Retro Design: a return to nostalgia

Despite the multiple modern trends in interior design, the retro style remains on the list of the most popular solutions. In contemporary interiors, this style is a nostalgic salute to a not-so-distant past, being a variant characterized by a combination of vibrant colors, contrasting materials and unusual accessories. Learn more about retro design in this article!

Retro design: a little history

To begin with, by “retro” we mean the interior style from the 50s to the 70s. According to design history experts, the retro style was a response to the formidable times of the forties, but it also embodies the post-war years, representing the renaissance and innovation that marked the period.

In this sense, the 60s was a turning point for retro design. LSD and the “hippie” movement brought fluid patterns and bright colors. In this period, the use of color was applied as a sign of rebellion. In fact, the style called “Psychedelic” became so popular that it had an influence on fashion, music and cinema. In the 70s, retro design received influences from cultural movements such as disco, giving way to intricate geometric patterns and unlikely color combinations.

Retro design features

Anyone who designs a retro-style space should do so in moderation, so as not to run the risk of creating an overly theatrical setting. To do this, you must start by planning and outlining the layout and design of the space, based on an iconic piece or decor item. Chrome fixtures, unique furniture, period posters, bold signage, metal chairs — this is retro.

Nowadays, modern designers and manufacturers offer an abundance of decor items stylized for retro design. There is no need to follow specific rules or exact recommendations, you can simply combine the boldness of the time with functional modernity. Here, the important thing is to balance the overall look of the decor with contemporary pieces and white walls. It's all about balance when it comes to recreating retro design. Discover some distinctive characteristics of this style:

Color scheme

When it comes to colors, the most unlikely solutions are always welcome in retro design. For example, wallpaper in saturated colors like red, brown or blue, with bold patterns and expressive lines is a real must-have. Other colors, such as mustard yellow or purple, can also be used. However, among the most popular colors are lettuce green, blue and orange. The important thing is to use colors to add shine and luminosity to the environment.

Floor covering

It's no secret that thelinoleumor vinyl are very popular coverings of this style. An interesting solution is the combination of different shapes and patterns: square and rectangular tiles, hexagonal and octagonal, yellow with red, blue with green, black with white. Ultimately, in retro design the sky is the limit.

Decoration notes

There is no end to the list of traditional retro design style accessories, but it is worth highlighting the most popular ones:

– Tall floor lamps;

– Carpets with geometric patterns;

– Cast iron parts;

– Round wall clocks;

– Unusual vases.

Furniture

The main characteristic offurnitureretro is its unusual shape. For example, theEames Lounge Chair, first created in 1956 by brothers Ray and Charles Eames, is one of the most iconic pieces of retro furniture and is still in production today. Its voluminous, rounded shape helps create eye-catching and interesting interiors that continue to attract attention.

What is the difference between vintage and retro design?

Essentially, vintage design requires the use of original pieces from a certain period: that is, the basis of the interior is restored furniture and decoration from the 18th and 19th centuries. On the other hand, retro offers the possibility of stylization. That is, in retro interiors the use of bright and saturated colors, geometric patterns and/or furniture with unusual shapes is expected.