Photography: Caitlin Mills / Styling: Tess Newman Morris
If you grew up in the seventies, eighties or nineties, chances are you’re feeling a serious déjà vu moment when it comes to interiors in 2025. With many of us now stepping into the world of homeownership – and eager to give our spaces that personal touch – it’s no surprise we’re seeing a resurgence of retro trends from our childhoods.
We’re talking glass blocks, terracotta, glossy finishes, animal prints and even sunken lounges – all having a comeback indoors. And outside? Kidney-shaped pools are making waves again, giving backyards serious retro-cool energy.
But here’s the million-dollar question: How do we make these nostalgic nods feel fresh and fashionable rather than stuck in a time warp? Who better to guide us than The Block 2024 standouts Courtney and Grant Freeman, the power couple who had us hooked on their ‘Moditerranean’ aesthetic.
With Courtney running her own interior and product design business, The Lazy Stylist, and Grant bringing landscaping know-how to the table, they’re the perfect duo to break down how to pull off these trends right now.
6 retro trends reimagined for 2025
1. Sunken lounge
Sunken lounges might sound like a groovy relic from your grandparents’ house, but they’re back and cooler than ever. These cosy, conversation-friendly nooks are popping up in all kinds of homes – not just the vintage variety.
“We’ve moved on from open plan to more considered zoning, and the sunken lounge is a perfect way to create intimacy without losing openness,” explains Courtney. “It adds architectural interest, a sense of nostalgia (hello, ’70s sunken dens!), and makes a living space feel more intentional.”
Need inspo? If you’re into industrial vibes, Futureflip’s Bunker Byron stay features a utilitarian sunken lounge that’s equal parts edgy and inviting.
Styling, of course, makes or breaks the look. “I think we’ll see them styled with staggered seating like armchairs and oversized ottomans for a sculptural effect,” shares Courtney. “Playing with levels – maybe not just one sunken area, but staggered multi-level seating.” The verdict? Sunken lounges are back, and they mean business.
2. Glass blocks
Glass blocks: once the domain of your uncle’s ’80s bathroom, now the it material for 2025. “Glass blocks have had a serious glow-up!” says Courtney. “No longer the ’80s bathroom relics we once knew, they now bring soft, diffused light into spaces while maintaining privacy – perfect for front entryways, stairwells and bathrooms.”
Polish designer Karolina Rochman-Drohomirecka is leading the pack, with her Middle Kingdom project showcasing just how chic glass blocks can be. And it’s not just about the walls – they’re cropping up in furniture, too.
“This trend is evolving with coloured and frosted options, making them feel contemporary and fresh,” explains Courtney. “I have also noticed they’re appearing in furniture design, from plinths to side tables, and even as an alternative to skylights in hallways or darker corners of a home.”
3. Terracotta
Warm, earthy and endlessly versatile, terracotta is back – and this time, it’s extending to everything from coastal homes to country retreats. “Terracotta is no longer just for Mediterranean-style homes – it’s becoming a staple neutral thanks to its warm, grounding quality,” shares Courtney. “It’s showing up in upholstery, textured walls and checkerboard tiling that feels very European.”
When it comes to terracotta, feel free to go all out. “Colour drenching is becoming more popular, with terracotta enveloping entire rooms, from floors to ceilings, creating an earthy, cocooning effect,” says Courtney.
But don’t think it’s all rustic – terracotta can be luxe, too. “We’re seeing it mixed with unexpected textures like deep velvet sofas, lacquered kitchen islands and hand-glazed ceramics, proving that terracotta can be both rustic and refined.”
4. Animal prints
Animal prints in interiors? Yes, it’s happening. “Leopard, zebra and tiger prints have made the jump from fashion to interiors, but they can be tricky to use without overwhelming a space,” acknowledges Courtney.
Her tip? Think small and stylish. “These prints tend to date quickly (in my opinion), making them best suited to smaller styling moments – vases, a statement cushion or a single accent chair,” she advises.
In 2025, these prints are taking on a subtler tone. “Instead of classic black-and-white animal prints, expect more earthy, muted versions that feel rich without being overpowering.” Just a whisper of the wild side – no need to go full safari.
5. High gloss
Matte finishes, you’ve had your time in the sun. “After years of matte everything, high-gloss is making a comeback,” shares Courtney. “From lacquered walls to glossy furniture and cabinetry, this finish brings a polished, almost ’90s-inspired luxury back into interiors.”
Kitchen cabinets are at the frontlines of this shiny revival, with designers like Leah O’Connell showing us how to make gloss look modern and chic. Even major retailers like Temple & Webster are jumping in with glossy side tables, mirrors and more. It’s all about that high-shine, high-style finish.
6. Kidney bean pools
Curves are carving out their place in 2025, and kidney bean pools are splashing back onto the scene. “Curves are here to stay and the kidney bean pool is the perfect example,” says Courtney. “These pools feel playful, retro and a little bit Palm Springs, but they’re also highly adaptable to modern landscaping.”
Hamish Blake and Zoe Foster Blake’s playful YSG-designed house with kidney bean pool is a standout, while Olli Ella co-founder Chloe Brookman is embracing the curve in her ’60s home reno. “There’s something so fun and laid-back about kidney-shaped pools – they immediately give a home a relaxed, resort-style feel,” she shares. “There’s definitely been a resurgence in embracing playful, mid-century-inspired outdoor spaces, and I think we’ll keep seeing more of it!”
Final tips: retro trend revival
Retro is having a real moment, and it’s not about copying the past – it’s about reimagining it. With the right styling, colour palettes and textures, these nostalgic trends can feel brand new. So go ahead, sink into that lounge, let the light through your glass block wall and dream of terracotta sunsets by your kidney-shaped pool. The future’s looking very vintage-chic.
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