Best Retro Touches for Each Room of Your Home
One of the hottest themes in today’s décor is retro! Vintage items (or fantastic copies) are popping up everywhere, breathing new life into old-school trends. You don’t have to go top to bottom retro to take advantage of this popular design style – you can simply add a few pieces here and there to give a nod to the latest fashion in home accessories. Here’s a few ideas to get you started!
Kitchen
Small appliances are an ideal place to start, especially if they’ll be in full view on a countertop. Mixers, blenders, tea kettles and storage canisters are available in various colors to match or add color splashes to the room. Explore retro-style appliances here: SMEG Retro Appliances.
You can also find vintage bread boxes, clocks, telephones or lighting fixtures. For deeper retro impact, consider a 50’s diner-style table and chairs or a 70’s style Formica center island.
You can even buy new large appliances such as refrigerators and stoves that look like they’re from the 40’s, 50’s and 70’s — in shades ranging from stainless steel to avocado and harvest gold! See options at: Big Chill Retro Kitchen Appliances.
Bold tile flooring in teal, bright red, black, white or cream can make a retro statement when arranged in vibrant patterns. Browse retro tile inspiration: Retro Tile Designs.
Expand your vintage choices by adding dinnerware and glassware from past decades, such as Fiesta Dinnerware.
Living Rooms, Family Rooms and Great Rooms
Funky furniture is a great way to play with retro décor. Experiment with rounded-corner tables, triangular or glass-topped designs, 60’s mod couches or sleek mid-century modern pieces.
You can also introduce a compact vintage bar complete with stainless steel barware and chic retro glassware. If you’re feeling bold, bring back classic wood paneling for a fun mid-century aesthetic and pair it with boldly patterned window treatments or textured rugs.
Mod wall mirrors are a beautiful nod to vintage style. And for music lovers, adding a retro-style record player or a vintage jukebox can instantly elevate your space.
Bedrooms
Many living-room retro ideas work beautifully in bedrooms as well — especially paneling, mirrors, and bold color palettes. Retro-patterned bedding is widely available in a variety of styles.
Bedside telephones, lamps, or pendant lights can quickly set a vintage mood. And for the truly nostalgic decorator…consider a waterbed paired with faux fur pillows! Add a bright accent chair to complete the look.
Need help experimenting with décor ideas? Visit our Design Studio for expert guidance.
Bathrooms
Retro color is the way to go in the bath, especially if you love pink, mint green or powder blue ceramic fixtures. If full-color fixtures feel too bold, you can still pay homage to vintage style by choosing retro-inspired faucets, lights, or cabinet hardware.
Retro tile flooring pairs beautifully with iconic pastels. For inspiration, browse retro bathroom ideas.
Alternatively, you can lean into space-age designs with knobby fixtures, unique cabinet shapes, and sleek glass shower doors.
Outdoor
Don’t forget your deck, patio or sunroom! Mid-20th century families embraced outdoor entertainment as part of suburban living. Metal or steel garden furniture with fun-patterned cushions — florals, stripes or polka dots — brings a vibrant retro feel to your exterior space.
For additional home décor inspiration, check out the Ernest Homes Blog or speak with our team through the Contact Us page.
