PERFECT HOMES MAGAZINE Issue 14 | Page 65

It was an era of social and political change, revolutionary fashion and stylish interior design. The late 1950s and early 60s paved the way for simple styling and the popular American drama, Mad Men has spurred a new take of the era, reinvigorating the retro/vintage trend in a big way. So what does retro mean? “Retro style” in interior design is a term used to describe designs from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, although the 1980s are beginning to be included under the “retro” umbrella. There are degrees in retro style that range from adding a few pieces to recreating an average vintage home interior from a particular time period. Beyond these varying degrees, some retro styles are a bit over the top in colours and use of materials. For this reason, retro style is not for the faint of heart or for people who prefer a more understated and classic décor. When you go retro, embracing the look shows that planning went into creating your home and that you haven’t just failed to update your décor during the past decades. True vintage designs are highly sought after, so if you have a few gathering dust in your basement or attic, it’s time to dust them off and integrate them into your new design plan. Not all retro designs are created equal, and each period has a very different look this ranges from clean and modern to psychedelic here we take a look at the varying styles. PERFECT HOMES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 65