How To Mix And Match Retro Items

If you like the idea of having a retro look to your home, but don’t want to go overboard, there are plenty of ways to add some interesting touches without going full on TV set. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a modern home with a nod to nostalgia.

What do we mean by retro style?

When retro is used to describe interior design, it usually means the furniture, colours, fabrics, and textures that were fashionable from the 1950s to the 1970s. It is generally characterised by strong bright colours, such as mustard, avocado, cherry red, or orange, which capture the psychedelic disco optimism of the era.

Wallpaper and fabric designs were often abstract and big and bold, and shagpile rugs were all the rage. Furniture was influenced by the earlier Art Deco movement, with curved lines and unusual shapes, and was made with a combination of glass, plastics, metal, and synthetic materials.

How do you introduce retro items to your home?

It’s best to start with one or two key pieces, such as an item of vintage furniture or some quirky light fittings. To give the look a contemporary twist, combine them with a modern hardwood floor or plain white walls. It’s fine to mix retro items from different eras, especially if you have an older house with period details such as fireplaces and cornices.

Pick an accent colour to draw a room together

While styles from different eras can add interest and personality to a room, it’s still important to create a sense of coherence and balance. This can be done through repeating an accent colour throughout.

For example, if you have gone for a bold patterned wallpaper, pick your favourite colour in the design, and source colour matched soft furnishings or other details, such as lamp shades, rugs, chairs, and so on, to build a harmony and rhythm to the space.