So Your Style Is: Retro
What's old is new again with this fun and colourful approach to home decor
Playful and full of character, this funky style draws on the best parts of the past and puts them together in weird and wonderful ways that surprise and delight.
Why it works: Some real gems are hidden in the fashions of yesteryear so bringing them back to life is a worthwhile pursuit, particularly if you can put a fresh spin on your favourites. Your home should reflect your personal style, after all, so the more individual it is, the better.
You’ll love it if… ‘50s frocks and pork-pie hats are your go-to style, you love old black and white movies and you’re not afraid to show off your quirky side.
Try introducing these elements into your home to pull off retro-style spaces.
Why it works: Some real gems are hidden in the fashions of yesteryear so bringing them back to life is a worthwhile pursuit, particularly if you can put a fresh spin on your favourites. Your home should reflect your personal style, after all, so the more individual it is, the better.
You’ll love it if… ‘50s frocks and pork-pie hats are your go-to style, you love old black and white movies and you’re not afraid to show off your quirky side.
Try introducing these elements into your home to pull off retro-style spaces.
Essential elements
The fabulous retro fridge and ‘50s-style kitchen table are the highlights in this simple kitchen. Authentic pieces of the past in the form of appliances, furniture or artwork are key when it comes to making this style work successfully. Embrace your inner ‘50s housewife with an apron you keep on display.
HOW TO DO IT: Bring the look up to date by adding modern elements into the mix. A resurrected table paired with chairs from a different era prevents a room from looking too dated.
The fabulous retro fridge and ‘50s-style kitchen table are the highlights in this simple kitchen. Authentic pieces of the past in the form of appliances, furniture or artwork are key when it comes to making this style work successfully. Embrace your inner ‘50s housewife with an apron you keep on display.
HOW TO DO IT: Bring the look up to date by adding modern elements into the mix. A resurrected table paired with chairs from a different era prevents a room from looking too dated.
Daring colours
Retro style is not for wallflowers so dare to use colour wherever possible. If you’re looking to the ‘60s and ‘70s for inspiration, think bright orange, purple, pink and lime green – groovy, baby!
HOW TO DO IT: Inject some solid blocks of black, white or natural timber to give your style a grown-up edge.
Retro style is not for wallflowers so dare to use colour wherever possible. If you’re looking to the ‘60s and ‘70s for inspiration, think bright orange, purple, pink and lime green – groovy, baby!
HOW TO DO IT: Inject some solid blocks of black, white or natural timber to give your style a grown-up edge.
Single hues
This lime green has jetted in straight from the ‘70s but the bathroom’s lines are fresh and contemporary. If you don’t want to go all the way with your retro look, a nod to the past can be all you need. There are no rules when it comes to retro – just do what makes you feel good.
HOW TO DO IT: Match retro colours with white for a more sophisticated look.
This lime green has jetted in straight from the ‘70s but the bathroom’s lines are fresh and contemporary. If you don’t want to go all the way with your retro look, a nod to the past can be all you need. There are no rules when it comes to retro – just do what makes you feel good.
HOW TO DO IT: Match retro colours with white for a more sophisticated look.
Beloved belongings
Nothing is off limits in this terrific dining and living area. The furniture is the real deal, the artwork and coat hooks speak of a bygone era and even the window blinds are a blast from the past. This retro space combines comfort with key pieces that bring the past well and truly back to life.
HOW TO DO IT: Weave in family belongings wherever you can to give your home heart and soul. If you can lay your hands on Granny’s old crocheted rug or you fondly remember a painting your parents had when you were growing up, see if they are willing to part with it. I’ve got my eye on an old yellow jug from my childhood.
Nothing is off limits in this terrific dining and living area. The furniture is the real deal, the artwork and coat hooks speak of a bygone era and even the window blinds are a blast from the past. This retro space combines comfort with key pieces that bring the past well and truly back to life.
HOW TO DO IT: Weave in family belongings wherever you can to give your home heart and soul. If you can lay your hands on Granny’s old crocheted rug or you fondly remember a painting your parents had when you were growing up, see if they are willing to part with it. I’ve got my eye on an old yellow jug from my childhood.
Accessories aplenty
Those who grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s will remember glasses decorated with bold patterns, and the bright shades of orange, yellow, green and blue popping up in tiling, appliances and clothing. This kitchen brings those colours back in small doses with the help of some artfully placed accessories.
HOW TO DO IT: It’s ok to be picky. If the colour brown doesn’t fill you with joy, don’t use it, no matter how true to an era it is. Remember kitchens and bathrooms tiled in murky combinations of orange and brown? Some home fashions should be left where they belong – in the past.
Those who grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s will remember glasses decorated with bold patterns, and the bright shades of orange, yellow, green and blue popping up in tiling, appliances and clothing. This kitchen brings those colours back in small doses with the help of some artfully placed accessories.
HOW TO DO IT: It’s ok to be picky. If the colour brown doesn’t fill you with joy, don’t use it, no matter how true to an era it is. Remember kitchens and bathrooms tiled in murky combinations of orange and brown? Some home fashions should be left where they belong – in the past.
White walls
Painting your walls and trim white is the best way to make your retro treasures stand out. Floorboards also painted white will make colours pop further still.
HOW TO DO IT: Introducing authentic old signs or wall prints adds colour and character, and can complement a retro approach beautifully. Think Andy Warhol, flower power and bold geometrics.
Painting your walls and trim white is the best way to make your retro treasures stand out. Floorboards also painted white will make colours pop further still.
HOW TO DO IT: Introducing authentic old signs or wall prints adds colour and character, and can complement a retro approach beautifully. Think Andy Warhol, flower power and bold geometrics.
Bedroom basics
Nothing says retro like a repurposed dressing table with a mirror that’s unmistakably from another time.
HOW TO DO IT: Bedding is a brilliant way to reflect your style. Check out the bedspread and floral cushions in this room – if it wasn’t so cool and groovy, it could have come straight out of Grandma’s house.
Nothing says retro like a repurposed dressing table with a mirror that’s unmistakably from another time.
HOW TO DO IT: Bedding is a brilliant way to reflect your style. Check out the bedspread and floral cushions in this room – if it wasn’t so cool and groovy, it could have come straight out of Grandma’s house.
Whacky wallpaper
Retro furniture is one thing, but daring to add a modern interpretation of the bright and bold wallpaper of yesteryear is where it’s really at if you want to make a statement.
HOW TO DO IT: The colour and shape of lamps and lighting change with the times, so don’t neglect this important element if you aspire to a retro look that works.
SHOW US
Have you embraced retro styling in your home? We’d love to see it! Please post a high-resolution photo in the comments section below so we can all enjoy a trip back in time.
Retro furniture is one thing, but daring to add a modern interpretation of the bright and bold wallpaper of yesteryear is where it’s really at if you want to make a statement.
HOW TO DO IT: The colour and shape of lamps and lighting change with the times, so don’t neglect this important element if you aspire to a retro look that works.
SHOW US
Have you embraced retro styling in your home? We’d love to see it! Please post a high-resolution photo in the comments section below so we can all enjoy a trip back in time.
The more mixed up your patterns, the better a retro style can work, so mix and match with abandon. Cushions, rugs and upholstery are good places to start.
HOW TO DO IT: Aim for a colour palette of at least five colours and you’ll be on your way to creating a retro wonderland.