As we all know, interior design trends are constantly changing; one minute, we crave minimalist sophistication, and the next we need bright orange wallpaper and fluffy cushions. However, one thing that you can always count on is that these trends will recycle every couple of decades. The things you may have thought were outdated and boring are now fresh and in-vogue, so make sure you keep up.
At the moment, one of the most popular aesthetics is the ‘retro’ look; this extends to fashion, interior styling and even make-up trends. If you feel like your home needs a revamp, check out some of our top tips for achieving the retro look.
Why has the retro look come back into style?
It is pretty normal for interior design trends to come and go every few years, but there are certainly a few obvious reasons as to why the retro look has made a comeback. Over the past couple of years, we have all been dealing with the chaos and trauma of the pandemic, which has led to many of us spending more time at home.
Even though we seem to be past the lockdown phase, lots of companies are still choosing to work from home. This is very important for the world of interior design, because it means that people have become more inclined to keep their houses looking trendy and up-to-date. If you are working from home Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, you don’t want to be uninspired by your surroundings.
But why retro?
So, for a long time, the modern world has favoured white walls and sophisticated, ‘grown up’ interiors that are subtle and elegant; but now, everything has changed. Spending more time in the house has meant we now want to inject a little personality and fun into our interior spaces.
For the older generation, the longing for the ‘retro look’ has been a sort of nostalgia that takes them back to a simpler time, making them feel young again. For others, they just want their homes to be exciting and interesting again. Why have beige rugs and cream coloured walls when you can have a giant red bean bag and crocheted wall hangings?
These changes in tastes are all to do with what people need at a specific point in time. After COVID 19, people are searching for lightness, laughter and fun, and this is clearly reflected in the recent interior design trends.
What are the key features of the retro aesthetic?
At this point, you may be wondering what the retro aesthetic actually is; this style takes inspiration from the furniture and accessories of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, offering a rather eclectic look. Although, there have certainly been hints of the 50s and 60s under the ‘retro’ umbrella, the 1970s style is absolutely the most prevalent in modern homes right now. The overall look is characterised by bright colours, patterned walls & rugs and furniture that stands out from the crowd; let’s face it, no one did pattern and colour better than the designers of the 70s.
The overall look presents a quirky, slightly whimsical, yet still refined style that makes you feel instantly relaxed and at-home. Although we still like some aspects minimalist furniture design, this aesthetic definitely creates a much warmer and more welcoming atmosphere in your home.
What type of furniture would suit this aesthetic?
50s Style
There are lots of types of furniture and accessories that would fit right in with the retro look. For example, the most popular piece of furniture from the 1950s was probably the Lounge Chair by Charles & Ray Eames; today, this is something that can be seen in a range of accent chairs, with modern tweaks and adjustments that bring to up to date. Our Foxi Chair from SITS was certainly influenced by the Lounge Chair and it’s the perfect pick for anyone looking to bring a little retro to their homes.
60s Style
The 1960s style was a little more crazy, incorporating ‘space-age’ features like curves, rounded features and sectional sofas; this was a time where everyone was looking towards the future and imagining what it could be like. The futuristic look included clean, crisp lines and organic shapes; our Banjo Sofa from Calia Italia is the perfect example of this, blending bright and colourful fabrics and customisable sections that slot together to create a contemporary masterpiece.
70s Style
The 1970s was the age of pattern, colour and shape; you can expect to see muted colour palettes of oranges, mustards and sage, creating a bold, but earthy look that draws you into a diverse and inviting space. Furniture and accessories include large, curved floor lamps and low hanging lighting, as well as pops of colour in funky bar stools and accent chairs. Our Arco Floor Lamp from FLOS would be the perfect addition to your 70s style interior, paired with the Illuminati Lighting Eclipse to add another dimension to the space.
Lastly, if you want to bring a retro feel to your kitchen, you might want to check out some of our swanky bar stools like the Jam Bar Stool from Calligaris and the Dylan Bar Stool from Midas.
There you have it, our top tips for getting started on your retro inspired home; if you feel like your interior design needs freshening up, take a trip back in time.
