How to Add Retro-Inspired Style to Your Home
The saying that everything comes back into style is an understatement. Not only does everything come back into style, but it often makes more than one reappearance. If you notice today, many influencers and celebrities have been adding retro pieces back into their home. Why?
Modern is great. But let’s not forget where we come from. Nostalgia plays a huge role in our psyche, making us feel great when we see things that connect us to our past. Adding in some retro pieces to a modern home creates charm and uniqueness. Throwing in decor from different eras is actually a secret specialty of some of the greatest interior designers.
So... what even is retro?
Retro is when specific ideas, styles, and pieces come from that time frame. Designing in retro was all about expression and letting go of the norms with bright colors, wild designs, and flair. Retro meant going over the top. Becuase my favorite era of retro was from the 50’s-70’s, I’ll specifically be exploring decor from that time period.
When considering retro for your next design moments, think of pops of color, vintage patterns, abstract furniture, bold textures & lighting, and many personalities. When thinking retro, let go of all those minimalistic ideas that you have introduced into your life. It’s time to express your charm at home! Go hard or go home, people.
Some Retro-inspired Furniture and Décor Include:
The Sofa
Retro sofa’s are typically broad and elongated. They are either colorful or neutral. If you choose a neutral sofa, make sure to incorporate a splash of color with pillows and throws. Try to look into leather and velvet sectional sofas with deep colors. Retro begs for abstract color and texture!

Taken from Article’s website

Taken from Eternity Modern’s website

Taken from Wayfair’s website
Flared Desk
In order to capture retro in the office, add some FLARE to your desk.

Taken from Wayfair’s website

Taken from Amazon’s website
Sleek Lighting
There are so many great retro lighting options. When it comes to floor lamps, try looking for arcing lamps. When it comes to table lamps, look into the mushroom style.

Taken from 1stdibs’ website

Taken from Litfad’s website

Taken from Schoolhouses‘ website

Taken from Crate & Barrel’s website
Tapered Accent Chair
There is literally no better way to dress up a room than with an amazing accent chair. Luckily, retro accent chairs are in – and almost all accent chairs you see nowadays are retro inspired.




Platform Bed
In retro bedrooms, you’ll often find a lifted, platform bed. Platform beds are trending now for their function and abstract style, opposing a modern bed with no platform and low to the ground foundation.



Sideboard Console & TV Stand
The same way owning a TV was a big deal during this time period, so was owning a sideboard table.



Geometrical Coffee Table & End Tables
When it comes to the coffee & end tables, the weirder & more abstract the shape, the more retro it appears. Just make sure there’s symmetry and geometry going on.







The Dining Table
To obtain the retro feel for your dining table, think shapes and abstract.




Retro Refrigerator
If you want to commit to retro, you need this fridge.


Retro Décor
Record Player
If you don’t have a record player, this is your sign. Just make sure the one you choose is a well known brand because the random, cheaper ones you find are the ones that sound horrible. Record players are definitely an investment piece.




Kitschy Wallpaper
Colors! Funk! Weird! Shapes!


Retro Toys
Toys are décor too!




Retro Pillows + Throws
Where comfy meets art deco.






Wall Posters
Retro design also goes by the name “modern retro”, excels at giving the viewer a feeling of nostalgia. More specifically, it tends to focus on designs from the eras of the 60s and 70s, though there are “niche” genres of retro design that are stirred by other decades, from the 20s (art deco) to the 90s (blues, pinks, mint greens, and blocky shapes in arrangements that are best described as “unconventionally attractive”).
Quote taken directly from Icons8




Retro Kitchen Accessories
Kitchen items serve many purposes. People tend to ignore looks for function. But why? You can have a stylish kitchen that cooks well & looks even better.






Retro Mirrors
Mirrors should hang with an open framework, balance, and simplicity of geometric forms.




