Rehashed, retro interiors conjure fond memories of the not-so-distant past. Whether it be a low-slung lounge chair from the 70s, a postmodern laminate piece from the 80s, or checkerboard motifs harking to the 50s, nostalgic design brings a fun authenticity to a space. All of that said, there’s a fine line between tastefully evoking a blast from the past and creating a stodgy, dated interior. No matter what era you tap into, here are ways to give retro interiors a fresh, contemporary feel.
Focus on Timeless Features
While funky elements like shag carpeting and plastic-plastered decor are hallmarks of 70s design, they also may feel a bit too campy. Instead, turn to former decades’ most timeless characteristics. Earth tones, natural and raw materials like wood and rattan, and now-iconic pieces like Mario Bellini’s Camaleonda sofa, have stood the test of time. These perennial features seamlessly fit into contemporary homes.
Subtle touches like rounded edges, travertine tables, and geometric motifs elicit the teased-bangs-shoulder-pads ethos of the 80s without overwhelming a space with saccharine florals, pastels, and neon. Similarly, Mid-Century Modern furniture that was all the rage in the 60s remains as relevant as ever. In eclectic spaces, take a restrained approach to mixing nostalgic hallmarks with enduring classics.
Break out the Paint Palette
Curating a color scheme is a great way to bring a modern spin to retro interiors. Sea foam greens, dusty pinks, and sun-kissed golds and yellows are emblematic of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. If you have colorful, era-specific fittings, try balancing those hues with a more neutral palette. Retro living room furniture in loud shades truly pops when backed by plain walls. On the other hand, balancing nostalgic, boldly-painted walls with more contemporary, neutral furnishings is a sure-fire way to marry the past with the present.
Mix in the Modern
Rather than filling your living room to the brim with retro furnishings, take a more restrained approach. Cherry-pick your vintage pieces and mix them with modern features that look fresh but still evoke the past. Shops like Sunbeam Vintage sell new items that prompt a trip down memory lane. Blending vintage and antique pieces with brand-new furniture gives new life to a potentially out-of-fashion interior.
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Lead image: Design by Summer Thornton Design, Inc. / Photo by Josh Thornton
