8 ways to bring Retro Standard sophistication into your home
Statement stripes, bold colours, and confident cord - the future of your interior is the past.
The Retro Standard design trend embodies ‘newstalgia’, taking all your favourite mid-century vintage values from the 50s, 60s and beyond and giving them an eclectic modern twist for a fun and funky décor style. If your idea of the ultimate luxurious living room is straight out of a Wes Anderson film with the saturation dialled to 100, this trend is right up your alley.
Read on for the lowdown on styling, accessorising and embracing the Retro Standard way of life.
Seek out stripes
There’s nothing quite like bold stripes to make a retro statement. Thick, lavish rugs, cool and colourful bed linens, and eye-catching wall art are all perfect for introducing a splash of stripes to your décor, breaking up the room and adding visual interest to your space. Choose darker blues and off-whites for a nautical nostalgic feel, or channel the saccharine chic of a 60s sweet shop with a mustard and blush pink rhubarb and custard look.
Turn up the tan
Be prepared to get playful with your colour palette - this trend is all about mixing neutral retro styling with upbeat, contemporary pops. Brown is the star of the show here, from warm tan leather to deep walnut wood, introducing the rich opulence of the 70s, with features of off-kilter primary colours like navy, mustard, and rust. Don’t let your nostalgia be muted, though - bright greens, oranges, and yellows look ravishing as eclectic accents!
Mix old and new
Not sure how to fill your new retro space? Start with the stuff collecting dust in your attic! Family heirlooms, fine china memorial plates, that strange trinket dish as old as your grandma - relics from your cupboards are as vintage as it gets and act as a fantastic foundation on which to build modern flair. From there, add contemporary chic with sleek side tables, curvy shapes, and a versatile modular sofa to bring your space into the 21st century.
Choose second-hand style
If your style is authentically retro, why not go all out with true vintage accessories and décor? In the age of fast fashion and over-consumerism, shopping secondhand is the cheat code to curating a sustainable interior with oodles of unique charm. Websites such as Vinterior make it easy to buy pre-loved accessories with vintage appeal, but there’s nothing stopping you from going old school with Sunday morning car boot sales or a trip to your local antique market. Top tip: while we love second-hand style accessories, we always recommend investing in new for bigger purchases like sofas and beds for quality assurance, durability, and the peace of mind of a warranty.
Tap into texture
Switching up your fabrics adds a whole new playing field to the retro game. Smooth, luxurious velvets introduce all the elegance of the early 20th century, chunky chenilles bring cosy chic, and classic cotton sets a light and airy atmosphere. For the ultimate vintage visage, we recommend ribbed textiles like corduroy and jumbo cord for texture that oozes retro and is visible across the room.
Think functional
Feeling good is fundamental to a retro-inspired interior, so designing a space you can live life to the fullest in is crucial. Make the most of functional furniture like sideboards, bookshelves and footstools that offer clever storage solutions without detracting from your décor dreamland, and pack your room with signs of life that spark joy to you. Sprawling plants, hand-thrown fruit bowls and dripping candles add homely, lived-in luxury to your retro aesthetic.
Make it mid century
You can’t venture far into vintage without stumbling across mid century furniture. This 1950s design style has stood the test of time for a reason; splayed legs, clean lines, and formal backs sit pretty in just about every interior. Silver chrome frames and feet add a contemporary twist to this retro classic, elevated even further when paired with a vibrant cover.
Have fun with it!
Last but certainly not least - don’t forget to have fun with your space! Retro interiors can be as eclectic and eccentric as you make them, so enjoy filling every nook and cranny with fun vintage finds and artwork. Whether that’s an Art Deco-inspired drinks trolley or a decadent floor-to-ceiling lamp, adding pops of personality means you’ll love your living room for longer. Struggling to set the mood in your space? Check out our feel good hub for expert advice on making your house a home.
