See How The American Dream Looked In Your Birth Year

Published: Oct 21, 2023

Take a trip down memory lane with this virtual yearbook of interior design history from 1950 to 2000. Discover what the American Dream home looked like the year you were born. 

Explore the decades and see how style has evolved over the years.

1953: Reviving the Art Deco Style: 1950s Fireplaces 

The 1950s saw a resurgence of the Art Deco style, with geometric patterned wallpapers and tiled fireplaces becoming a big hit in interior design. Not only did these beautifully crafted fireplaces bring an elegant feel to any home, but they were also a timeless reminder of the 1930s and 1940s. 

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In addition to the wallpapers, people of the 1950s also had a fondness for books and stylish housewives wearing heels! Revisit the classic Art Deco style with a modern twist and transform your home into a timeless classic.

1954: Embrace the 1950s - Experience the Open Floor Plan 

Feeling cramped in your 1940s living room? It’s time to embrace the 1950s and experience the open floor plan! The open floor plan, popularized in the 1950s, is now a staple of mid-century modern homes. 

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This style provides a spacious and inviting atmosphere, allowing you to make the most of your living space. Even if a brick wall is in the way, you can still enjoy the benefits of this style. Pay attention – you’ll see this style come back in different decades!

1955: Step Back in Time: The Timeless Checkered Kitchen 

Take a step back in time and explore the timeless checkered kitchen of the 1950s. Boasting a black-and-white geometric pattern, this classic style of linoleum flooring was a must-have for the American dream kitchen. 

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Complete with country details like painted-porcelain jars and Shaker-style chairs, these kitchens were not only stylish but also functional. To take the look up a notch, why not add a little something red and a brand-new dishwasher to put the finishing touches on your 1950s kitchen?

1956: Step Into This Spacious Kitchen! 

Welcome to the amazing world of 1950s kitchens! With soaring ceilings and plenty of room, these kitchens were designed to house all the modern appliances of the era. From dishwashers and garbage disposals to built-in ovens and overhead pan holders, the possibilities were endless.

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And, of course, no kitchen would be complete without the multiple cabinets and the island/peninsula, which takes up a lot of room. There is something for everyone in this marvelous kitchen!

1957: Relive the Colorful Dream Home

Relive the dream home of 1957 with a vivid display of colors! Mint green, baby pink, and red accents filled the living rooms of that era, turning them into something truly special. 

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From the walls and doors to the tables and fireplace tiles, every space was filled with a unique color palette. It was a time when people felt free to express themselves through their home décor, creating something beautiful and timeless.

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1958: Truman Capote's Unabashed Flair for Maximalism 

Do you ever find yourself admiring the style of a bygone era? Truman Capote did, and he was not shy to show it. In the late 1950s, maximalism – a term you may associate with bright colors, patterns, and textures – was on its way out, replaced by the more minimalistic interior design we know today. 

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Despite this, Capote’s house still reflects the trends of his day, with Chinoiserie, patterned wallpaper, and an eye-catching red palette. Which design style do you prefer? Do you enjoy the extra details and textures of maximalism or the more modern minimalism?

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1959: Reliving the Fifties: An Enchanting Living Room Scene

Relive the nostalgia of the 1950s with a living room scene that will transport you back in time! From the blue carpet to the mauve chairs and patterned curtains paired with lace, these color options scream classic, vintage vibes. 

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The perfect atmosphere for the whole family is created with two comfortable chairs for mom and dad (plus – a couple of end tables and a lamp that fits the area perfectly). And who could forget the iconic crown – just like the one she wore to the senior prom!

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1960: A Trip Down Memory Lane: A Glimpse of American Kitchens

The ‘60s was a decade of change, and one of its signature pieces was the Smeg fridge, a staple in almost every kitchen across the U.S. From the curved lines of the fridge to the Formica table, this picture is the perfect example of the American dream home in the ’60s. 

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The image brings to mind the nostalgia of gathering for Thanksgiving at grandma’s house and the warmth of family. If you know a Boomer, show them this picture and watch them reminisce fondly. 

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1961: Reviving the '60s: An Exciting Decor Style Comes Back to Life

The 1960s was a time of exciting decor styles, from futuristic to old-fashioned. Geometric shapes were used in all kinds of furniture. A popular trend of this era was upholstering furniture to give it a new life. 

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In this picture, we see curtains matching the sofa and two oval portraits hanging from the curtain rod. Brown was also very popular, and in a colored version of this image, we would see a lot of it in the decor.

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1962: Mid-Century Home Decor Revival: Atlas Globes and TVs 

Reviving the mid-century home decor trend, this year brought slate flooring in different colored stones. Standing plant pots and “futuristic” chairs in the decor were popular, too, adding a modern touch to the room. 

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However, the two things that really bring it all together are the atlas globe and the corner TV. The globe looks like it’s glowing, and was a common decor piece in living rooms at the time. The small TV in the corner was a luxury, becoming more affordable, and was the perfect addition to complete a room’s decor.

