Trends

Buckle up for a wild ride down memory lane as we dive headfirst into 16 unforgettable retro motel trends from the fabulous ’50s and swinging ’60s.

In this nostalgic journey, we’ll be pitting the bold, sometimes bizarre styles of the past against the sleek sensibilities of modern design. From outrageous shag carpets to flickering neon signs, we’ll chuckle at the over-the-top décor choices that are best left behind—while also swooning over the quirky, endearing elements that deserve a revival.

Some trends might make us groan in disbelief, but others will leave us wondering why they ever went out of style. With each stop on this retro road trip, we’ll explore the kitschy, colorful, and downright wild design choices that once made motels a cultural icon.

Whether you’re a lover of vintage charm or a fan of futuristic flair, this nostalgic tour is sure to delight and surprise. Let’s hit the road!

1. Shag Carpets – Stay Gone

Who doesn’t love the feeling of plush carpet underfoot? But shag carpets are a different story. These fluffy traps for dust and crumbs were once the height of fashion, with their bold colors and long fibers. However, the practical side of maintaining them was anything but glamorous.

The vibrant oranges and greens might have been eye-catching back in the day, but today, they scream outdated. And let’s not talk about what happens when they meet a spilled drink – a cleaning nightmare!

So, as much as shag carpets tried to make our feet happy, it’s clear they belong in a museum, not in our motels. Besides, vacuuming them is a workout no one signed up for. Next time you’re tempted by retro flooring, remember: not all that is fluffy should be revived. Let’s keep shag carpets in the realm of fond memories, where they can’t tangle our vacuums.

2. Neon Signs – Seriously Miss

Neon signs were the heartbeat of roadside motels, glowing beacons guiding weary travelers to a warm bed. Their vibrant colors and whimsical designs are missed dearly, offering a charm that LED simply can’t replicate.

Remember the buzz of excitement as the flickering ‘Vacancy’ sign beckoned you in? Neon signs had a personality, a welcoming aura that made every motel stop an adventure.

Sadly, these electric marvels have mostly dimmed. Yet, their nostalgic glow lingers in our hearts, reminding us of simpler times. Let’s hope for a resurgence of neon, where every turn on the highway brings a splash of color and a whisper of invitation. Until then, we’ll dream of those glowing nights, capturing their essence in photos and stories. Neon, come back and light up our roads once more!

3. Wood Paneling – Stay Gone

Wood paneling, the dark, moody backdrop of many a motel room, is a trend we’re happy to leave behind. Once thought to add warmth and coziness, it often left rooms feeling claustrophobic and dated.

The heavy wood tones could turn even the sunniest room into a cave. Guests longing for a bright and airy space were met with oppressive walls that absorbed all light.

While the intention was to create a rustic ambiance, the reality was a bit less charming. Today’s travelers prefer light and sleek designs, where space feels open and welcoming. So let’s keep wood paneling in the past, where its shadow can’t cast a gloom over our stays. The charm of this trend is best appreciated from afar, or better yet, in photos!

4. Pastel Bathroom Fixtures – Seriously Miss

The sweet pastel hues of the ’50s and ’60s made even bathrooms look charming. Pastel pinks, greens, and blues gave these spaces a playful touch that’s sorely missed in today’s minimalist world.

Stepping into a pastel-filled bathroom was like entering a candy-colored paradise, making morning routines a little brighter. These hues added personality and flair, a bold choice that paid off in charm.

Sadly, as trends changed, so did our love for pastel bathrooms. Now, we’re left with generic whites and grays, longing for the days when color reigned supreme. Let’s bring back these joyful shades, reminding us that even bathrooms can be a place of delight. Pastel fixtures, please make a comeback, and paint our mornings with joy again!

5. Vibrant Bedspreads – Stay Gone

Vibrant bedspreads, with their wild patterns and all the colors of the rainbow, were once motel staples. They added zest to the room, but sometimes too much of a good thing can overwhelm.

These bedspreads were more like abstract art pieces than bedding, and while they made a statement, it wasn’t always a pleasant one. Travelers seeking relaxation found themselves lost in a sea of vibrant chaos.

The lesson here is clear: while bold can be beautiful, it can also be exhausting. We’ve moved towards soothing, neutral tones that invite rest and calm. Let’s leave the wild bedspreads in our memories, where their vibrancy can be appreciated without overtaking our senses. Remember, sometimes less is more when it comes to a good night’s sleep.

6. Classic Motel Pools – Seriously Miss

Who could forget the allure of a classic motel pool? These sparkling oases were not just for swimming; they were social hubs, where guests mingled, sunbathed, and sipped on sodas.

The joy of diving into a cool pool under the warm sun, with music playing softly in the background, is a memory many cherish. Pools were a place of carefree fun, an escape within an escape.

Today, many motels have done away with their pools, leaving a void in what was once a vibrant part of the motel experience. Let’s hope for the return of these aquatic havens, bringing back the splash and laughter that made motel stays unforgettable. Until then, we’ll reminisce about those sun-kissed days beside the shimmering blue waters.

7. Panel TVs – Stay Gone

The panel TV, a bulky beast taking up half the room, is a relic we’re not eager to revisit. Sure, it was groundbreaking in its day, but today’s sleek screens have spoiled us.

With fuzzy reception and rabbit ear antennas, these TVs were more of a hassle than a highlight. Guests often spent more time adjusting the picture than actually watching their favorite shows.

While they might hold a place in tech history, panel TVs are best left there. Today’s flat screens offer crystal clear images without the drama of constant adjustments. Let’s keep our memories of 1950s TV fun intact, without the need to relive the struggle of a blurry screen. Sometimes, the past is best kept in the past, especially when it involves retro technology.

