To begin with, let's give a precise definition of retro design. Under the "retro" (from the Latin. retro - a look into the past) understand the styling of the interior in the style of the XX century. Although the concept itself is quite extensive and applicable both for the 20s and 80s, most often they recreate the atmosphere of the 50s-70s, less often the forties.
Interior design under retro begins with the 1920s, which today are informally called the “Gatsby era”, passes through the calm neoclassicism of the 30s and comes to the military 40s. However, the main period of development of retro styles in the interior falls on 1950-1970. Let's look at each decade in more detail.
The first decade after the end of the bloody war was characterized by a riot of colors. People wanted bright colors and non-standard solutions: this is what various private designers and industrial factories offered them.
In the design of the walls, one-color painting is mainly used, and the furniture is chosen futuristic, with geometrically adjusted silhouettes, chrome legs.
The slogan "Make love, not war!" and the hippie movement itself made adjustments to the already vibrant interiors of the 50s. Unusual floral and geometric prints have appeared in the interior design, complementing the color tones in the decoration.
Furniture and accessories are becoming more and more unusual, tables and sideboards on thin legs are in fashion.
In retro-style rooms, flashy shades are replaced by more restrained, natural ones. Instead of bright lemon, honey comes into fashion, instead of turquoise - forest.
Refined furniture details give way to practicality and functionality: products become more rough, massive. Vinyl, leather upholstery of sofas and armchairs is gaining popularity.
Vintage and retro styles in the interior are often confused in order to separate one from the other, let's look at their main differences.
Vintage still refers more to the time before the 1920s, mostly embodying the 18-19th century.
Retro, as we said, represents the middle of the 20th century.
Vintage requires the use of original things from a given period: that is, the basis of the interior is restored furniture and decor of the
18-19th century.
Retro gives you the opportunity to style. Chairs and chests of drawers can be modern, but made "in style".
The last one is appearance. Visually distinguishing a retro style from a vintage one is quite simple:
Vintage - light shades, small floral prints, rich furniture decor.
Retro - bright, rich colors, geometric patterns, minimalist furniture of unusual shapes.
A retro-style room begins with a renovation: pay attention to all surfaces.
Ceiling. A simple white-painted surface is a banal but excellent solution.
Walls. Vertical surfaces should be given as much attention as possible. The early period is characterized by plain walls: both white and colored - orange, blue, yellow.
You can stylishly decorate the walls with wallpaper with suitable prints (although according to history, they appeared only in the 60s). Large geometric prints or clear lines can be both the main decoration and the accent. In the second case, wallpaper decorates the surface behind the sofa, bed, near the dining table.
Floor. When looking for ideas for decorating a retro kitchen or bathroom, you will definitely come across a photo of a checkerboard floor, where dark tiles alternate with light ones. This technique is a classic retro finish.
Wood is suitable as flooring in living rooms and bedrooms. Not necessarily natural, today on sale you can find many materials that imitate the texture: linoleum, quartz vinyl, laminate.
Antique decorative interior design. Not only do the main objects (chairs, cabinets, tables) look like works of art, but they are also complemented by real works: paintings, posters, mirrors. The style of painting is better to choose abstract.
Living rooms in houses are decorated with textiles: in imitation of the 60s period (hippie time), blankets, pillows, and boho-style carpets are good. Macrame in the form of a wall decor or plant pots will fit no less confidently.
Pay special attention to the lighting fixture: retro chandeliers, floor lamps, sconces, table lamps look catchy and decorate the room. Lampshades made of fabric, plastic, glass, chandeliers in a futuristic design are an integral part of the composition.