Interior Decorating Ideas: Retro Style Basics

The retro style of decorating is a perfect design scheme for anyone living in an apartment. Its mixture of modern decor and 50’s/60’s/70’s feel makes it an interesting theme to incorporate into any apartment home. All you need to know are the basics of decorating in the retro style and you’ll be able to enjoy this kind of decor in no time.

Retro Colors and Patterns

Use a base color of brown for a retro theme and enliven it with accent colors such as turquoise, lime green, avocado, mustard yellow, teal, orange or silver. If you like more neutral colors, then select beige or tan as a backdrop. Either paint your rooms in these colors or choose wallpaper to create the effect. Pick from geometric designs such as circles, squares or lines to give your room a retro feel. For an older retro look, designs such as checkerboard stripes or polka dots are good choices. However, keep it simple by focusing on the vibrancy and patterns of your color scheme.

Retro Lighting

Include a lava lamp in your retro theme. Also pendant lamps that pull down will give your apartment the right retro look. Use round lamp shades and lamp shades made of plastic or acrylic. Rattan lampshades also reinforce the look.

Gaining Inspiration

You can find many retro items and accessories by combing through thrift stores and antique stores. Go online and visit eBay for retro accessories too. Many Coca-Cola advertising items are undeniably retro, as well as chrome pieces of furniture. In fact, chrome was one of the main materials used in the production of tables and chairs from the 1950s to 70s. You can find these type of retro items off-line and online at exceptonally good prices.

Retro Rugs and Flooring

Shag carpeting or rugs are good to include in a retro decor or throw a sheepskin rug on your floor to add interest. Choose carpets and rugs that are colorful and distinctive on neutral flooring. Select flooring made of vinyl, laminate or linoleum. Or, for your kitchen or bath, maintain a retro feel with black-and-white-checked tiles.

Retro Furnishings and Accessories

Retro furniture includes many items with interesting shapes and designs. Select a kidney-shaped or curvy Formica coffee table along with a tulip chair, lily armchair or butterfly chair. Or pick a retro chic black and white fiberglass shell chair. The dining room table should be round or oval and made in a dark, solid wood. Also, don’t forget including a beanbag chair or two for your retro look. Make use of furnishings made of plastic, Plexiglass or molded plywood to complete the decor. Accessorize the kitchen with such appliances a breadbox, toaster or blender. Choose a small reproduction refrigerator with rounded corners to enhance the look. Framed posters and prints depicting the “Space Age” are also good choices. Select from images of rockets or boomerangs or decorate your wall with a metallic sculpture.

The retro style covers a large span of time from the 1950’s to the 1970’s; therefore, you have a number of options for achieving your own personal retro look. Keep the above information in mind as you shop and enjoy this old-fashioned yet modern way in which to decorate your apartment.