! Decorate the walls and shelves with tapestries, traditional paintings from different cultures, and handmade dishes or ceramic bowls and dishes.
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