There are two types of retro.  Retro that went out of style for a reason, and retro that can be adapted into something modern and fun.  Be smart with your retro style.  Stay away from orange shag carpets, and go for rugs with flair.  Avoid futuristic Jetsons furniture, and enjoy comfy vintage sofas instead.  If you decorate your living room with the right kind of retro, you can create a fun and modern look that doesn’t overwhelm as it shows off your quirky style.

The first rule of retro is to not go overboard.  You want your room to hint at the past, not look likes it’s stuck there.  Functional décor objects like rugs can also double as unique statement pieces if you choose the right patterns.  A rug with flair provides a splash of style at the baseboards level, and ties together any other retro elements in the room.  Choose a fun pattern in neutral colours and you’ve got an understated focal point that’s interesting but not distracting.  Another great idea for a functional decoration piece is an old record player.  It looks amazing on an end table, and you can actually play old records when you entertain.  Records are easy and cheap to find, and music is a fantastic way to draw people into the retro mood.

The second rule of retro is never to use an item just for the sake of being retro.  Pod chairs may look stylish in a showroom, but would they look right in your living room?  Not unless your name is Twiggy.  As far as seating goes, try comfortable pieces like small leather sofas.  Leather is timeless, and a style with a low back and wide arms captures the essence of retro décor.  Choose fun colours like green and grenadine, and you have a luxurious, comfortable throwback that actually makes sense in your home.  If you have a home bar, swivel stools are also a classic way to evoke the past.

Do you have any other rules for smart retro style?

Did you know?

An intense love of retro objects is called retrophilia.

-Audrey

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