Retro styles are making a major comeback—especially when it comes to home decor. Bold colors, vintage patterns, and nostalgic themes are taking over interior design. If you want to infuse this style into your home design, you’ve come to the right place. From mid-century modern to 70s boho, here are some iconic retro home decor styles to embrace.
Chrome Finishes
Shiny, futuristic chrome is back in a huge way. From lighting fixtures to chairs, chrome accents can instantly offer a vintage-modern feel. Paired with bold colors and a sleek, minimalist color palette, this 50s and 80s inspired finish offers an effortless way to infuse some nostalgia into your interior design.
Eclectic Maximalism
Minimalism was all the rage in the last couple decades, but it’s time for eclectic maximalism to step into the spotlight. Vibrant colors, bold layering, mixed patterns, and personal treasures— all of these elements allow you to blend eras and styles to create a truly unique design. Maximalism allows a homeowner to curate a joyful interior rather than a sterile, simple one.
Shades of Brown and Mustard Yellow
Earthy, 70s inspired colors such as deep brown, mustard yellow, and rich cream are another reemerging retro trend to try out in your home. These cozy, grounded hues are perfect for furniture, decor, and wall colors. They create a warm, lived-in aesthetic perfect for that nostalgic touch. It’s a simple way to embrace a retro-inspired design.
Graphic Patterns
Bold, geometric patterns are a classic hallmark of retro style. Whether you are incorporating a graphic area rug, patterned wallpaper, or even funky upholstery, these design elements add dynamic energy into any room. To truly embrace the retro aesthetic, don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns for a playful, authentic look.
Curvy Furniture
Round, curvy furniture was popular in the 60s and 70s. Sofas and chairs with soft, rounded silhouettes are making a return in modern interiors. Organic, flowing shapes are a nod to the groovy hippie era. Curvy furniture not only looks inviting but also adds a sense of softness and movement to your home.
Bold Wallpaper
Say goodbye to boring plain white walls, and hello to retro inspired wallpapers. Bright colors, funky patterns, and botanical designs are making a return in modern interior design. Whether you want to do an accent wall or a full room, wallpaper is a simple way to infuse your home with vintage vibes.
Area Rugs With Retro Prints and Colors
An area rug that features retro inspired print or color schemes can be the perfect anchor point for your space. Shag texture, geometric patterns, or muted sunset palettes bring that retro nostalgia while offering an inviting atmosphere. These rugs tie together eclectic furniture and decor perfectly, while providing personality and warmth.
Classic Mid-Century Design
The mid-century modern aesthetic never really goes out of style. But it’s starting to trend in interior design right now. With its clean lines, bold colors, and balance between form and function, homeowners are turning towards this style more and more. You can embrace this design with sleek wooden furniture or a low-profile sofa to elevate your space for a timeless interior.
Wood Tones
Deep, warm, natural wood tones are a key element of authentic retro home design. From teak furniture to paneled walls, including wood in your design offers a rich, earthy element to balance out brighter, bolder decor choices. Layer wood throughout your design to instantly cultivate an inviting, retro, lived-in aesthetic.
Mix-Match Kitchen
We’re moving away from the perfectly cohesive kitchen designs, and towards a more eclectic, retro-inspired design. Instead of perfectly matched cabinetry and countertops, designers are embracing a more mix-and-match approach. We are seeing more combined textures, colors, and materials for a more personal, retro-inspired feel. You can incorporate this into your kitchen with colorful tiles, paired with wood cabinets and other vintage appliances.
Accent Pieces
When most people think of retro design, they immediately assume it only includes the 60s and 70s, but the 80s are coming back too. Statement lamps, funky accent chairs, and Memphis Group-inspired designs are more and more prevalent in modern design. These quirky, colorful pieces are perfect for adding a unique twist to your decor.
Painted Furniture
You can repurpose items you already own to capture that retro aesthetic. Give your old furniture a new life by painting it in retro colors and designs. Brightly painted dressers, chairs, or coffee tables in colors like mustard, teal, or cherry red add a playful, vintage charm to your home.
Art Collections
Curated art collections were popular in the 60s and 70s. To capture that classic retro home feel, showcase your own eclectic collection. Mix and match vintage paintings, funky posters, and bold prints to create a gallery-like feel full of character. More is more when it comes to displaying your favorite art.
Chandeliers
Boring overhead lighting is done. Chandeliers are making a comeback in a surprising way. Retro inspired chandeliers and lighting fixtures, especially with brass or chrome finishes and globe bulbs, can transform a room into a stylish statement piece. Pair with lavish lighting sconces and other ambient lighting for a beautiful, vintage feel.
Silk Upholstery
Luxurious silk upholstery is making quite the return. Think accent chairs, throw pillows, and even couches. This glamorous material adds a hint of that old-school luxury to your decor. It offers a soft contrast to more bold wood tones or metal furniture. It’s the perfect element to include in your design to capture that retro aesthetic.
