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The Retro Design Style

When people hear the word "retro," they think of bright colors and bold patterns, but that isn't always the case. The past inspires retro design. It can be used to create an atmosphere of nostalgia in your home. Retro design can encompass all sorts of styles from the past, including Victorian, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and more. The key to adding retro style to your home is finding a look you love and going with it. Retro doesn't have to be an eclectic mix of old styles – it can be focused on just one if you prefer. If you are looking for inspiration for your own home, check out these retro design styles done right!


Retro Style Architecture

In the design world, retro is a specific style that incorporates elements from the past. Retro design and architecture aren't about copying what was done in the past. Instead, it's about taking inspiration from the past to create something new and fresh. One common aspect of retro fashion is its tendency to delineate decades.

  • Structures are derivatives of lifestyle trends in the historical past- vintage inspired

  • A lot of details, like high-quality fabric, buttons, or leather trim

  • Floral patterned fabrics are popular in retro design

  • Use of warm and bright colors, such as salmon pink and yellow

  • It's also common for retro designs to be a little bit kitschy or campy

  • A strong emphasis on typography

  • A variety of patterns and textures

Retro Materials

The materials used in the retro design are usually the same materials used in other forms of interior design. The difference lies in how they are put together and the general mood created. There are a few materials that are commonly used in retro design style. Some of the most popular materials include:


  • Vinyl for its nostalgic feel- It can be used for furniture, flooring, and wall coverings

  • Wood in furniture and cabinetry- It has a warm, natural feel that is perfect for recreating the look of older styles

  • Textured fabric for upholstery, drapery, and even wallpaper

  • Chrome accents for table lamps, side tables, and smaller accessories like serving trays and juicers.

  • Metallic like gold, silver, or bronze on small accessories like lamps or vases can give a glamorous touch to larger statement pieces like mirrors or shelving units.

Retro Colors and Finishes

The retro design has many variations; you can choose one or mix several ideas. The color palette is an essential thing in retro interior design. 

  • Bright colors are widely used: red, yellow, blue, green, pink, and orange for walls and furniture.

  • Calm and neutral shades for lamps and curtains

  • Colorful plaids and prints

  • Bold colors in stripes, checks, and other graphic patterns, particularly reds, greens, browns, and blues. These are often seen on upholstered furniture, curtains, cushions, and tableware.

Retro Furniture and Decor

Retro interiors are all about having fun. So, whether you're looking to create a vintage vibe in your kitchen or add some color to your living room, furniture should typically reflect you've stepped back in time. Choose some statement pieces of furniture — these could set the tone for your entire design scheme. For example, suppose you fall in love with a retro armchair with colorful upholstery. In that case, you could use this as inspiration for the rest of your space by incorporating another bold color throughout your home decor.


  • Vintage furniture- Retro furniture often has solid and clean lines and vibrant colors and sometimes has unusual shapes. The original pieces can be costly, but you can also find good reproductions of retro designs at more reasonable prices.

  • Mid-century modern furniture

  • Art Deco styles

  • Victorian furniture

Retro Lighting

Before choosing retro design lighting, it's essential to know what makes this style great. It's easy to get carried away with choosing the right lighting fixtures, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind while shopping if you want that retro look. Here are some characteristics of retro design lighting:

  • It features patterned shades.

  • Moody lighting. Retro lighting tends toward darker colors like black or gray, with shades usually made of opaque glass or fabric in dark colors.

  • Exposed bulbs like chandeliers

  • Vintage bulbs

  • Long or hanging pendants

  • Woven textiles

Retro style is the perfect blend of modern and vintage-inspired designs. It brings a homey feel, but it also makes your home more interesting than the usual minimalist or Scandinavian designs. If you're looking into giving your home this look, don't hesitate to reach us at Urban Ambiance.