Design traits of the ’70s to early 2000s: How Boomers and Gen X formed their properties
Whether or not you’re renting a mid-century house in Los Angeles or settling right into a suburban rental in Seattle, chances are high the design decisions inside mirror extra than simply private style — they’re formed by the period you got here of age in. For Child Boomers, meaning cozy, timeless interiors with conventional touches. For Gen X, it’s typically a mixture of practicality and persona, with nods to each trendy and retro types.
From the earth-toned palettes of the Nineteen Seventies to the tech-ready, transitional areas of the early 2000s, every technology has left its mark on how properties are constructed and styled. On this Redfin article, consultants weigh in on the defining design traits of the Gen X and Boomer a long time — and the way these decisions nonetheless affect properties right now.
How Boomers design their properties
Right here’s how design consultants describe the aesthetics formed by the Boomer technology (1946–1964). From conventional touches to comfort-driven layouts, their fashion displays a long time of lived expertise, and plenty of of those timeless parts can nonetheless be recreated and cherished in trendy properties right now.
1. Nostalgia meets craftsmanship and sturdiness
“Boomers often design with nostalgia in mind,” says Angela Johnson of The Johnson & Lopez Group. “You’ll see family heirlooms, antiques, or replicas of items from their youth. Matching furniture sets are common, like coordinated bed frames, dressers, and nightstands, as well as repeated fabric patterns on drapes and upholstery. There’s also a strong emphasis on quality, with many pieces kept and cared for over decades.”
2. Prioritizing consolation and staying longer within the house
“The Boomer generation is now focused on aging in place,” says Jennifer Ramsey of Jennifer Ramsey Interiors. “Maintaining their independence is a top priority, so many are remodeling to stay in their homes as long as possible. They care less about trends and more about comfort and functionality. Most already have a defined style — it’s our job to enhance that and create a space that feels cohesive and approachable.”
3. Combine wealthy colours and basic design with daring persona
“What I love most about working with Boomers is their appreciation for timeless, high-quality, and distinctive furniture,” says Paulina Hospod, President of AhA! Interiors. “They gravitate toward rich hues like forest green and mustard, and they’re not afraid of bold wallpaper or marble. Many mix patterns and textures confidently — neutral isn’t their go-to. They also design for family, creating playful backyards and cozy spaces for their grandkids to enjoy.”
4. Design for getting old — earlier than you want it
“Many Boomers are still chasing the dream home — often two-story with a view — without considering future mobility,” says Dr. Jane Bringolf, Chair of the Centre for Common Design Australia. “Features that support aging in place, like step-free entrances or wider doors, I’ve noticed are often dismissed or misunderstood as costly or unattractive. Even when people are aware of the benefits, builders may discourage them or fail to deliver. Unless someone has firsthand experience with disability, these choices are rarely prioritized — until it’s too late.”
5. Steadiness pattern and custom with a tailor-made method
“It’s hard to generalize across the board,” says Adam Hicks of CooperBuild. “Some Boomer clients are trend-conscious — think sleek SoHo lofts — while others prefer classic elegance, like Upper East Side traditionalism. But overall, Boomers tend to lean more reserved in their design choices compared to other generations, who often embrace glossier, more expressive styles.”
6. Prioritize lower-maintenance design
“We use a lot of universal design principles for Boomers,” says Jessica Holwick of Restart Renovation and Design. “They favor transitional style — nothing too modern or too traditional — with practicality and low maintenance as top priorities. We’re incorporating zero-entry showers, heated floors, bidet toilets, wide doorways, one-level layouts, and cabinetry with pull-out drawers.”
7. Combine classics and patterns for a snug persona
“As a younger Boomer, I love classic furniture like Chesterfield sofas and cozy wing chairs, paired with modern accessories,” says Elizabeth “Betsy” Ramsey, founding father of Natty Gal. “I keep large pieces neutral, then layer in seasonal color with throws and pillows. To add personality, I mix patterns—our living room has leopard print drapes that complement the zebra-print wing chair in neutral tones.”
8. Design with consolation, texture, and future resale in thoughts
“Boomers are playing it safe with neutral color palettes but taking more risks with style,” says Dominique, also referred to as inside designer Dominique Elizabeth. “They’re embracing zellige tile, fluted finishes, and wood-like textures that add comfort and dimension. Their choices are often guided by timeless design principles, a focus on return on investment, and consideration for what will appeal to future heirs.”
