Bringing Back the 60s and 70s
Retro style interior design has been gaining popularity in recent years as people look to incorporate nostalgia into their homes. This style is characterised by bold colours, geometric patterns, and vintage furniture and accessories. It draws inspiration from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, and is a fun and playful way to add personality to any space.
Defining retro style can be difficult, as it encompasses a range of different design elements from different eras. However, there are a few key features that are commonly associated with this style. These include bright colours such as orange, green, and yellow, as well as bold patterns such as stripes, polka dots, and floral prints. Furniture and accessories from the era, such as mid-century modern chairs and lava lamps, are also often incorporated into retro style designs.
Key Takeaways
- Retro style interior design draws inspiration from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s and is characterised by bold colours, geometric patterns, and vintage furniture and accessories.
- Key features of retro style include bright colours, bold patterns, and furniture and accessories from the era.
- Retro style is a fun and playful way to add personality to any space.
Defining Retro Style
Retro style is a design trend that draws inspiration from the past, particularly the mid-20th century. It is characterised by bold colours, geometric shapes and patterns, and a playful, nostalgic feel. In this section, we will explore the historical influences and key characteristics of retro style.
Historical Influences
Retro style draws heavily from the design trends of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. This was a time of great optimism and innovation, with new materials and technologies being developed at a rapid pace. The Space Race, for example, had a significant impact on design, with futuristic shapes and materials becoming popular. The rise of consumer culture also played a role, with designers creating products that were both functional and stylish.
Key Characteristics
There are several key characteristics of retro style, including:
Bold colours: Retro style often features bright, bold colours such as orange, green, and pink. These colours are often used in combination to create a vibrant, playful look.
Geometric shapes and patterns: Retro style is known for its use of geometric shapes and patterns, such as circles, squares, and stripes. These shapes and patterns are often used in bold, contrasting colours.
Nostalgic feel: Retro style is all about evoking a sense of nostalgia for the past. This is achieved through the use of vintage-inspired furniture, accessories, and decor.
Playful elements: Retro style is often characterised by a playful, whimsical feel. This can be seen in the use of quirky accessories, such as lava lamps and shag rugs.
Overall, retro style is a fun and playful design trend that is perfect for those who want to add a touch of nostalgia to their home. By incorporating bold colours, geometric shapes and patterns, and vintage-inspired accessories, you can create a space that is both stylish and unique.
Colour and Patterns in Retro Design
Colour Palettes
Retro style is known for its bold and vibrant colour palettes. The use of bright colours such as orange, yellow, green, and blue were popular in the 1950s and 60s. These colours were often used in combination with white or black to create a striking contrast. Pastel colours were also commonly used in the 70s and 80s, with shades of pink, mint green, and baby blue being particularly popular.
When designing a retro-style interior, it is important to choose colours that complement each other and create a cohesive look. One way to achieve this is by using a colour wheel to identify complementary colours. For example, orange and blue are complementary colours, as are green and red. Using these colours together can create a balanced and visually appealing look.
Iconic Patterns and Textures
Retro style is also characterized by its use of iconic patterns and textures. One of the most popular patterns is the geometric design, which features bold, angular shapes such as triangles, squares, and diamonds. These shapes were often used in wallpaper, upholstery, and accessories.
Another popular pattern is the floral design, which features large, bold flowers in bright colours. This pattern was particularly popular in the 60s and 70s and was often used in curtains, bedding, and upholstery.
In addition to patterns, retro style also incorporates a variety of textures. For example, shag carpeting was a popular choice in the 70s, while velvet and suede were commonly used in the 60s. These textures add depth and visual interest to a retro-style interior.
Overall, when designing a retro-style interior, it is important to pay attention to colour and pattern choices. By using bold colours and iconic patterns, you can create a space that is both visually striking and cohesive.
Furniture and Decor
Furniture Selection
When it comes to retro style interior design, furniture plays a vital role in creating the perfect ambiance. Retro furniture is all about bold colours, geometric shapes, and sleek lines. Opt for furniture pieces that have a timeless appeal and can blend in with modern decor.
One of the most popular retro furniture styles is mid-century modern. This style is characterised by clean lines, minimalistic designs, and functional pieces. Some popular mid-century modern furniture pieces include the Eames Lounge Chair, Saarinen Tulip Table, and the Noguchi Coffee Table.
Another popular retro furniture style is Art Deco. This style is characterised by bold colours, geometric shapes, and luxurious materials such as velvet and brass. Some popular Art Deco furniture pieces include the Chevron Cabinet, the Gatsby Sofa, and the Sunburst Mirror.
