Do you love vintage design but with some contemporary touches? So the decoration in retro style it could be ideal for you. This interior design style contains elements from many different eras, from the 1950s to the 1980s.
Decorating in a retro style means looking to the past for inspiration and combining vintage items with more modern design pieces to create a contemporary and nostalgic environment at the same time.
The rule is to mix is to match: a modern sofa with an antique coffee table, or a vintage dresser combined with a contemporary bed. In other words, retro style is about finding cohesion between old and current pieces.
Like fashion, in interior design, trends are cyclical, and what was once considered old eventually becomes fresh and new once again. Think high and low waist pants; or skinny pants and bags.
Anyway, this is your calling! Go look for vintage finds at antique stores and flea markets, bring these pieces and incorporate them into your decor to create the retro style. Just don’t leave it until you see these six tips we’ve put together to inspire you.
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What is retro style?
If you need inspiration for your retro style decor, go watch the series Mad Men. In it, you will find the face of 20th century design, its styles, patterns and colors in furniture and decoration.
The original retro style that we know today is mainly rooted in the colors and styles of the 60s and 70s, and can vary for a few years before and after. There is a certain romanticism in design that disappeared between the 80s and 2000, and resurfaced in the 10s.
And despite the clear reference to the decades mentioned above, that is not all. The retro style can also bring influences from other styles, such as art deco, rococo style, among other interesting elements of past design.
Choose your colors carefully in retro decoration
During the 1950s, the world was emerging from a period of world wars. In the 60s, young people took over pop culture and man’s quest to conquer space became a reality. It was a time of great optimism – which was reflected in the design.
The furniture followed a futuristic style, with curves and bold colors. Red, blue, shades of orange, pink and purple are just a few important hues when we talk about retro style. When combining these colors, be aware of their patterns, as they can end up clashing in your decor.
These elements should be used seeking balance between bolder and more discreet items. For example, try to combine floral patterns with simpler lines; Bring in vibrant colors, but keep the balance with a light-toned rug or armchair.
And even though the retro style is strongly associated with vibrant tones, black and white can be another smart and effective way to achieve that antique look. Mix the two styles and allow yourself to play with the retro-style decor.
Key elements for retro style sofas
Sofas from the mid-20th century have some trademarks that should be explored in the retro style. Elements such as curved or angled pieces that feature bold tones and metals, such as chrome, for example, are the face of retro style sofas.
They also have some specific tones, such as avocado green and other psychedelic colors. The 1960s marked the peak of research into LSD and other synthetic hallucinogenic drugs – something that ended up being marked in the design of the time.
In terms of upholstery, be sure to use patterns and textures. The velvet sofas, here, stand out as one of the great brands of the 70s – which can easily be combined with the plush carpets of the previous decade.
Retro style rack for beginners
You’ve already learned that retro interior design makes an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary features. The same should apply when choosing a retro style rack. Bring in a mix of design trends from the 2020s and past eras.
Choose the decade, as each has a distinct style of furniture, decor, patterns and color schemes. A rack with long, thin legs, painted in egg yellow, 60s style, that holds a smart TV and a state-of-the-art video game is the pure cream of retro style.
Bold patterns in retro style decor for floors and walls
Bright colors may be a little frightening to those who are more discreet and conservative, so consider other ways of bringing energy to your floors and walls. You can add bold patterns for a large-scale retro style to your home without flashy colors.
Geometric rugs and wallpapers with abstract patterns add a retro touch to any room. Consider black and white checkered tile – another important facet of retro style from the 50s and 80s.
You could alternatively also consider adding a floral wallpaper or brick wall. This element can bring movement to a space that was previously very static and monotonous. Complete the decor with elements in a neutral palette for greater harmony.
General tips for retro decor
Use this style in moderation so that your environment does not look like a historical movie set or play. It is important that the decoration is planned based on furniture, lamps and wallpapers from a certain period, without leaving contemporary aside.
As long as you’re working with a good sense of style, you don’t need to stick to a single period to pay homage to in your retro-style decor. Use creativity. Bring an armchair from the 60s, with hutch models inspired by the 18th century and complete with an Alexa. That’s about it!
The important thing, and which cannot be overlooked, is balance when it comes to retro style. Bring in 20th-century sofas and armchairs in bold colors, but neutralize the clash with wooden elements and a stylish carpet, a current coffee table and white walls.
