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Retro style in the interior
Is retro style relevant today? What details and decorative elements are used in it? Read all about retro style on the Room Planner blog.
The relevance of retro style at the moment
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion and we see that power manifest itself in every creative sphere of art and design. That is the appeal of retro design, which centers on the concepts and creations of the 1960s and ‘70s.
We see this trend of retrospection with every generation. Retro interior design is currently very popular among millennials, just as Gen X yearned for relics and mementos of the 1940s and 1950s. One of the strongest actors in favor of retro style interior design is that it was the last era of high-quality production.
By the ‘80s, Made-in-China mass production took over the world, forcing international companies to rethink their design and quality. We ushered in mass consumerism, resulting in a steep decline in the quality that characterized our purchases before that.
Many young people are fascinated by the fact that products were designed to last for decades, and they marvel at the magnificent construction of retro era objects. This is particularly relevant today as more people have started to recognize the adverse impact that we are having on the planet. Resilient items from the middle of the last century are proof that we can do better if we choose to.
Another factor is the restrained design style, especially when compared to the punk-heavy brashness of the 1980s. Retro interior style is much more elegant. Retro futuristic interior design can be outlandish in concept but it is still far more similar to modern styles than the decade that followed.
That similarity brings together modern style and retro design.
Key characteristics of retro style
Retro modern interior design is a huge collection of diverse ideas. It was conceived at a time when the mass production engine of the world was gathering speed, bringing together many ideas from many people in many places, all contributing to a unified but vibrant sense of style.
It was also a time of great hope and expectations because the wars had just ended. That positivity and optimism manifested itself in creative works. The range of designs varies from the quiet elegance of the Mad Men era to the psychedelic funkiness of Austin Powers.
Elements of retro style interior design include a lot of soft curves and angled looks. There are distinct features of futuristic design, too – we see it in space chair-type seating and other furniture. There are glossy metals and chrome but it does not abandon soft fabrics and earthy wood, either. For example, fabric cushions on a wooden sofa frame with wooden or chrome legs are classic retro style.
Retro interior design style embraces bright colors. This sets it apart from the rather sedate postwar era but also from the diametrically-opposite neon-heavy noise of the 1980s. 70s retro interior design treads a fine line between the two, retaining its playful character without descending into chaotic influences.
The era was also heavy on textures, which is why shag rugs, 3-dimensional artwork, and wallpaper with raised patterns are such a big part of the movement. Interior design retro commonly features colors such as cherry red, mustard yellow, saffron orange, and avocado green. Colorful swirling patterns reminiscent of psychedelic imagery also occur often.
Vibrant colors and free retro lines
Vintage retro interior design is bright and colorful, with big blocks of color demarcating a room into smaller sections. As we touched on earlier, textures play a big role in retro interiors. Many of the highlights of a retro-themed room incorporate both these influences to create an infinite range of combinations that appeal to the eye.
These bright colors can be effective on their own but work best when paired with a monochromatic background of black and white. This juxtaposition of vibrant hues against a sedate backdrop is visually intriguing.
There are some very simple ways to achieve this effect:
· A black or white floor can be the ideal place for a carpet of eye-catching colors and shapes
· Monochromatic walls allow even ordinary pieces of furniture in interesting fabrics to pop
· Posters or framed art arranged in a geometric pattern against a wall is eye-catching
One practical aspect of interior design retro style is that it does not have to be ostentatious or luxurious to embody the style. If you do not want to spend a large amount of money painting a wall, you don’t have to. Instead, cover it in a series of interesting works of art in complementary colors.
Smaller objects such as fittings, cabinets and plastic furniture can be repainted in block colors and look right at home with retro modern interior design. Plain wooden chairs can be easily restored with a couple of layers of paint, followed by a topcoat of lacquer and fit into a home in the retro modern interior design style.
Use carpets that feature geometric shapes or blocks of color in the appropriate style to cover up indoor and outdoor floors that require excessive maintenance. Curtains in a retro design interior are almost always made of chintz. The light, plain background contrasts well against the patterns on the material, which are most often floral.
Ideas for arranging an apartment (general organizational points)
What is retro style interior design without accessories? Statues and plants are the most retro-friendly accessories to add to your home. Greenery should adorn windows and windowsills, and flowers can take pride of place at the middle of the dining table or on open vases on shelves in any room.
Where plant life is impractical or undesirable, opt for statues and statuettes. There are no real limitations on the material for these. However, pieces that look excessively old or antique can be jarring in a retro environment.
Plastic figurines and models of vehicles, especially military or racing ones were a huge fad in the retro era. Embrace that vibe with a glass showcase in the living room. Fill it with models that date back to that time, or even further to the mid-century.
Corner and side tables are the ideal locations for lamps. Retro lamps are often decorated with hanging fringe designs. If they are unavailable, purchase a cheap lamp and add your own.
If you did not grow up in the retro era, it can be difficult to find interior décor with the appropriate relevance. TheRoom Planner App is the perfect guide to designing a home in any style. Best of all, it’s completely free. Download it and design your retro home today.
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