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1963: The '60s Home Decor Revolution 

The ’60s was a time of revolution – not only in fashion and music – but also in home decor. It was the era of brown colors, room dividers, and hanging plates with floral patterns. Room dividers were inspired by the patterned fences popular in China and brought to the States. 

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Hanging plates became a symbol of pride, especially if they were intricate and floral, and were used mainly in kitchens and living rooms. The ’60s revolutionized how we decorate our homes and brought us bold and unique design ideas.

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1964: Unlocking the Secrets of Classic European Decor in an Aviator-Turned-Fashionista's Home 

Step inside the home of aviator-turned-fashionista –  Ann Bonfoey Taylor – and witness the beauty of classic European decor. Her home is a stunning example of how to bring the classics and antiques of the past into the modern age. 

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From exquisite carpets to eye-catching furniture and statues, every detail is carefully chosen to reveal her style. Ann knows how to make the most of her space, accentuating each area with her own personal touch.

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1965: Modernize Your Home with Trendy Furniture and Accessories 

1965 was the year of lamps with unique shapes and forms, taking the traditional out and bringing the modern in, while side tables with tapered legs also became a must-have for any living room. 

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Tiles with different patterns are essential for this room decor, and a dark-colored sofa with lighter-colored pieces around added a perfectly modern touch. Practical yet aesthetically pleasing pieces were the key to a stylishly updated home.

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1966: Step Inside the Iconic '60s Home of Dean Martin 

Step inside the iconic ’60s home of singer and actor Dean Martin, and you’ll be transported right back to the peak of the modern period. Vaulted ceilings and art-covered walls create an atmosphere of sophistication, while the large kitchen in an open space area was perfect for entertaining. 

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The stone feature brings a modern art vibe to the place, with its geometrical yet imperfect rocks adding a unique touch. Experience this classic style for yourself and take a trip back in time!

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1967: Step Back in Time with this '60s-Inspired Kitchen 

Take a trip down memory lane with this ’60s-inspired kitchen! From the multicolored slate flooring to the rounded oven and peach-colored walls, this kitchen screams the ’60s. Kitchen utensils hang from the wall in a way you could have seen in your granny’s kitchen (if you were alive back then).

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The white cabinets with black handles add the perfect accent to keep the kitchen from looking too colorful. This kitchen is a great way to bring back the nostalgia of the ’60s while still having the convenience of modern amenities.

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1968: Reviving the Retro Vibe – '60s Style Wood Panelings 

Revive the retro vibes of the sixties and bring some style to your interiors with wood panelings! Popular in basements for family gatherings and game nights, wood panelings were a must-have for all living rooms in the ’60s. 

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To add to the groovy vibes, standing light fixtures and trippy art often made an appearance, particularly amongst the younger generation. The real showstopper, however, was the colorful furniture – like this iconic recliner chair.

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1969: A Time Warp to the '60s: Explore the Avant-Garde Style of Modern Art 

Step into what looks like a museum of modern art and explore the pioneering style of the ’60s in this stylish living room! From the glossy finish of the acrylic chair to the avant-garde sofa and the mushroom lamp, this room will surely get your attention. 

Source: Getty Images

Bringing nature indoors with house plants was a popular trend back then, and it’s still alive and kicking today. The ’60s pioneered this modern and futuristic style, and it’s amazing to see how it has stood the test of time.

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1970: A Blast From the Past: '70s Home Interior Design 

The ’70s were an interesting time for home decor. Everything was monochrome, with pink and orange colors dominating the scene. To add variety, people often incorporated patterns and textures into their fabrics and wallpapers. 

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They did this to make their homes look modern and unique, although sometimes it had the opposite effect. As the ’70s progressed, a distinct style began to emerge across America, and the ’60s style was soon forgotten.

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1971: Groovy 70s Fondue: The Decade of Shag Carpets and Colorful Wallpapers 

The ’70s fondue was all about color and vibrancy! Shag carpets, vibrant wallpaper, and pillows that looked like poodles made the ’70s a truly groovy decade. Even if the image is black and white, we are sure there was no shortage of oranges and other colors that made the room pop. 

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Colonial-era furniture was brought back during this decade and became increasingly popular as it added flare to the decor. So, if you’re looking for a blast from the past, you can’t go wrong with the ’70s fondue!

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1972: Reinvigorate Your Space with Mid-Century Modern Furniture 

Slowly but surely, the decor of the ’70s evolved, updating spaces with the use of glass surfaces in tables to create an open and airy atmosphere. Natural items like plants, flowers, and fruits were used to add a touch of nature. 

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The brick fireplace became a modern addition to any space, while a mix of chairs and sofas with different fabrics was a common on-trend way to contrast the décor.

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1973: A Timeless '70s Home - A Perfect Blend of Modern and Classic!

Step into a world of wonder and finesse with this timeless home from the ’70s! With its classic look and modern elements, this home is sure to leave you in awe and will have you guessing whether it’s a picture of a modern-day home or a ’70s abode!

