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!

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Taken from Eternity Modern’s website

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Taken from Crate & Barrel’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

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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.