❝The living room should be a space where you can express your creativity and experiment with design ideas❞ - Laura Sartori Rimini
There are many types of interior design and each style consists of distinctive furniture, decors, lighting, and accessories that give it its signature look. By getting to know some of the most popular styles, you’ll better understand what styles stand out to you and meet your preferences. According to one of Laura Sartori Rimini’s quotes, what we are discussing in today’s “Know Your Interior Design Style Series” is a style that gives the chance and creativity to experience nostalgia and for those in search of lost times, retro interior design!
What is retro interior design? Taking inspiration from past decades, typically the mid-20th century, particularly the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, retro interior design involves incorporating old-style elements such as furniture, colors, and patterns into modern rooms. Retro design often emphasizes bold colors, geometric shapes, clean lines, and kitschy or nostalgic decorative items. It aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia or whimsy while still maintaining a modern aesthetic. Why are retro styles liked by people? People like Retro looks because they offer a break from modern life, letting them feel nostalgic and remember times gone by. Nowadays, homes mix modern styles with retro vibes by blending old styles with new shapes or using old materials in new ways. Whether it's using grandma's old furniture or making unique bookshelves, retro decorations can be both stylish and timeless. Not only well liked, it is predicted to keep making comebacks in contemporary design. Why?
1. Nostalgia appeal
Nostalgia greatly influences design trends. People often like styles and colors from certain times, especially if they bring back happy memories or a feeling of coziness.
2. Timeless aesthetics
Some parts of retro design, like mid-century furniture and bright color combos, always stay popular. They have simple shapes and lively colors that many folks still enjoy today.
3. Eclectic design preferences
Contemporary design trends often embrace eclecticism, allowing for the mix of various styles and eras. This means retro stuff can fit in with modern things.
4. Sustainable design
Also, caring about the environment might make old styles cool again. Using vintage pieces is seen as a sustainable choice because it means we're reusing and repurposing old things.
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Opting for a retro interior design theme for your home comes with several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to mix and match different colors that might not seem like they go together at first, but with some experimentation, you can achieve a funky and eclectic look. Secondly, retro furniture may look quirky and fun, but it's also functional, providing comfortable seating options. Additionally, a retro interior evokes a sense of nostalgia by incorporating elements and accessories from the past, such as old rotary phones, radios, and vintage TVs, which can bring back memories of yesteryears. However, there are also a few drawbacks to consider with retro interior design. The abundance of colors available can be overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right combination for your space. Moreover, because there aren't strict rules to follow, you need to be careful with the selection of accessories, elements, and colors to avoid creating a cluttered and chaotic environment. Lastly, not everyone may appreciate or feel comfortable in a retro-themed space, especially those more accustomed to modern and contemporary interiors.
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What exactly makes a retro interior design style, retro? Retro designs show us what interiors were like in the past when designers were trying out new materials to make spaces fun and lively. Another word often linked with Retro is "funk." Let's start by looking at the unique features or you can say characteristics of Retro styles!
1. Whimsical furniture
Retro furniture stands out from modern styles with its vibrant colors and playful shapes, prioritizing looks over practicality. Some designs are even intentionally impractical to add to their fun appeal. Mixing various fanciful pieces creates a visually interesting but harmonious atmosphere.
2. Muted colors
In Retro homes, bold colors are used throughout, though they're less intense and don't clash. Instead, they blend together to create a lively and enjoyable ambiance. Even some colors commonly used took references from the past such as avocado green, mustard yellow, burnt orange, teal blue, bubblegum pink, or turquoise.
3. Heavily patterned walls and flooring
Walls and flooring in the Retro interior feature lively patterns on walls and floors, reflecting the style's loud, funky, and lively essence. While it may seem chaotic at first glance, the eclectic mix of elements contributes to its overall charm. For example, a retro-inspired wall might showcase geometric shapes in bright colors and retro flooring could include linoleum tiles with intricate patterns such as checkerboards or floral motifs.
4. Decorative textures
Retro design embraces bold, colorful textures, adding vibrancy to spaces, especially when integrated with modern styles like Scandinavian. These textures bring life to plain areas, making the home more inviting. For instance, a retro-inspired room might feature throw pillows with shaggy or faux fur textures along with curtains made from fabric with a groovy, psychedelic print or a geometric pattern in bold vibrant colors.
5. Nostalgic decor
In Retro-themed living spaces, nostalgia reigns supreme, evoking memories of carefree days. Decorations are freely arranged, reflecting personal memories and adding to the Retro vibe. Things such as vintage posters and artwork, vinyl records and record player, polaroid photos and vintage cameras can be used as a nostalgia aspect of this style.
6. Retro light design with bold graphic
Retro lighting prioritizes aesthetics over functionality, with neon lights creating a nostalgic feel reminiscent of the 60s. Pendant lights offer a safer yet similar effect to the exposed wires of the 50s, adding to the Retro ambiance. Graphics in Retro design are often flat but add depth to the style’s unique flair.