8. Travel-Themed Murals – Seriously Miss

Travel-themed murals painted on motel walls were a delightful homage to the spirit of adventure. Each room told a story, sparking wanderlust in the hearts of guests.

These murals transformed mundane walls into canvases of exploration, capturing the essence of the great American road trip. With landscapes and highways, they invited travelers to dream beyond their temporary lodging.

Today, such artistic expressions are rare, replaced by uniform decorations. We miss the creativity and charm these murals brought, turning every stay into an artful experience. Here’s hoping for a revival, where walls once again tell tales of distant lands and open roads. Until then, we hold these painted memories dear, along with a longing for more artistic motel stays.

9. Floral Wallpaper – Stay Gone

Floral wallpaper, once the epitome of motel chic, has since wilted in style. The vibrant blooms tried their best to bring life to walls, but often resulted in visual overload.

Guests seeking serenity were met with an explosion of petals, making it hard to find calm. The patterns, while intricate, could overwhelm the senses, turning restful spaces into sensory assaults.

As we’ve embraced simpler designs, floral wallpaper remains a relic of the past. We’ve learned that sometimes, beauty lies in simplicity. Let’s leave these floral fantasies in our memories, where they can bloom without overshadowing our peace. In the world of wallpaper, less is truly more, and our walls thank us for it.

10. Coin-Operated Beds – Seriously Miss

Coin-operated beds, or “magic fingers,” were the embodiment of motel novelty. Dropping a coin in the slot turned a mundane bed into a vibrating massage chair, a quirky delight for weary travelers.

These beds added a touch of whimsy, a reminder that motels were places of both rest and fun. The gentle hum and rhythmic vibration were oddly soothing, lulling guests into relaxation.

Though they’ve mostly disappeared, their quirky charm is fondly remembered. We miss the playful touch they brought to motel stays, a reminder not to take life too seriously. Perhaps one day, the “magic fingers” will return, bringing back that gentle jiggle and a nostalgic smile. Until then, we cherish the memory of coins well spent on a bed that danced to its own tune.

11. Plastic Furniture – Stay Gone

Plastic furniture, with its bold colors and quirky shapes, was once the height of motel fashion. A practical choice, perhaps, but one that lacked elegance and comfort.

The bright reds and yellows added pop but not much else. Guests longed for plush seating, not rigid chairs that squeaked with every move. Plastic may have been easy to clean, but it was also easy to dislike.

We’ve traded the novelty of plastic for cozy and stylish furnishings that invite guests to linger. Let’s keep plastic in the past, where it can shine in its own way without making us cringe. In the realm of motel decor, comfort reigns supreme, and our backs thank us for it.

12. Breakfast Nook – Seriously Miss

The breakfast nook, a darling of retro motels, was a cozy corner where guests started their day with warmth and camaraderie. With checkered floors and cheerful booths, it was a slice of diner heaven.

These nooks served up more than just coffee and eggs; they offered a sense of community. Strangers became friends over shared meals and morning banter, creating memories that linger long after checkout.

Modern motels have shifted away from this homey touch, but we long for its return. The breakfast nook was more than a dining area; it was an experience. Here’s hoping they make a comeback, serving nostalgia with every plate. Until then, we savor the memories of breakfasts past, seasoned with laughter and a dash of retro charm.

13. Metal Room Keys – Stay Gone

Metal room keys, with their hefty weight and bulky keychains, were once a symbol of motel stays. They jingled in pockets and were hard to lose, yet easy to forget.

While they added a touch of nostalgia, they were far from convenient. Losing a key meant a trip to the front desk, and the fear of leaving it behind was real.

We’ve embraced keycards and digital locks, appreciating their ease and security. Metal keys, though charming, belong in the past. We prefer the peace of mind that modern solutions bring, without the hassle of jingling reminders. So, let’s leave the classic keys in the annals of motel history, where they can’t weigh us down.

14. Game Rooms – Seriously Miss

Game rooms were the heartbeat of many motels, a place where laughter and competition filled the air. With arcade machines and pool tables, they were a retreat for both kids and adults.

The clink of pool balls and the chime of pinball machines created an atmosphere of fun and leisure. These rooms were a haven for gamers and families, offering entertainment beyond the usual TV fare.

Sadly, game rooms have become rarities. We miss the joy and camaraderie they fostered, where guests connected over shared games and friendly rivalries. Let’s hope for their revival, bringing back the playful spirit and excitement they once held. Until then, we treasure the memories of high scores and collected tickets, longing for more.

15. Patterned Curtains – Stay Gone

Patterned curtains, with their bold designs and heavy fabric, were once a signature of motel style. However, they often clashed with the room’s decor, more eyesore than aesthetic.

These curtains blocked light and views, turning windows into walls. While they aimed to add flair, they frequently overwhelmed the space with too much color and pattern.

Today, we favor simple, elegant drapes that enhance rather than detract. Let’s keep the patterned curtains in our memories, where their boldness can be appreciated without overpowering our senses. In the end, the best curtains are those that frame the view, not steal the spotlight from it.

16. Drive-In Movie Screens – Seriously Miss

Drive-in movie screens were once a magical part of the motel experience, offering guests a chance to enjoy films under the stars. With classic cars parked beneath the screen, it was cinema with a twist of adventure.

The crackle of the speakers and the glow of the screen created a unique atmosphere, where movies became memories shared with friends and family.

Though they’ve faded away, the charm of drive-in screens remains vivid in our hearts. We miss the blend of film and fresh air, a combination that modern cinemas can’t match. Here’s to hoping they return, bringing back the silver screen magic that made evenings unforgettable. Until then, we hold onto the starlit stories they gifted us.