These 3 Nostalgic Styles Have Transformed Home Decor—and We Still Love Them

Break out the flower crowns and plug in the neon signs, Y2K nostalgia is trending. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Etsy released a trend report that proves what many of us are already feeling: a steady wave of nostalgia. With bold colors, playful throwbacks, and a dose of DIY spirit, three home trends across Etsy’s marketplace stand out for defining culture and style throughout the years.

Here’s a closer look at the “everything old is new again” styles making a comeback, and how to incorporate them into your own space with a modern rebrand.

1. Modern Rustic Farmhouse: Back with a French Twist

Shiplap, barn doors, and milk glass may have peaked in popularity a few years ago, but according to Etsy, you shouldn’t count farmhouse out just yet. In fact, the style has evolved, and it’s seeing a major resurgence.

Searches for “modern farmhouse decor” are up on Etsy by nearly 3,500%, showing a renewed interest in blending rustic touches with contemporary comfort. This time around, farmhouse style has a softer, more romantic look: Terms like “France cottage decor” have jumped a jaw-dropping 26,000%, as shoppers gravitate toward linen textiles, warm wood finishes, and vintage European accents.

Add charm and warmth to any room with handmade items like ceramic pitchers, vintage-inspired linens, or hand-carved wood accents. French cottage elements pair beautifully with a neutral palette and plenty of natural light.

2. Y2K Decor: Neon, Chrome, and All the Feels

Yes, that Y2K glow is lighting up homes again. What started as a trend in fashion has officially moved into the living room, and Etsy has the numbers to prove it. Searches for “Y2K decor” have increased by over 250%, and one neon sign has even become Etsy’s most favorited item ever.

Expect to see more bold colors, bubbly fonts, acrylic furniture, and playful motifs like butterflies and smiley faces, just like the bedrooms you dreamed of circa 2002.

Start small with statement pieces like a neon light, chrome candleholders, or a fuzzy heart-shaped pillow. (Bonus points if it matches your favorite Lisa Frank folder.)

3. The Boho Boom: Macrame and Festival Vibes Return

Etsy practically defined the boho aesthetic in the early 2010s, as it was the go-to hub for festival fashion, and now that free-spirited energy is back—this time with a more grounded, organic twist. Back then, sales of flower crowns rose by 190% from 2010 to 2014. Today, the renaissance is led by “boho macrame” decor, which is up nearly 400% in searches.

From woven wall hangings to knotted plant holders, macrame brings texture and soul into any space. And in true boho fashion, the look is all about layering and self-expression.

Mix macrame wall art with rattan furniture, earthy color palettes, and handmade pottery for a cozy, creative atmosphere.

A Handmade Time Capsule

For those looking to take an even deeper dive into decor history, Etsy’s newly launched Trend Lookback is a curated journey through the platform’s 20-year evolution, from tie dye and cottagecore to dopamine decor and maximalism. It’s equal parts trend report and time machine.

And if you’re itching to shop? The Trending Now page is packed with throwback treasures for every taste, whether you’re craving the simplicity of a vintage milk glass vase or the bold energy of a technicolor lava lamp.

The Bottom Line

Nostalgia is about reimagining the past. Whether you lean rustic, Y2K, or boho, these revived styles prove that decorating with memory and meaning is always in style. Thanks to Etsy’s community of creative makers and curators, tapping into your favorite era has never been easier—or more beautiful.