How to Decorate Retro Style on a Dime

Modern generations are constantly looking to the past for inspiration and attempts to recapture the styles of a lost era are all the rage. With modern furniture manufacturers reproducing retro-styles, a fun, funky retro makeover can cost thousands of dollars! Fortunately, for those in hopes of rekindling the fun geometric styles of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s there's good news! Going retro doesn't have to put a huge dent in your piggy bank. With a few simple bits of know-how, a little creativity, and just the right embellishments, you can turn any simple space into a groovy retro dream. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Make a plan. Before designing your space, know your style. Research retro styles online, collect inspiration images of retro rooms, and make a collage of all the styles you're interested in exploring. Decide what you need, and don't need, to avoid purchasing extra materials. Choose paint, wallpaper, or paneling before you shop to ensure your elements work together. This will save time and money as you shop for your retro design materials.

2

Shop for your paint, wallpaper, or wood paneling before selecting furniture. Contrasting wallpapers, wallpaper and paint, and wallpaper and paneling were popular wall treatments and an important design element. Vertical floral patterns and geometric shapes in bright colors were particularly trendy. The palette you choose will depend very heavily upon what era you're interested in recapturing. For example, gold, burnt orange, and red were popular in the 1970s, but won't necessarily reflect a 1950s feel, with its lighter, brighter hues of salmon pink and turquoise.

3

Go to rummage sales, flea markets, and thrift shops. You might be surprised what's available at reasonable prices. Thrift shops are one source of sturdy, second-hand, furniture. Carefully pick through offerings in search of accessories that fit your retro style and look for amazing retro finds like sunburst clocks, porcelain Siamese figurines, and table lamps. Round and rectangular (non-tapered) lampshades were popular in the 50s, 60s, and 70s and can lend any room an instant retro pop.

4

Pull your look together with accessories. Heavy drapes were a popular embellishment, and rugs in geometric patterns can tie a room together. Look for a refurbished console TV and add TV trays in wood or metal for a retro living room, or add a red and chrome diner table or booth to a kitchen. Consider adding a kidney shaped coffee table, or hairpin legs to existing furniture. Elements like these can be found in used furniture stores at reasonable prices.