The era of “Mad Men” has come and gone, but the love of all things retro is here to stay. Not simply are vintage pieces a fantastic way to recharge an area, but they also may even save you a couple of pennies.
Here are our favorite approaches to add a retro touch without completely dedicating the appearance of your house to the style.
Saturated colors
From mid-century mint to tricycle red, punchy hues give a retro vibe without much effort.
Whether it’s a buttercup-colored Kitchen Aid mixer or a burnt-orange accent pillow, using more saturated colors connected with eras past will add a distinctly retro character to your rooms.
Flea market finds
For that one-of-a-kind piece, hit the flea market or your favorite online auction site. Antique steamer trunks are a great modern take on the traditional coffee table (with bonus storage), and old ladders are versatile for hanging linens or stacking plants.
If you want the retro look on a lesser scale, invest in quality vintage bar-ware pieces, like a cocktail shaker or champagne coupes to get a pop of nostalgia.
Bead-board and paneling
Dip into the Victorian times with the addition of bead-board or wood paneling. It’s fairly affordable, available at most neighborhood hardware stores, as well as a fantastic way to add character and texture to your home.
Small, overlooked spaces like hallways, laundry rooms, and entryways are fantastic candidates for paneling. Paired with a soothing color or fun wallpaper, it could possibly add visual interest right away.
Funky furniture
You don’t need to outfit your living room like The Jetsons to show your appreciation for fashions past. Simply adding one or two anchor pieces to a room, such as a ’70s-inspired sofa or funky accent chair, is definitely an instant nod to nostalgia. With the love of retro under way, a lot of companies are re-creating styles from a range of periods.
Distinctly contemporary, the room pictured above incorporates mid-century elements, like a 1942 Noguchi coffee table and mod circular mirror, for a well-rounded but notably retro space.
Lighting
Lighting, like furniture, is remarkably good at capturing the essence of any era. Use vintage-style industrial pendants to get a rustic kitchen feel, or circular mod chandeliers to have an instant retro upgrade.
Not prepared to invest in permanent fixtures? Edison light bulbs can be purchased in all shapes and sizes, some with LED technology, and can easily be combined with existing lamps, pendants, and sconces.