A Retro living room can take on the design characteristics of any past era. You may find Mid Century Modern furnishings appealing, or you may prefer those from the 1970’s or 1980’s. The style of each era shares common colors, patterns and textures. The key to successfully implementing a retro style lies in choosing an era that has designs to meet your preferences. In some cases, this may include incorporating elements from several time periods.
A retro redesign of your living room doesn’t necessarily require replacing your existing furnishings. You can often achieve the desired look by adding a couple of Retro styled chairs, a table and accessories that coordinate well with your existing furnishings. The recent popularity of Mid Century Modern styles has led many designers to draw inspiration from the past. The fusion of design elements from previous eras with contemporary details breathes new life into the original. You can create a similar cohesion in your own Retro living room.
Choosing a Color Scheme
Retro color schemes typically involve the use of bold tones of red, blue, green, orange and purple. Monochrome tones such as black and white are popular as well. Many Retro styled living rooms are saturated with bright colors. It is not uncommon to combine contrasting colors such as orange and violet. For example, you may paint an accent wall dark blue and place a bright orange chair in front of it. Alternatively, you can use one single color and introduce various shades and tones. Wall space is also ideal for painting a colorful design to tie various colors in the room together. If you prefer more neutral colors, choose beige, brown or white furnishings and add brightly colored accents of orange or green. Another option is to select furnishings with complementary colors and designs while using neutral colors for walls and floor coverings.
Match Furnishings to the Architecture
Architects are frequently influenced by designs from previous eras. As a result, many modern homes have Retro elements infused in their architecture. You can use these features to guide your furniture selections. For example, Mid-Century Modern architecture is characterized by the extensive use of glass, open designs and changes in elevation. Use the clean lines of retro furniture to balance a space with expansive windows. A sunken living room is ideal for creating a cozy seating area with a 1970’s sectional sofa. You can also use a brightly colored sectional sofa to form a circular seating area and accentuate the geometric design of a curved wall. Accent tables with curvy tops and tapered legs will introduce Retro style into virtually any living room. When decorating with authentic Retro furnishings, be aware that some may have toxic varnishes or lead based paint. These substances can present a health hazard, especially when used on children’s furniture.
Retro Lighting
Retro lighting not only illuminates your living room but enhances the appearance of your interior. You can usually find the ideal fixture at an antique store, consignment shop or flea market. Most manufacturers offer reproductions of Retro styles as well. Some popular Retro lighting styles include chrome wall fixtures and 1960’s pendant lights. Arc floor lamps are a favorite as well and can provide lighting for otherwise shadowy areas. Globe table lamps in bold colors with large shades add to the Retro style of your living room. Hanging lamps were also common in the 1960’s. Suspend one from the ceiling to brighten up a dark corner. Update your Retro lights with long lasting, LED bulbs for brighter light and greater energy efficiency.
Window Treatments
Window treatments are one of the quickest ways to introduce a Retro influence into your living room. Panels with bright floral designs, newspaper print or bold colorful patterns will add interest to a room of solid colors. Dark curtains with repeating patterns of light colors such as pink or pale green instilled contrast into the décor of many 1950’s living rooms. The 1960’s brought synthetic materials in bright colors, for example, tangerine curtains with yellow stripes. Fabrics with polka dot, mural and striped prints will enhance your Retro style. You can find Retro window treatments at a number of online marketplaces such as eBay and Etsy. Alternatively, purchasing the material from a fabric store to create your own window treatments will allow you to choose the exact colors and designs you want.
Flooring Coverings
Floor coverings can be used to add color and texture or temper the other colors in your living room. A 1960’s style shag pile rug is an excellent way to add texture and Retro style. If you’ve used a number of bright colors and bold patterns throughout the room and want to soften the appearance, use a neutral colored rug. A bright colored area rug with a large design can add interest to a room of otherwise solid colors. You can also achieve a similar effect with an odd shaped rug. Choose a bold color on the opposite end of the color spectrum as your furnishings to create contrast.
Accessories
Retro accessories are making their way back into interior design marketplaces. Sunburst mirrors, Retro clocks and vintage brass candlesticks are gracing the pages of magazines and interior design showrooms. If you’re reluctant to fully embrace a Retro style but would like to add a subtle influence, the right accessories can help you achieve your desired style. Large-scale multicolored wall art is an effective way to add Retro style. Tin boxes and wall sculptures also make appealing accents as do old movie posters from the era of your décor. Hanging orb fireplaces were a hot item in the 1960’s and have recently appeared in bold colors.
2 Point Highlight
A Retro living room can take on the design characteristics of any past era.
The key to successfully implementing a retro style lies in choosing an era that has designs to meet your preferences.