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People sometimes use "retro" and "vintage" to mean the same thing, but in interior design, they actually mean different things. Knowing the difference can help you talk about and create the style you want more accurately. "Retro" style takes inspiration from the recent past, usually the mid-1900s like the 1950s, 60s, or 70s, and brings those design elements into today's spaces. It's about bringing back the feel of those times in a new way that fits modern tastes. Retro is all about bright colors like avocado green and mustard yellow, along with funky patterns and cool shapes. It often includes furniture and ideas from the mid-century modern style, which is known for its clean lines and simplicity. Retro design mixes different things together to create a fun and lively vibe, with vintage accessories and a sense of optimism from the past. Meanwhile "vintage" refers to items that are between 20 and 100 years old, boasting an eclectic mix of elements from various time periods and creating an unique and personalized aesthetic. These pieces are valued for their superior craftsmanship and quality materials, showcasing attention to detail often absent in modern, mass-produced items. Despite originating from different eras, vintage items exude timeless elegance, infusing spaces with sophistication and a sense of heritage that transcends passing trends.
Retro style offers homeowners ample flexibility in how they apply it, allowing for diverse combinations with various modern styles in home decor. Combining retro elements with modern interior styles can create a unique and eclectic look for your home. Mixing these styles allows you to blend the best of both worlds, resulting in a vibrant and stylish interior that feels both timeless and current. Let's see these interior design style combinations for example :
1. Combining retro and scandinavian
Combining Retro with Scandinavian design is easy with a simple color pairing. Warm, muted Retro tones work well with Scandinavian neutrals like beige and taupe. Adding Retro elements, such as vibrant colors or bold patterns, can liven up a Scandinavian space without sacrificing its clean lines. Despite their differences, both styles prioritize comfort! Modern Scandinavian furniture with curved silhouettes blends seamlessly with Retro aesthetics, creating a cozy yet lively home.
2. Combining retro and industrial
While Retro and Industrial designs may seem mismatched, their fusion can yield surprising results. Industrial's raw, rustic elements complement Retro's vibrancy and liveliness, achieving a balanced blend of comfort and visual appeal. For example, Industrial-style track lights can highlight Retro artworks, or how wooden elements in Industrial design complement Retro decor's vintage charm. The result is a unique home that captures nostalgia while embracing contemporary aesthetics.
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In retro interior design, the blending of diverse patterns and combinations, along with an emphasis on using natural materials such as wood, creates a story of coziness and closeness. As we delve into the different aspects of retro interior design, including decorations, color schemes, fabrics, lighting, and unique materials, each element reveals the skill of creating a space that goes beyond the constraints of time. Here are some tips on how to captivate a retro look in your own house!
1. Style in furniture
In retro interior design, worn-looking furniture adds an old-fashioned charm, giving off a feeling of timeless beauty. Mixing different styles from the past creates a unique but balanced look, while patterned furniture adds to the retro vibe. The focus on intricate designs and using natural materials like wood helps create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making the interiors both enduring and inviting.
2. Lots of nostalgia decors
Decorate your walls with black and white photos framed in elegant wooden frames for a classic and stylish feel. Incorporate second-hand items thoughtfully to bring in a sense of history and refined beauty. Bring in nostalgic elements like music boxes, clocks, lamps, and statues to add to the visual charm. Explore and incorporate various styles—rustic, industrial, French, Italian, or bohemian—to find your own unique decor style.
3. Colors speak louder
Create a retro atmosphere in your living spaces by combining vintage and modern elements, offering options like rustic coffee tables and gold-framed pictures. Add a touch of nostalgia with soft, neutral colors like white, cream, and light blue. Use rich jewel tones like emerald green and ruby red for depth and authenticity. Include elements that are at least 30 years old to capture a timeless design that reflects the past.
4. Incorporate patterned wallpapers
Travel back to the 1950s when patterned wallpaper was all the rage, with bold designs like boomerangs and atomic motifs competing with florals and damasks. Bring vitality to vintage-style interiors by incorporating retro-inspired wallpaper, which is a key element in this aesthetic. Immerse yourself in a world of wallpaper where delicate patterns featuring birds, flowers, and butterflies create a nostalgic atmosphere.
5. Charm on patterns
Repetitive patterned art inspired by the 60s and 70s featuring bold colors and shapes in geometric or hippy-style flower patterns define the retro style, adding flair and fun to your home.The charm of retro patterns lies in their nostalgic appeal and timeless aesthetic. These patterns evoke memories of past eras, offering a sense of familiarity and warmth. Often featuring vibrant colors and playful motifs, add a sense of fun and personality to any space.
6. Ambient allure
Enter the captivating world of retro lighting, where lamps go beyond function to become statement pieces in stylish decor. Transform your space with dynamic, abstract, and geometric-shaped lighting, incorporating eye-catching atomic neon lights for a contemporary twist. Choose bold-colored and eye-catching lighting fixtures that serve as focal points in the room.
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That is all our discussion about retro interior design! What do you think of this interior design style? Is it your preference? Consult your dream house with Livvy Luxury Living! Contact us on Whatsapp : +62 878 6894 8000 or visit us at 18 Office Park 25th floor Suite A, Jalan Simatupang Kav 18, South Jakarta.
Content Writer : Arcelia Emmanuella Adiwinata