Retro interior design is making a comeback, and for good reason. With a focus on unique, bold design elements, retro decor adds character and personality to any space. From mid-century modern to disco-era glam, there are plenty of different retro styles from which to choose. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular retro design trends from different decades and offer some inspiration and ideas for incorporating them into your own home decor.
The mid-century modern design trend emerged in the 1950s and 60s and has remained popular ever since. This design style is known for its clean lines, organic shapes, and use of natural materials like wood and leather. To incorporate mid-century modern design elements into your home, start with the furniture. Look for pieces with clean lines, like a sleek sofa or a minimalist dining table. You can also add retro flair with lighting fixtures, like a pendant lamp with a woven shade or a mid-century floor lamp.
Another way to incorporate mid-century modern design into your home is through artwork and accessories. Look for abstract paintings with bold colors and geometric shapes or add a vintage clock or an Eames-style lounge chair to complete the look. For colors, go for warm, earthy tones like olive green, mustard yellow, and burnt orange.
The 1960s were a time of social and cultural change, and this was reflected in the design trends of the era. Bold colors and graphic prints were a hallmark of 60s design, and this style is still popular today. To incorporate 60s-inspired design into your home, start with the color scheme. Think bright, saturated colors like fuchsia, turquoise, and chartreuse. You can also add graphic prints through wallpaper, throw pillows, or area rugs.
For furniture, look for pieces with clean lines and organic shapes, like a mod-inspired sofa or a funky egg chair. You can also incorporate iconic 60s accessories, like a lava lamp or a vintage record player, for an extra dose of retro flair.
The disco era of the 1970s was all about glamour and excess, and this was reflected in the design trends of the time. Shimmer, shine, and mirrored accents were all the rage, and this style can still add a touch of retro glam to your home today. To incorporate disco era design elements into your home, start with metallic finishes. Look for a mirrored accent table or a brass floor lamp to add some shine.
You can also incorporate disco-inspired patterns through wallpaper or textiles, like a metallic geometric wallpaper or a sequined throw pillow. For colors, go for bold jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red.
The 1980s were a time of pop culture and excess, and this was reflected in the design trends of the era. Neon lights and geometric shapes were all the rage, and this style can add a fun, playful touch to your home decor. To incorporate 80s-inspired design elements into your home, start with lighting. Look for a neon sign or a colorful pendant lamp to add some retro flair.
You can also add geometric patterns through wallpaper, throw pillows, or area rugs. For colors, think bright, bold hues like hot pink, electric blue, and neon green. And for furniture, look for pieces with angular shapes and bright finishes, like a lacquered coffee table or a geometric side table.
The Victorian era of the 19th century was known for its ornate, elegant design style, and this vintage trend can still add a touch of sophistication to modern interiors. To incorporate vintage Victorian design elements into your home, start with furniture. Look for ornate chairs or a vintage chaise lounge to create a luxurious feel.
You can also add vintage Victorian touches through textiles, like a lace tablecloth or a floral wallpaper. For colors, go for rich, deep hues like burgundy, navy, and forest green. And don't forget the accessories - vintage crystal chandeliers, antique mirrors, and ornate picture frames can all add a touch of vintage elegance to your home decor.
The Art Deco design trend emerged in the 1920s and 30s, and it has been experiencing a revival in recent years. This design style is known for its sleek lines, geometric shapes, and use of luxurious materials like marble and gold. To incorporate Art Deco design elements into your home, start with furniture. Look for a curved sofa or a streamlined armchair with a metallic finish.
You can also add Art Deco touches through accessories, like a geometric mirror or a crystal vase. For colors, go for a sophisticated palette of black, white, and metallics like gold and silver. And for textiles, consider adding some plush velvet or silky satin for a touch of luxury.
The Bohemian Hippie trend emerged in the 1960s and 70s, and it's all about creating a relaxed, carefree vibe in your home decor. This style is characterized by natural materials like rattan and jute, and earthy colors like rust, mustard yellow, and olive green. To incorporate Bohemian Hippie design elements into your home, start with furniture. Look for a rattan armchair or a woven jute rug to add some texture.
You can also add Bohemian touches through accessories, like a macrame wall hanging or a collection of colorful throw pillows. For colors, think earthy and muted tones, and don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures for a laid-back, bohemian vibe.
Retro interior design is a fun and playful way to add character and personality to your home decor. Whether you prefer the clean lines of mid-century modern or the bold colors of the 60s and 80s, there's a retro design trend that's perfect for you. By incorporating these design elements into your home, you can create a space that's truly one-of-a-kind.