9. Mix fashion, perform, and future flexibility
“Boomers want homes that are easy to clean and plan for the future without sacrificing style,” says Elizabeth Dodson, co-founder of HomeZada. “Think single-hole faucets, fewer dust-prone moldings, and aging-in-place features like first-floor suites, wider doorways, and elevators. They favor open layouts, more natural light, and multipurpose spaces that support entertaining, managing a household, or even doing yoga. It’s all about smart, stylish longevity.”
10. Designing the toilet you have to
“Boomers often ask for standalone tubs because they look great, but they can quickly become safety hazards,” says Karen Billman of Billman Designs. “Many don’t realize the risk of lifting a leg and balancing until it’s too late. We’re installing walk-in showers, non-slip floors, and grab bars that double as towel holders — brands like Kohler and Delta now design them to blend in stylishly. It’s much easier and more cost-effective to build for safety in your 60s than to retrofit after a fall in your 80s.”
11. Select high quality over pattern
“When it comes to Boomer design preferences, credibility drives every decision,” says David Doan, proprietor and COO of Artisan Interiors. “They rely on referrals, reviews, and real conversations before hiring a designer. Timeless styles like English manor, French country, and midcentury modern are common requests. Boomers also favor locally made, high-quality furnishings over mass-produced imports — they want design that lasts.”
How Gen X designs their properties
Right here’s how consultants outline the Gen X design aesthetic, rooted within the late ’60s by means of early Nineteen Eighties. Influenced by analog childhoods and evolving expertise, Gen Xers worth quiet luxurious, layered neutrals, and areas that really feel curated, private, and constructed for actual life that we will all be taught from.
1. Layer heat, consolation, and craftsmanship with objective
“Gen X homeowners are drawn to design that balances sophistication with soul,” says Kimberli Roth of CLAY+CODA. “They favor warm woods, natural materials, and vintage pieces that feel storied and substantial. Many prefer defined layouts over open plans, creating private nooks or hobby rooms tailored to their interests. Raised on the aesthetics of the ’70s and ’80s, they embrace layered neutrals, comfort, and craftsmanship that lasts.”
2. Mix timeless fashion with built-in sensible design
“Gen X shifted away from the oversaturated harvest tones of Boomers, opting for cooler palettes and a more timeless, streamlined look,” says Maggie of Hudson Blau Designs. “They love combining technology and comfort, like heated floors, integrated speakers, smart showers, and color-changing lights — all enhancing both utility and ambiance. Their style is understated yet luxurious, always tailored to personal taste.”
3. Prioritize perform, calm, and neighborhood in each design
“Gen X isn’t interested in flash or oversized homes: They want comfort, quality, and spaces that support their full lives,” says Wendy C. Devine of FivePoint Valencia® Houses. “They favor efficient floor plans, neutral palettes, spa-like bathrooms, and tech that actually works. With kids, parents, and careers, quiet zones and smart features help them recharge. They also value community amenities that support wellness, like trails and shared green spaces.”
4. Combine basic fashion with daring, customized touches
“Gen X is done with gray walls and dull design,” says Sharon E. O’Brien of Beaumont Interiors. “They blend warm and cool colors that are eye-catching yet livable. They’re trend-aware but ultimately choose textures, furnishings, and art that reflect their lifestyle. A mix of classic furniture, metal finishes, and thoughtful accessories defines their balanced, elevated style.”
5. Design with soul, not traits
“Gen X design is shaped by an analog upbringing — mixtapes, dial-up, and spaces that feel soulful and intentional,” says Maresa McNamara of Spazi Design. “We’re drawn to rich woods, organic textures, and pieces that feel collected over time, not staged. For many of us, design isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about crafting timeless spaces that are clean, modern, and deeply personal.”
6. Layer which means into each element
“Gen X gravitates toward timeless, lived-in spaces that mix sophistication with comfort,” says the workforce at Earthen Residence. “They favor hand-textured walls, artisanal pieces, and layouts that reflect both style and real-life function. Curated collections, meaningful art, and hobby nooks help create homes that are warm, layered, and uniquely theirs.”
7. Mix quiet luxurious with each day perform
“Gen X homes strike a balance between practicality and understated luxury,” says Libby Moffatt Pressure of Superior Building and Design, Inc. “They love smart storage, custom cabinetry, and layouts that support multitasking — like home offices, hobby rooms, or media spaces. Their style leans into layered neutrals and tactile materials, reflecting a desire for both comfort and timeless design.”
