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Feeling nostalgic? Try a throwback D.I.Y.
Nostalgia is having a moment, and it’s inspiring a wave of playful, retro-themed D.I.Y. projects across Australian homes. From colourful scalloped walls to vintage‑style crafts, the Throwback Kid trend encourages creativity, connection and hands‑on fun indoors and out. In this guide, we explore what the trend is all about and share simple ways to bring old‑school charm into your home and garden.
Why throwback D.I.Ys are having a moment
Noticed you’re surrounded by retro colours, vintage-inspired pieces and old-school references? Nope, you’re not imagining it: everything old is new again. Nostalgia is officially in and we’re throwing it back to the ’80s, ’90s and even the ’60s to bring a bit more playfulness to modern homes.
Ready to welcome the Throwback Kid trend into your own space? Here’s what you need to know about the retro revival and how to get started with some simple D.I.Ys.
Why nostalgia is trending again
When screens, notifications and information never seem to switch off, nostalgia provides a much-needed reset.
It’s a return to the comforts of your childhood or even earlier: classic toys, hands-on crafts, playful decor, analogue pastimes and moments when you didn’t have a phone in your pocket demanding your undivided attention. It’s a throwback to a simpler, more carefree time.
What is the Throwback Kid trend?
The Throwback Kid trend is one of the emerging Pinterest trends for 2026, as highlighted in Pinterest Predicts™ – Pinterest’s annual trend forecast. Using consumer insights and predictive analytics, Pinterest Predicts™ identifies the trends that reveal what people will shop for, try and buy next.
In this case, it’s Pinterest’s spin on the wider shift towards nostalgia, centred on vintage-inspired crafts and activities that encourage play and creativity, updated for now – especially in kids’ rooms, play spaces and the garden. Think outdoor games and handmade toys; retro colours, scallops, checkerboards and hand-painted details; plus crafts and upcycling.
Now, the trend isn’t about making things kitschy or dated (this isn’t crocheted toilet-roll cover territory). It’s about being playful, expressive, hands-on and shaping spaces that foster connection and imagination.
Why D.I.Y. is at the heart of the trend
At its core, the Throwback Kid trend centres on the act of making. It involves using your imagination and tapping into your creativity – something we used to do a lot as kids but maybe don’t have the time or energy (or inclination) to lean into now.
You might go op shopping for an old clock or toy, then refresh it with a light sand and polish. Or perhaps you’ve got a mirror lying around at home and decide to transform it with a paint job – bonus points if you use a retro shade like mustard or try your hand at a checkerboard print.
Maybe you’ve got some space in your garden where you can set up old-school games including hopscotch and Twister. The trend can also be expressed through small design details or decor accents in your home, such as scalloped edges or colour capping.
Got kids? This is definitely something to get them involved in. They’ll love getting stuck into various nostalgic kids’ D.I.Y. projects, you’ll have fun connecting over shared creativity and we reckon it might just keep them entertained longer than the tablet.
Easy ways to try the Throwback Kid trend at home
No matter how you live or how much space you have, there’s a throwback D.I.Y. to suit your style.
Vintage home updates
You could refresh your walls with retro scallops or colour capping, or kid-core room decor like playful edging. You might choose to try some D.I.Y. nostalgic wall art, a mirror or home decor, such as a handmade rocket clock or vintage toys as decorative accents. You could also take your creativity outdoors with a D.I.Y. tyre planter or styled garden arch.
Retro playroom ideas
If you’ve got kids, fun (and practical!) projects could include a custom busy board, a retro toy shelf or a themed storage box for keeping all your games. You could also knock up a personalised D.I.Y. memory box containing all your special trinkets.
Old-school outdoor play
Remember summers spent running barefoot on the grass? Now’s the time to get back into kids’ outdoor retro games, with ideas like a D.I.Y. water wall, hopscotch path or a giant game of Twister on the lawn.
How to get started
It doesn’t take much to get in on the trend. Start by thinking about what you couldn’t get enough of as a kid: was it expressing your artistic side or getting outdoors with your mates? Next, choose an easy project to begin with, ideally using what you already have on hand to make things more sustainable.
Have fun, get creative, embrace imperfection and, before you know it, you’ll be transported to an entirely different era.
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.