Choose a Focal Point
With most designers and high-street stores selling at least one range of retro-inspired designs, the choice can be overwhelming. Start by choosing a focal piece for your room, such as a statement chair in a retro fabric or a feature wall of funky wallpaper. Dressing your window with a simple blind in a retro curtain fabric will add interest to your scheme without being overwhelming. Once you’ve chosen the focal point for your room, pick out the colours you like best and bring these out in the accessories.
Pick Versatile Retro Fabric
A big part of your retro design will be the textural elements. The bold prints of retro fabric can be really versatile and work well for curtains, blinds, cushions and upholstery. Try pairing soft rugs in neutrals with bolder textured fabric for your cushions. Just take care when mixing prints. If you’re using a bold retro curtain fabric, use a check or stripe for the upholstery, or vice versa.
Seek out Furniture with Soft Lines
For a retro scheme, choose furniture with curved edges and a soft design. There are some great modern repro pieces available, but track down some originals at antique fairs and car boots if you can. Dark wood combined with leather works brilliantly and can help tone down bright retro colours. In a dining room, a glass table would look great with a funky pendant light. And for the living room, choose a circular or oval coffee table in a dark wood, with a statement chair in a stunning retro upholstery fabric.
Muted Colours can Work
If bright colours aren’t your thing, try using retro fabrics in softer pastels and smaller prints. Think lemon yellows, muted oranges and powder blues. You can always add a pop of colour with accessories – a brightly patterned ceramic jug or vase would look great against pastel tones.
Go Retro on a Budget
The great thing about this interior design style is the cost. Although you can find everything you need brand-new, try looking at car boots and vintage sales for retro pieces that can be updated with a fresh coat of paint or varnish. Giving a new life to an old chair with a retro upholstery fabric will make your scheme truly unique and will be friendly on your purse too.
Remember, with Retro Less is More
The key to mastering this style is to not overdo it. Pick two or three colours that you really like and mix them in with neutrals. The same goes for pattern. If you want to mix prints, choose a retro fabric in a large print and combine it with smaller geometric patterns and checks. It’s best to keep furniture to a minimum too, showing off just a few key pieces.
With a range of retro prints available in an array of vibrant colours, anyone can try bringing a bit of retro chic into their home.