Decorative Accents
Decorative accents are an essential component of retro style interior design. These accents can add personality and character to any room. Some popular retro decorative accents include vintage posters, record players, and lava lamps.
When selecting decorative accents, it’s essential to ensure that they complement the furniture pieces. For example, if the furniture has a lot of bold colours, it’s best to opt for decorative accents in neutral colours. On the other hand, if the furniture has a lot of neutral colours, it’s best to opt for decorative accents in bold colours.
In conclusion, furniture and decorative accents play a crucial role in creating a retro style interior design. Opt for timeless furniture pieces that can blend in with modern decor, and select decorative accents that complement the furniture pieces.
Lighting and Accessories
Lighting Fixtures
When it comes to lighting fixtures in retro-style interior design, the options are endless. From pendant lights to floor lamps, there is a wide variety of styles to choose from. One popular choice is the Sputnik chandelier, which has a distinctive atomic-inspired design. Another option is the arc lamp, which provides a sleek and modern look.
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, consider using table lamps with shades made from materials such as coloured glass or fabric. These can add a pop of colour and texture to the room, while also providing a soft and diffused light.
Retro Accessories
In addition to lighting fixtures, retro-style interior design also incorporates a range of accessories. These can include items such as vintage telephones, record players, and rotary dial phones. These accessories can add a unique and nostalgic touch to the room, while also serving as functional pieces.
Other popular retro accessories include vintage posters and artwork, as well as retro-style clocks and mirrors. These items can help to tie the room together and create a cohesive and stylish look.
When it comes to choosing retro accessories, it is important to consider the overall style and colour scheme of the room. By selecting items that complement the existing decor, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Incorporating Retro Style
Retro style is a great way to add character and personality to any home. However, incorporating retro style into a modern home can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you create a retro-inspired interior that complements your modern lifestyle.
Mixing with Modern Elements
One of the best ways to incorporate retro style into a modern home is to mix it with modern elements. This can be achieved by combining vintage furniture with contemporary pieces. For example, a vintage sofa can be paired with modern accent chairs. This creates a unique and eclectic look that is both stylish and functional.
Another way to mix retro and modern elements is by using retro-inspired accessories. This can include vintage lamps, retro clocks, and mid-century modern wall art. By mixing these elements with modern furniture and accessories, you can create a balanced and cohesive interior that is both retro and modern.
Retro Style in Different Rooms
Retro style can be incorporated into any room in the house. In the living room, a retro-inspired sofa or armchair can be the focal point of the space. In the dining room, a vintage dining table and chairs can add character and charm. In the bedroom, a retro-inspired bed frame can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
When incorporating retro style into different rooms, it’s important to choose a colour palette that complements the overall style of the space. Retro colours such as mustard yellow, olive green, and burnt orange can be used as accents to add a pop of colour to a neutral space.
In conclusion, incorporating retro style into a modern home can be a fun and exciting project. By mixing retro and modern elements and choosing a colour palette that complements the overall style of the space, you can create a unique and stylish interior that reflects your personality and taste.
Questions & Answers
Retro style in home decor is characterized by bold colours, geometric patterns, and futuristic designs. It is often associated with the 1950s, 60s and 70s, and features a mix of old and new elements. Retro style is all about creating a fun and playful atmosphere, with a focus on functionality and simplicity.
To incorporate retro decor into a modern living room, one can start by adding retro-inspired furniture pieces, such as a vintage sofa or an armchair with bold patterns. One can also add retro accessories, such as a lava lamp or a record player, to create a nostalgic atmosphere. Mixing vintage and modern elements is key to creating a balanced and stylish retro-inspired living room.
When designing a bedroom with a retro aesthetic, one can focus on bold colours and patterns, such as bright greens, oranges, and yellows, and geometric shapes. One can also add vintage-inspired lighting fixtures, such as a pendant lamp or a bedside lamp with a funky design. To create a cohesive look, one can choose a retro-inspired bedding set and add retro artwork to the walls.
To blend retro and contemporary design elements effectively, one can start by choosing a neutral colour palette and adding pops of retro-inspired colours and patterns. One can also mix vintage and modern furniture pieces, such as a retro-inspired coffee table with a contemporary sofa. Creating a balance between old and new elements is key to creating a cohesive and stylish space.
The iconic colour schemes and patterns associated with 70s retro interior design include bold oranges, yellows, and greens, as well as geometric patterns and floral prints. One can also find shag carpets and textured wallpaper in 70s-inspired interiors.
Some prominent interior designers known for their work in retro style include Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler, and Nate Berkus. These designers often incorporate bold colours, patterns, and vintage-inspired furniture pieces in their designs, creating playful and stylish spaces.
