Design Time-Travel: Exploring Decades of Style with Mood Boards
Interior design has a unique power to transport us through time. By embracing different design styles from the past, we can infuse our homes with the character, charm, and atmosphere of any era. The mood board is one of the most effective tools to visualise these time-travelling transformations.
A carefully curated collection of colours, textures, patterns, and furniture can transport us through time, allowing us to recreate the most iconic styles of each era. Let me take you on a journey through design history, starting with the opulence of Victorian style, moving through the boldness of 90s pop culture, and arriving at the serene, sustainable comfort of contemporary design today.
Each decade brings its own flavour and aesthetic identity, offering endless inspiration for today’s interiors. As I put together this blog, I couldn’t help but recognise the styles, sometimes smiling in nostalgia or cringing at past trends, all while realising how much it shows my age! Every design phase holds a special place, reflecting the evolution of interiors and the way we live.
1. Victorian Era (1837–1901): Luxurious Elegance and Ornamentation
The Victorian era was all about excess, grandeur, and ornate details. Homes of this period were richly decorated, reflecting the social status and wealth of their owners. A mood board capturing the essence of Victorian design should focus on lavish detailing, dark, dramatic colours, and opulent furnishings.
Colours: Deep, rich hues such as burgundy, emerald green, and royal blue were common. These bold colours were often accented with gold or brass detailing.
Patterns: Florals, damask, and elaborate brocade were used extensively in wallpaper, upholstery, and carpets.
Furniture: Heavy, intricately carved wooden furniture dominated Victorian homes, with mahogany and dark-stained woods being popular choices.
Textures: Velvet, silk, and heavy draperies were used to create a sense of luxury and sophistication.
A Victorian-inspired mood board can help you create an interior that feels grand and timeless, full of detail and drama. Perfect for lovers of antique charm!
Key items for a Victorian-inspired mood board:
Dark mahogany furniture
Burgundy velvet drapery
Floral wallpaper in deep hues
Ornate brass lighting fixtures
2. Art Nouveau (1890–1910): Organic Flow and Whimsy
Art Nouveau marked a shift towards more fluid, natural forms. In contrast to the heavier Victorian style, this movement embraced organic lines, floral motifs, and a lighter, more whimsical approach to decor.
Colours: Soft greens, lavender, and muted golds were common, reflecting the natural world.
Patterns: Art Nouveau patterns often featured flowing lines, stylised flowers, and nature-inspired motifs.
Furniture: Furniture became more curved and fluid in design, often featuring inlaid wood, glass, and mother-of-pearl.
Textures: Delicate materials like silk and lighter woods were used to create an airier feel compared to the darker Victorian styles.
This style is perfect for creating romantic and soft spaces. Incorporate these elements into a mood board for a home that feels artistic and natural.
Key items for an Art Nouveau-inspired mood board:
Curved wooden furniture
Stained glass lamp
Floral wallpaper in pastel hues
Flowing, organic textile patterns
3. Art Deco (1920s–1930s): Glamour and Geometric Precision
After the softer curves of Art Nouveau came the bold, glamorous lines of Art Deco. This style, emerging in the 1920s and 30s, was all about luxury, sharp geometry, and striking contrasts.
Colours: Rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red, often paired with black, white, and metallic accents, particularly gold and chrome.
Patterns: Bold, geometric shapes, zigzags, and symmetry were key features in Art Deco design.
Furniture: Sleek, polished surfaces in high-quality materials like lacquer, glass, and chrome were popular. Think of mirrored coffee tables, glass-top consoles, and angular chairs.
Textures: Glossy finishes like lacquer, along with velvet and satin, created a luxurious and glamorous feel.
An Art Deco mood board is perfect for anyone looking to evoke the opulence of the Jazz Age in their home, with a focus on bold patterns and polished materials.
Key items for an Art Deco-inspired mood board:
Geometric gold mirrors
Black and white marble flooring
Velvet armchairs in jewel tones
Lacquered furniture with chrome accents
4. Mid-Century Modern (1940s–1960s): Functionality Meets Style
Mid-Century Modern design is known for its sleek lines, minimalist approach, and emphasis on functionality. This style, which emerged in the 1940s and flourished through the 50s and 60s, is timeless and remains popular in today’s interiors.
Colours: Earthy tones like olive green, mustard yellow, and burnt orange dominate the Mid-Century palette, often accented by teal, turquoise, or coral for contrast.
Patterns: Simple geometric shapes and abstract forms were common in textiles and wallpapers.
Furniture: Low-slung, clean-lined furniture made from materials like teak, walnut, and leather became iconic during this era. Classic pieces like the Eames Lounge Chair or the Noguchi coffee table are staples.
Textures: Natural materials like wood, leather, and wool were often used, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A Mid-Century Modern mood board is perfect for those who love a balanced blend of form and function, with furniture pieces that serve as works of art themselves.
Key items for a Mid-Century Modern-inspired mood board:
Teak wood sideboard
Eames Lounge Chair
Abstract, geometric art
Wool or jute rug in neutral tones
5. 1970s: Bold Colours and Eclectic Vibes
The 1970s brought a wave of self-expression, experimentation, and eclecticism to interior design. Known for its bold colour schemes, funky patterns, and mix-and-match approach, 70s design allows for a playful, carefree vibe.
Colours: Burnt orange, avocado green, mustard yellow, and earthy browns were popular throughout the decade.
Patterns: Geometric shapes, psychedelic patterns, and oversized florals appeared on everything from wallpaper to fabrics.