Source: Slim Aarons/Getty Images

The furniture is a mix of different materials, with the scalloped ottoman adding a modern touch to the room. The plants and floral furniture bring nature indoors, giving the area a feeling of life and animation. It’s the perfect combination of modern and classic, making this ’70s home a timeless beauty!

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1974: Add a New Dimension to Your Kitchen with a Modern Look 

1974 saw the revamping of kitchen dècor into the modern age with a stunning contrast of colors. There was a moving away from the monochrome look by incorporating pops of color, like with these red counters! Florals were also added onto the walls to add a touch of homeyness. 

Source: H. Armstrong Roberts/Getty Images

Combining appliances with cabinet colors became a thing of the past, and contrasting colors was the new modern look that was sure to impress. Give your kitchen a makeover and embrace the decor of this decade.

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1975: Floral Frenzy: A Look Back at Betty Ford's Bedroom 

It’s a floral frenzy! In 1975, floral made a comeback –  and Betty Ford was at the forefront of this trend. Take a look at her bedroom for a blast from the past: from the canopy to the curtains, the comforter to the pillows, it’s all the same pattern. 

Source: David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images

To top it off, the carpet is also the same style, and even the lamp has flowers at the base. It’s clear to see that everything in the room is unified with a floral theme. So, if you’re looking to bring some vintage vibes into your home, take some inspiration from Betty Ford.

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1976: A Timeless Teal Transformation: Bringing a '70s Vibe to Any Room 

The ’70s brought us a vibrant mix of colors, and teal and blue were no exception! In this room, a lighter teal hue was used on the walls and chairs, while the darker wood table and carpet brought a sense of tranquility. 

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To make the room appear larger, it was also common to add a mirror wall. Mixed with curtains, flowers, and fixtures, it really brings everything together. Simplicity is key for small spaces, and this teal transformation proves that it’s a timeless choice.

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1977: A Library of Dreams: A '70s Study Room 

A library of dreams – this is what this ’70s study room is! Adorned with comfortable sofas and slipcovers in various colors, a patterned red carpet, and a glass table in the middle – it is a captivating sight. On the bookshelves, trinkets and lamps add a special charm to the room, making it look busy and chaotic. 

Source: Susan Wood/Getty Images

Rattan chairs were becoming more popular since they brought the room together and created a sense of calmness. Every time you look at this image, you are sure to notice something new. The beauty of the ’70s is that it can be simple and chaotic at the same time. 

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1978: Enter the Red Paradise of the '70s 

Take a look at this vibrant red paradise that will take you back to the ’70s. From the cabinets to the fridge and even the tableware, this monochromatic kitchen is full of reds, oranges, and browns that go together harmoniously. 

Source: Susan Wood/Getty Images

Rattan chairs were becoming more popular with wood tops, offering a contrast that brought a calming energy. Even the floors and walls are in for the party, and the snacks on the counter are all part of the decor. Welcome to the Red Paradise of the ’70s!

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1979: Step Into Helen Gurley Brown's Bedroom!

Step into the pink paradise of Helen Gurley Brown’s bedroom, complete with a ruffled canopy and a pop of vibrant red. This scandalous decor was popular back in the day, and it’s easy to see why. 

Source: Susan Wood/Getty Images

With paisley patterns and a dreamy bed, who wouldn’t want to wake up in Barbie’s fantasy? It’s the perfect combination of glamour and comfort! This room is a reminder that sometimes the best style is timeless.

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1980: A Blast from the Past: '80s Kitchen Vibes! 

If you take a peek inside this kitchen, you’ll find that some of the popular trends from the ’70s are still going strong. Wooden cabinets and floral wallpaper? Check. Orange and yellow accents? Check. Beige stove and matching blender? Check!

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

This kitchen perfectly represents the ’80s monochromatic trend we all know and love. Whether you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia or a modern twist on ’70s trends, you’ll find it here.

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1990: A Blast from the '90s - Revisiting Home Decor Trends 

From floral wallpaper to thin lamps, the ’90s were a time of transition in home decor. A Saturday Night Live sketch accurately depicted the way homes looked at the beginning of the decade, and it was a mix of the ’80s and something new. 

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Traditional floral wallpaper was still popular – it often got mixed with other patterns to create a unique look. Tall thin lamps were also common – and, even if there were no natural plants – a plant painting had a place somewhere in the background. It was a decade that brought a unique style, one that still influences decor trends today.

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The 2000s: A Decade of Drastic Changes 

Welcome to the new millennium! As we ventured into the 2000s, we were ready to bring back some of the more futuristic styles and patterns. This room was a true reflection of the era’s teenage girl aesthetic, with bright neon pink walls and unique furniture pieces. 

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A classic boy band like the Backstreet Boys played in the background, and posters were taped onto the door. It was the perfect representation of the all-American girl from the 2000s. If you thought the ’90s were a roller coaster ride, you’ve got lots in store for this decade!

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