When I think of retro interiors my mind immediately channels 50s diners, pop-art, checkerboard floors, vintage Coca-cola, Pleasantville and Mad Men – and I just love it! Fortunately, for those of us with a soft spot for all things retro, adding a bit of modern retro charm to your home is relatively easy to achieve – when you know how.
Today we’re sharing 4 easy ways to add a bit of retro charm to your place… let’s begin!
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1. With Color
With color – yes! Retro interiors are all about color, bold brights and soft pastels – often all used at once. Think bright reds, yellows (especially mustard!) and pastels like teal, mint, sea-foam green, cream, baby pink and light blue.
How bright and cheerful is the above rental kitchen remodel by Sam Ushiro?! Loving the retro vibes and bold, bright colors. If you love Sam’s bright, bold, retro aesthetic, hop on over to her Insta @aww.sam – you won’t be disappointed!
2. With Pattern
Pops of pattern are another essential in retro interiors – think crazy wallpaper designs, checkerboard tiles, and funky upholstery.
4. Retro Mosaic Tile in Black/White // 5. Geometric 3D Embossed Wallpaper // 6. Geometrical Floral Cushion Cover
3. With Accent Furniture
Another easy way to add retro charm to your home is with eye-catching, retro inspired accent furniture – think aluminium and curves, lots of curves! You could start with some funky retro bar stools (like the ones featured above) or a statement retro dining setting – what’s not to love?
4. Retro Dining Table // 5. Red Swivel Bar Stool // 6. Pink & White Side Chair
4. With Decor
Probably the easiest way to add a bit of retro charm to your home – with modern retro decor of course! Let’s start in the kitchen…
Modern retro kitchen appliances, crockery and glassware
Probably one of the easiest rooms in the house to add a bit of quirky retro charm – the kitchen. There are a huge range of retro inspired appliances, crockery, glassware on the market these days, and in some pretty awesome colors too! I absolutely adore SMEG’s retro range of appliances (as you can probably tell!), one day that refrigerator will be mine haha. I’m not sure which color I like best just yet… probably pastel green 🙂
Don’t forget the retro sundae bowls and milkshake glasses!
I love the mint green retro microwave above featured by Minette Hand (also featured in Sam Ushiro’s quirky colorful kitchen above) – you can grab it for a steal on Amazon too for under $90! Winning!
11. Step On Trash Can // 12. Daewoo Mint Microwave
Modern retro audio, record players and vinyl
Retro audio goes without saying really. There are so many modern-day options available these days with wireless and bluetooth functionality to boot – how could you not?
3. Record Carrier Case (Tourmaline) // 4. Black Retro Portable Radio // 5. Vintage Portable AM/FM/Bluetooth Radio (White Sand) // 6. Pink Retro Speaker // 7. Turquoise Suitcase Record Player // 8. Small Retro Portable AM/FM Radio (Teal) // 9. Turquoise Retro Record Player // 10. Pink Crosley Portable Turntable
I’ve got my eye on one (or maybe 2?!) of those Marshall wireless speakers – I love the cream color above but am also partial to a bit of black! I’ve always loved the look of Marshall guitar amps and the old school vibes they give off, don’t you?
Modern retro fans and lighting
Don’t forget a bit of retro fan and light action!
Modern retro clocks
Modern Retro technology – telephones, typewriters and cameras
And last but not least… nostalgic tech! I especially love the old rotary telephones. We had a creamy/beigey one when I was very young. There is something so satisfying about their tactile nature… plus they are great for hanging up on people – not that I would ever… they’re available in so many awesome colors these days too and are perfect for adding a bit of retro charm to your home.
4. Crosley Pink Telephone
Did you enjoy this post? If you love retro and Mid-century vibes, you might enjoy these posts too;
- 15 UNDER $50: Mid-Century Modern Home Decor Finds
- Decorating with Mustard Yellow
- ROUND-UP: Gold/Brass Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Lighting
