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One thing that runs true throughout the Retro
interior theme is the colour schemes, avoca do
green which was probably the most popular had
staying power, and adding this colour to your
décor is one of the quickest ways to create a solid
base for building your retro look.
Other popular colours included:
Mustard yellow
Orange
Brown
Harvest gold
Aqua colours
Additional Design Elements:
Other retro inspired design elements that will
bring your look to life include:
Shag carpeting
Round lampshades
Fabrics with geometric patterns and brilliant
colours such as pink, aqua, yellow and lime green
Checkered tile floors (Black and white, red and
white, red and black, aqua and black)
Bean bag chairs
Work the Retro look into your home
We’ve distinguished the differences between the styles but how do
you workt these into your modern interior design?
• Go big or Go bold! Using bold patterns and colours:
Retro styling brings together bold patterns and colours into your home.
If you enjoy large patterns, try using them on your walls with wallpaper,
paint or murals. For the same affect throughout your furniture, consider
using bold fabrics and coordinating textiles such as rugs, and window
treatments. Try and keep the bold patterns and colours within a few
colours for the palette. Too many colours will make your room look
scattered, and uninviting.
• Add just a hint with subtle touches:
If you prefer to bring retro styling into your home more subtly, consider
using smaller prints and geometric repetitive patterns. Instead of bold
colours, modernize your interiors with pastels and muted variations of
the bold. Use patterns in smaller quantities, and infuse neutrals into
furnishings, flooring and wall coverings. Mix and match solids and
patterns to also play down big and bold retro styling.
• Retro lines of furniture with modern finishes:
Curvilinear and circular forms are classic characteristics of retro
furniture. Pair these up with modern leather, wood, and lacquer
finished furniture, and the marriage of the two is gorgeous. Scour
online classifieds, garage sales and vintage stores here you’ll find old
pieces that you can re-upholster or repurpose. Replace an outdated
fabric with a new and funky coloured one. A lot of furniture stores carry
retro looking furniture lines, which look old, but are brand new.
• Sleek modernism:
If your decorative style leans more toward modern minimalism, opt for
a few retro pieces that have simple curves and lines. Remove large
quantities of furniture from your space so the eye can focus on a few
focal points of the room. A dining room set, reminiscent of retro design
styles, and adorned with a dramatic pendant light can modernize
your interiors, instantly. Leave intricate and detailed woodworking for
another style. Retro modern style enjoys free forms that are fluid in
nature and appeal.
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