Retro inspired interiors and living spaces are making a bit of comeback in the last year or so. With bold colors like purple and violet being touted as the hottest colors of 2014 and gold and silver accents featuring in top interior design trends of the year ahead, now is the time to introduce a hint of retro charm into your living room. While most often modern homes owners seem to relegate vintage styles and retro patterns to the kitchen , it is time to think beyond the obvious. Chic and fashionable, simple retro decor additions can often make a big difference to the ambiance of any living space.
Fabulous living room with a cool collection of vases
by UPinteriors
Going retro does not mean you have to go overboard with bright colors and vivacious patterns. Instead of opting for an entirely retro time, the more innovative style is to introduce cool Mid-Century Modern chairs, orb-style fireplace, patterned rugs or select retro pieces that enhance the existing contemporary style of your home. Instantly standing out from the mundane, here are some fabulous inspirations to get you started in the right direction –
Sophisticated Mid-Century design style for the contemporary living room
Another look at the gorgeous space…
by Sarah Greenman
Bright orange and the geometric rug usher in the retro vibe
by Susan Diana Harris Interior Design
Twin chairs add a vintage style with ease!
by Chris Barrett Design
Lovely design idea for a small living room
by Rachel Reider Interiors
Living room combines several retro decor items even while staying modern
by Weego Home
Combine clean contemporary design with retro hues
by Holly Marder
Malm Lancer fireplace in bright orange does the trick here
by maison21
A Splash of Colorful Exuberance
Most often retro design ideas are linked with bold colors, intricate patterns and general design that is more over the top than understated. While this refreshingly rich look might not work with every living room and any given theme, it does feel organic and urbane when done right. Try to introduce a few classic chairs, a retro-styled table, and possibly a vintage decor item or two to accentuate this theme. A completely retro-inspired living room can be a touch overwhelming, but therein lays its beauty!
Surround yourself with color!
A shelf like this could redefine the look of your entire living space
by Thomas Wold
Orange is a popular color choice for those looking to add a retro appeal
by Kropat Interior Design
Side tables, cabinets and brilliant chandeliers are also a wonderful way of adding the retro style to the living room. Just couple these select furnishings with the right throw pillows and a rug and you have playful, hip space that sets the right tone for the rest of the house. When it comes to colorful designs, the 60s and the 70s offer you with endless inspiration…
Over-sized vintage cafe sign and a lava lamp in the living room
by Kailey J. Flynn Photography
Colorful and quirky living room
Inimitable Noguchi Coffee table bridges the contemporary and the retro!
by Chimera Interior Design
Keeping it colorful and trendy!
by Becky Harris
Looks like the set of a sci-fi TV series from the 70s!
by Max T
A fitting tribute to the vivacious 60s and the 70s!
by Alex Amend Photography
Retro style diner adds to the living room visual
by Smith & Vansant Architects
Contemporary and Retro!
While retro and vintage might look appealing currently, it might be just a matter of time when the world of interior design casts them aside once again. Getting stuck with a living room that needs a complete makeover is both expensive and inconvenient. This is precisely why many home owners and designers are opting for a subtle addition of retro decor even while keeping the theme strictly modern or contemporary. By adding a single furnishing, curtains, coffer table or wallpaper to the accent wall, you add a sense of nostalgia without redecorating in an extensive manner.
Chairs are an easy way to add a pinch of retro to your home
Elegant rug and wood paneling give the room inviting warmth
by Michael Moran
Pops of yellow and purple and a shag rug bring in the retro
by Elad Gonen
The idea here is to create a living room that stays timeless and can be easily altered with changing design tends. While moving out a couple of chair or replacing wall art is easy, if you commit to an exclusively retro design, then make sure that you really love it and would stick to it for several seasons to come.
Modern retro living room with a bright couch and interesting wallpaper
by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly
Retro design combined with bold ceiling color
The hanging Bubble Chair is another cool retro addition
by Susan Jay Design
Warm yellows showcase a 70s retro look along with a tinge of Hollywood Regency
Chic glam meets cool retro overtones at this LA Loft
by Madison Modern Home
Neutral colors can also be used to usher in a vibrant retro look
by Burritt Bros. Carpets
Posh house exudes understated charm
by MAD – Modern Affordable Design Solutions
Retro-cool living room with contemporary twist
by Sarah Greenman
Inspirational Mid-Century Modern Designs
Since the show Mad Men made its appearance on TV, Mid-Century Modern has become a bit of a rage. If the conventional retro designs do not seem all that appealing to you, then delve into this particular decorating style. Remember that retro is not just the 60s and the 70s and that borrowing from this elegant and classy design style give you some amazing decor options. Creations of some of the greats like Eero Saarinen, Eames, Isamu Noguchi and Arne Jacobsen open up a world of endless possibilities for you. To move away from conventional trend and to embrace a ‘vintage look’, pick these iconic furnishings in spunky hues like pink, red and orange.
Bertoia Bird Chair along with throw pillows adds a subtle retro appeal
Eames Elliptical Cocktail Table adds the retro vibe to the room
Mix and match Mid-Century decor icons to bring a refined retro look
Risom Lounge Chair adds Mid-Century Modern vibe to the living room
by Jeni Lee
You really need no confine yourself strictly to one particular look when trying to add retro touches to your living room. Feel free to borrow from across various eras and with many firms now lining up to recreate these famous furniture pieces and accessories of an era gone by, there are plenty of options on offer. So, are you ready to dip your toes in some ravishing retro fun?
Cool interior borrows heavily from a Mid-Century style
by Tara Bussema – Neat Organization and Design
Elegant design with smart pops of color
by VisuaLingual
Stylish rattan seating takes you back in time
by Marcelo Brito & Pedro Potaris
An Orb-style fireplace is both cool and fashionable
by Optimise Design
Framed posters from cinema’s golden era!
Sleek and stylish space with Tom Dixon Pendant Lights
by Mikel Irastorza
Wood burning stove with the beanbags also adds a hint of rustic charm
by kimberly peck architect
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