Simple Ways to Nail the Retro Style in Every Room of Your Home

Retro style has exploded in the last few years thanks to the increased number of people looking for a way to include vintage-inspired pieces of decor and furniture in their homes. The reason for the popularity of this style is its distinctive charm. Including retro elements in your living area is a fun way to bring bits of the past into the present. This style actually encompasses a few decades of styles and the term itself is used to describe any interior decorating theme that has been influenced by the trends and styles from the past.

Although this might mean that just about any era could be considered retro, the term is more commonly used for describing the interior design from the 50s, 60s and 70s. If you go back further, then you will come to the vintage style, although these two styles usually cross over.

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Retro style is fun, featuring bright colours, wild designs and an overall sense of flair. Think about the textures and fabrics during the 60s and you will instantly get an idea of its complexity. It’s a trend that will be around for a long time, so if you want to make some changes but are not sure what and how – here are a few tips and tricks to help you transform your current home into a retro living space.

Textures

When you think about retro, the first things that come to mind are probably carpeting, soft vinyl, soft plastics and vintage wallpaper. There is something about retro wallpaper that holds a special place in the hearts of those who are interested in interior design. The timeless patterns and unique designs trigger memories of a time long gone and help create a unique feeling and atmosphere in a home. If you think the designs and patterns from the past can not be easily found, you are very wrong. Offline and online stores provide a huge range of vintage wallpaper options – from floral designs and colourful stripes to geometric figures.

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Finding your perfect pattern won’t be that hard, but don’t forget to look for quality pieces that will stand the test of time. Your best bet is finding a reputable online store, check its reviews and policies and shop from there. Just make sure the store has plenty of surplus vintage wallpaper designs before starting your project. This will ensure you can always purchase more in case of wallpaper damage.

Furniture

Retro style furniture has an abstract feel to it and can easily act as a focal point in a room. Sofas in this style are elongated and broad with many throw pillows in different colours. Shiny chrome barstools with bright seats can instantly draw the attention, while chairs and puzzle piece ottomans offer a unique and comfy place for sitting. Furniture pieces from the 50s were slender and sleeker.

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Wallpapers and fabrics stood out with bright patterns and bold graphics and new materials began to be used for furniture including chrome bar stools and Formica-topped tables. Moving through the decades, the low and sleek style of the 50s was still popular but there were some new innovations too, like blow-up or one-piece moulded chairs. Bold bursts of colours and bright, psychedelic patterns were mainstream. The furniture from sleek started to change to bulky and earth tones predominated the colour palette. In the 80s, art deco heavily influenced the interior design and mauve and teal were the two prominent colours in many design schemes. Wallpapers and other decors included patters ranging from florals to geometrics.

Colours

One of the simplest ways to give a room a retro feel is to choose retro colours. But how do you know which colours are retro Avocado green is definitely the most popular choice, followed by mustard yellow and combinations of red, brown, black and white. Hot pink and purple also make a great addition to a retro decor. If you browse the internet for some retro home ideas you may even find homes with items that have a little of everything, such as mixes of indigo blue, bright orange, green and yellow on one single piece. Throw pillows in different colours are also great for breaking up a monotonous interior. Checkered patterns, elaborate paisley prints and tie-dyed fabrics are also a trademark of the style. Including a few of these elements in your home can really bring the retro feel in your living zone.

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When it comes to accessories and accents, there are no limits in retro style decorating. Fuzzy throw rugs, lava lamps, scoop stools, door beads, skate tables are all perfect accessories. Sculptures and art are typically bold and unusual, and when it comes to flooring there are only three choices to consider: a bold mix of tiles, shag carpeting and natural wood. As for lighting, lamps with square or tasselled shades and floor lamps are both wonderful choices. A multi-coloured chandelier is also a good choice if you want to make your space more colourful. Retro style is all about mixing a variety of textures, colours and shapes and creating a look that is as unique as the era that influenced it. The furniture is sturdy and durable and every piece is functional and useful.