Do you want your home furniture to be on trend but still look timeless and elegant? Modern retro style could be the design trend for you. Although it’s one of the hottest home design trends today, it actually has never gone out of style. One reason for this could be that the past has always been a rich resource to design something new in the present. Whether it’s the elegance of the Victorian period or the bohemian look of the 70s, retro as a new trend in furniture can create a sophisticated, enduring, and uniquely personal home decor. If you’re not careful, however, the reinvented retro style can look chaotic instead of chic. Learn to adopt retro chic the right way with these 8 fail-safe tips.
Maximize the impact of wood
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There is something inherently retro and nostalgic about distressed wood. Its appeal can bring warmth and character to any space. Whether for an antique chair, table or cabinet, wood can provide old world splendor to your home. To ensure durability and quality, choose hardwoods like cherry, oak, and mahogany. Furniture made from these hardwoods is strong and built to last. They can look great today as they did more than a hundred years ago. For a homey environment that feels refined, you can also combine wooden furniture with other materials like stone and metal.
Up cycle with a mixture of vintage elements
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Retro furniture trends is about transforming the old and making it new. For example, you can upcycle a vintage item like a suitcase by reinventing it as a table. Then, decorate with retro and modern pieces for a personalized look. Combining modern and retro elements can breathe new life into your space. While these furniture can be spotted in thrift shops and posh antique stores, you can have one custom-made to suit your needs and preference. The design consultation usually involves taking measurements and selecting the features to make the furniture your own.
Use geometric patterns and bold colors
Bold colors and geometric patterns can make any furniture look more fun. However, if you are a bit hesitant to commit to making such a big design change, a good way to ease into retro furniture trends is to have one accent item and leave the rest in neutral tones. The effect is less overwhelming, but can still give a good design punch. While going bold with the retro look is exciting, you might also want to experiment first with simpler patterns and subdued color combinations. Clashing colors and patters can make your space look scattered and uninviting. Keep everything unified and complementary for a relaxing, modern feel.
Go over the top with accessories
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The 1970s was a decade of excess and over-the-top accessories. No wonder that a lot of people look back to this era for luxurious designs inspirations. For a modern retro motif, use the old Seventies design trick of enhancing your living space and furniture with shiny accessories made of silver, metal, and glass. These can add sparkle and style to your home furniture. If you’re doing a home renovation, keep your furniture simple and muted to maximize the glamorous effect of gleaming accessories.
Ventilate with a vintage ceiling fan
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Ceiling fans appeared on the design scene in the 1800s and can evoke a laid-back vintage feeling today. From restaurants to households, ceiling fans have an old world charm that can make your space delightfully retro. They also serve an important function—providing breeze in the summer and circulating warmer air during winter. As ceiling fans sold today have a tendency to look boring and unstylish, make sure that you choose those with a good design. Palm fronds as wings are fantastic for both the vintage look and function.
Bring in a piece of personal history
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Vintage furniture is great not only for their design but also for their history. Sometimes, you can get lucky and inherit a great piece of heirloom furniture. If you don’t, you can still go for the vintage motif by buying them. Thrift stores are ideal places to get them without breaking the bank. You might also want to consider going vintage more for the design effect. From furniture shops in Darwin to the markets of Morocco, you can get high quality and economical vintage furniture on which to imprint your own history.
Illuminate with stained glass lamps
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Stained glass lighting have existed for centuries. Because they add color and character to a space, it’s no wonder that they are usually abundant in old churches and mansions. You can recreate the vintage feel in your home without making it look dated. The key is to focus on one furniture or home area. For example, an overhead stained glass lamp can provide added illumination retro-style. There are tons of elegant stained glass design ideas to choose from, but remember to select a piece that goes well with your space.
Invest in a leather lounge chair
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A vintage leather lounge chair can be the perfect centerpiece of your living room. Having a vintage lounge chair in your home is a stylish way to showcase retro beauty and comfort. Depending on the design, a lounge chair can channel minimalist retro or luxury vintage. You can get solidly built lounge chairs in a furniture sale. To preserve the piece without losing the vintage appeal, have it reupholstered with the right fabric. Aniline leather is a great choice, but washable canvass can look great as well.
So, are you ready to “retrofy” you space? Creating a modern vintage home is not difficult at all, neither is it expensive. By following these retro design tips, you can save time and money in creating a stylish vintage home that you can call your own. Remember that finding the right balance of past and present is vital to sustain a personal living space that is timeless in both look and feel.
Guest Post By
Jeanette Anzon
www.adventuredweller.com
@jeanetteanzon