Furniture: Low-slung, modular furniture, often in bright, unconventional materials like plastic and acrylic, was a hallmark of the era.
Textures: Shag carpets, macramé, and velvet were frequently used to add texture and a tactile quality to spaces.
To capture the funky, free-spirited vibe of the 70s, use a mood board filled with eclectic and bold elements.
Key items for a 70s-inspired mood board:
Bright orange velvet sofa
Shag rug in a bold colour
Geometric wallpaper in warm hues
Retro lighting like a lava lamp or orb pendant
6. 1980s: Maximalism and High Glamour
The 1980s were a time of excess, and this was reflected in interior design. Maximalism reigned supreme, with bold colours, glossy surfaces, and oversized furniture taking centre stage.
Colours: Bright pastels like teal, mauve, and peach were popular, often accented by black and chrome.
Patterns: Abstract, Memphis-style patterns with squiggles, zigzags, and geometric shapes were iconic of the era.
Furniture: Large, overstuffed sofas, mirrored surfaces, and metallic finishes created a sense of glamour and opulence.
Textures: Plush materials like velvet and silk were used alongside glossy, mirrored, and lacquered surfaces to create a layered, luxurious feel.
A mood board filled with 80s-inspired elements is perfect for lovers of bold statements and over-the-top glamour.
Key items for an 80s-inspired mood board:
Oversized pastel-coloured sectional sofa
Black lacquered furniture
Abstract, geometric-patterned textiles
Mirrored furniture or walls
7. 1990s: Pop Culture Meets Minimalism
The 1990s brought a blend of pop culture influences and a minimalist aesthetic. While the early 90s continued some of the boldness of the 80s, the decade saw a shift toward more pared-back, minimalist design.
Colours: Neutral tones like beige, white, and grey were popular, often with pops of colour like electric blue or neon pink for a fun, pop-inspired look.
Patterns: Minimalist patterns, often simple stripes or checks, appeared alongside bold, pop-culture-inspired graphics.
Furniture: Sleek, functional furniture, often made from glass, chrome, or plastic, was a hallmark of the decade.
Textures: Soft textiles like cotton and linen were used alongside glossy, smooth surfaces like glass or plastic.
A 90s-inspired mood board can capture both the minimalist vibe of the decade and the playful, pop culture influences that defined the era.
Key items for a 90s-inspired mood board:
Glass coffee table with chrome legs
Neon signs or pop culture posters
White modular furniture
Bold graphic rugs
8. 2000s: The Rise of Technology and Eclectic Fusion
The 2000s were a time of rapid technological advancements, and this was reflected in interior design. People were experimenting with mixing different styles, creating an eclectic blend of traditional and modern elements, all while integrating tech into their homes.
Colours: Earthy tones like browns and greens were mixed with metallics like silver and chrome to reflect both a connection to nature and a futuristic vibe.
Patterns: Abstract and geometric patterns became popular, often used in wallpapers or textiles, bringing a more dynamic feel to living spaces.
Furniture: Sleek, minimalist furniture was still in style, but now it was paired with bold statement pieces like oversized sectionals or vintage-inspired chairs, creating a unique balance between comfort and style.
Textures: There was a mix of natural and synthetic materials. Leather and wood were paired with shiny finishes like lacquer or metal, representing the clash and harmony of old and new.
A 2000s-inspired mood board embraces this fusion of styles and the influence of technology.
Key items for a 2000s-inspired mood board:
Plasma TV mounted on the wall
Leather sofas with metallic accents
Geometric-patterned cushions or rugs
Multi-functional furniture with hidden storage
Statement light fixtures like metallic chandeliers or modern floor lamps
9. 2010s-Present: Contemporary Comfort and Sustainable Design
In the 2010s and beyond, contemporary design has evolved to focus on comfort, sustainability, and personalisation. Home interiors have shifted towards more conscious choices, incorporating eco-friendly materials and mindful consumption, while embracing a cosy, lived-in feel.
Colours: Neutral palettes like soft greys, whites, and warm beiges dominate, with earthy accents like terracotta, sage green, or deep navy to add depth and warmth.
Patterns: Organic, fluid patterns inspired by nature—such as marble veins, stone textures, or botanical motifs—are common, creating a serene, grounding atmosphere.
Furniture: Functionality and comfort are key. Modular sofas, natural wood dining tables, and multifunctional pieces like ottomans with storage or convertible desks reflect both practicality and style.
Textures: A rich blend of textures characterises this era, from bouclé and velvet to reclaimed wood and rattan. The tactile contrast of these materials enhances the overall warmth and cosiness of spaces.
A contemporary-inspired mood board reflects this mindful blend of sustainability, comfort, and a curated yet personal aesthetic.
Key items for a contemporary mood board:
Sustainable furniture made from reclaimed or eco-friendly materials
Modular or multifunctional seating
Organic-shaped ceramic vases or planters
Textured throws and pillows in natural fibres
Indoor plants to bring nature indoors and enhance air quality
Final Thoughts
Interior design is a powerful way to bring the past into the present. By creating mood boards that embrace the characteristics of different decades, you can curate spaces that transport you to another time, allowing you to relive the aesthetics of your favourite era. From the grandeur of Victorian opulence to the sleek lines of Mid-Century Modern and the bold excess of the 1980s, every design style offers its own unique charm.
Ready to time travel through design? Grab some inspiration and start creating your own mood board to transform your home into a reflection of the era that speaks to you!
