Is The Greek Key Pattern Outdated In Today's Home Decor Trends?
In home décor, there are some patterns that feel timeless, others that become trendy and then fade away, and still others that experience ebbs and flows in popularity. One unique design that has been around for thousands of years is the Greek key pattern (also known as the Meander motif), a repeating maze-like design. Not only can this design be gorgeous in your home, but different variations of this pattern can have different meanings. Learning what your chosen pattern represents can give you a fun fact to share when guests visit your home and make the décor more personal.
If your home has a modern aesthetic, you might wonder if the Greek key pattern can work with it. House Digest spoke exclusively with design historian Sarah Bilotta to learn if the pattern is one of the retro design trends that are making a comeback in 2025, or if it's considered outdated in today's home décor trends. Bilotta shared that while the Greek key pattern has a more classical look that works well with traditional styles, she believes that the pattern is still timeless. "It is a pattern that tends to come and go in popularity, typically coming back into high style with surges in traditional or classical décor," Bilotta said. "If ornament, maximalism, and embellishment are 'in,' it's likely the key pattern is, too." Bilotta said that although the pattern hasn't been frequently used in recent years, she sees it returning to popularity. "There is a reason Versace has used the pattern in its logo since the 80s," she pointed out.
The pros and cons of the Greek key pattern
Virtually no design trends stay perpetually in style, and there are telltale signs that even a seemingly timeless trend won't last. When deciding whether to settle on a bold design choice like the Greek key pattern, though, your own personal taste matters more than trendiness. During her exclusive conversation with House Digest, Sarah Bilotta shared the pros and cons of adding the pattern to your home.
According to Bilotta, the key pattern is great because of its flexibility, its timelessness, and its nod to the Greek Revival style. "The recognizability of this pattern makes it an easy way to channel Greek Revival design without going all-in on columns and urns," she explained. "It can be subtly integrated into textiles, wood trims, and walls without consuming a space. It works in any color scheme and can be stylized to look more modern or stripped down to maintain its traditional appearance."
However, all design trends come with their downsides. When it comes to this pattern, Bilotta pointed out that it is often overused in borders. She also added, "If you opt for a traditional black and cream or white color scheme, the pattern can read as dated." Luckily, there are ways to add this trend to your home without it looking like a blast from the past.
How to add the Greek key pattern to your décor
In her exclusive House Digest interview, Sarah Bilotta singled out the Greek key pattern as a classic home décor trend that stands the test of time and shared some ways to incorporate the design into your home without it looking dated. One place that Bilotta suggested adding the design is your garden; you can use tiles, outdoor throw pillows, or an area rug to include it in this space. She added that if you want to really bring the theme together, you could even add a few stone statues throughout the garden.
Bilotta also recommended using tiles to incorporate the design into your bathroom or kitchen, picking tiles with contrasting colors to make it read more modern. For living spaces, she suggested experimenting with wallpaper or accent pieces. "Don't stick to using it just for borders," she cautioned, reiterating that this particular use of the pattern is overdone. "Try an all-over key pattern upholstery on an accent chair or a few throw pillows."
If you aren't sure about the Greek key pattern, you can add similar motifs to your home décor to achieve a more modern look. Bilotta suggested an ogee pattern for an Eastern feel or a floral toile or brocade design for a French-inspired look. You could also consider incorporating basketweave tile if you already have a Greek key pattern in the room.