Here are some helpful hints to direct you towards the right way to retro fit your lifestyle.
1.Note that styles are sometimes fads.
Sometimes there is something in a particular style that becomes a classic which holds value in the eye and remains memorable while a trend may pass by within a short period and soon be forever forgotten.The trick is to be able to distinguish a classic design from a trendy fad.
2.Look for a compatible blend of past and present
Today’s contemporary look generally involves a carefully chosen display of classic pieces from the past.
Often homeowners are so excited to go retro that they jump into changes that may be too drastic. Think touches, rather than a complete overhaul. Start with a cohesive, overall vision of how you want your home or daily life to look, then slowly build on this plan. You will then be able to see where you can push at the edges and where you need to exercise restraint. This approach may also save you money in the long run. Touches are not as expensive as overhaul items like large retro appliances or interior fittings
3. Retro as retrospect literally means looking back.
It is a vague term for anything from a relatively distant past. If you are adding touches to your home think of the decade or period you specifically wish to bring- in.For example, you may have a liking for decor and homeware inspired by the mid-century modern period (1945-1965).Your retro additions should serve to compliment accents that won’t run the risk of clashing with other dominant styles, or looking garish or just plain old.
4. An approach to a full or partial home makeover is to concentrate on one room.
A simple way to retro-grade a space quickly is to paint a stand-out wall in a bold nostalgic colour. Burnt orange or various shades of purple have been among past favourites.The great thing about paint is that is satisfies the urge to go big.You can then accent the room with some colourful vintage glass pieces(see Blenko below) that compliment that colour. You can make a strong statement with wall colour,or a bold patterned wallpaper in chocolate and orange, but if you end up detesting you colour choice, re-painting is not going to set you back too much.
5.It is important to pick retro or vintage items that inspire you, and that you love.After all you are the person who has to live with them! Don’t choose something simply because it belongs in the era you have chosen.
If you are looking for retro touches, the mid century modern era is an easy one with which to start.
You can hunt for unique pieces that are funky, yet classic in design. Out of the mid-century modern design movement, pieces were produced that were all about economy in terms of price ,and also in relation to space and design. The main style focused on function, simplicity and natural shapes. Many furniture designers of this era had backgrounds in sculpture. Pieces of the mid-century modern era worked with classic lines based on logic and elegance. It is hard to go wrong with classic lines.
You can gain inspiration for retro or retro inspired mid century items to accent your home with a little research. Books on design, popular and specialist magazines, exhibitions, show houses and museums, and searching on the internet will yield a wealth of useful results to choose from.
If you can’t afford to purchase originals it is possible ,today, to find excellent reproductions and similar products inspired by the great designers of their day.
Some ideas for 1950s-60s mid-century pieces are:
– Blenko Glass, new or used
– Modern wall clocks
– Sussex Credenza
– Eames plywood chair
– Noguchi Table*
*Created by the Japanese-American sculptor and artist
Isamu Noguchi who also created, over many decades in
the 20th century, lighting and ceramics as well as furniture.
Finally, you should remember, however you go about adding retro flair, a home that is put together with a careful, artistic eye, is your beautiful home.For it to be successful, the process of blending the past and present to any degree should be enjoyable and you must love it as your personal choice.