Fun Houzz: You Know You Love Retro Style When...
Are your tastes pure Austin Powers? Do the 1970s speak to you? You could be a retro style fan. Read on to find out
Just a hop, skip and jump in time from the midcentury period, but light years away in terms of taste, the 1970s spawned a style we know today as retro. Think bold patterns, funky furniture, tons of orange, chunky ceramics and a groovy approach to interior design. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you suspect your tastes are rudely retro, look out for these 10 telltale signs…
You warm to orange
Earthy yet vibrant, more sunny than red but less acidic than yellow, orange was the shade of choice for any self-respecting ’60s and ’70s interior. If your home looks like it’s been Tangoed, we reckon you’re a retro style fan.
See how to decorate your home with bright orange
Earthy yet vibrant, more sunny than red but less acidic than yellow, orange was the shade of choice for any self-respecting ’60s and ’70s interior. If your home looks like it’s been Tangoed, we reckon you’re a retro style fan.
See how to decorate your home with bright orange
Your lamps are large
Chunky ceramics are often seen in retro schemes, as are chunky ceramic table lamps. The bigger the base, the better – this is not a time to be modest. If a ceramic base isn’t quite your thing, why not consider a lamp fashioned from an oversized wine bottle instead?
Chunky ceramics are often seen in retro schemes, as are chunky ceramic table lamps. The bigger the base, the better – this is not a time to be modest. If a ceramic base isn’t quite your thing, why not consider a lamp fashioned from an oversized wine bottle instead?
You own a record player
Being in possession of a record player is not necessarily a sign of retro style devotion in itself, but if you team it with yellow walls and a tan leatherette lounger, you will definitely arouse suspicion…
Being in possession of a record player is not necessarily a sign of retro style devotion in itself, but if you team it with yellow walls and a tan leatherette lounger, you will definitely arouse suspicion…
You don’t do conventional
Sofas must recline and chairs have to boast peculiar curves or swing from the ceiling in the world of retro style. And when it comes to bookshelves, horizontal storage that neatly lines up is so midcentury. If you love retro style instead, you want something more wacky, space-age and non-conformist.
Sofas must recline and chairs have to boast peculiar curves or swing from the ceiling in the world of retro style. And when it comes to bookshelves, horizontal storage that neatly lines up is so midcentury. If you love retro style instead, you want something more wacky, space-age and non-conformist.
You say sofas should be sunken
Why have a sofa perched demurely on your floorboards, when you can submerge it into the very floor of your home? Sunken sofas were a seriously ’70s invention. If you want one or, amazingly, actually own one, then you are surely a retro lover.
Why have a sofa perched demurely on your floorboards, when you can submerge it into the very floor of your home? Sunken sofas were a seriously ’70s invention. If you want one or, amazingly, actually own one, then you are surely a retro lover.
You enjoy hanging out
Chairs that swing like the ’60s themselves are de rigeur in a retro scheme. Managing to be both deliciously decadent and slightly silly, hanging chairs are an authentic taste of retro style.
Be inspired by one of these grown-up indoor swings
Chairs that swing like the ’60s themselves are de rigeur in a retro scheme. Managing to be both deliciously decadent and slightly silly, hanging chairs are an authentic taste of retro style.
Be inspired by one of these grown-up indoor swings
You can handle some kitsch
Retro style can incorporate a few kitsch or cute elements among all the orange textiles and groovy seating. Collection of plastic deer? Why not!
Retro style can incorporate a few kitsch or cute elements among all the orange textiles and groovy seating. Collection of plastic deer? Why not!
You appreciate home-made
Retro style is eye-catching, bold and fun, but it’s not sleek and it can tip towards the homespun. So if you’re partial to upcycling an old piece of furniture with some ’70s wallpaper, for example, you could easily have retro style inclinations.
Retro style is eye-catching, bold and fun, but it’s not sleek and it can tip towards the homespun. So if you’re partial to upcycling an old piece of furniture with some ’70s wallpaper, for example, you could easily have retro style inclinations.
You modify midcentury
The retro look was in many ways the punk rock younger sibling of midcentury style, incorporating many of its features (exposed roof beams, wood, warm tones) but making them more extreme and edgy. So if you like midcentury style, but you always get the urge to rough it up a bit, you may well be a retro style fan.
TELL US…
Are you a retro style fan? What makes you one? Tell all in the Comments below.
The retro look was in many ways the punk rock younger sibling of midcentury style, incorporating many of its features (exposed roof beams, wood, warm tones) but making them more extreme and edgy. So if you like midcentury style, but you always get the urge to rough it up a bit, you may well be a retro style fan.
TELL US…
Are you a retro style fan? What makes you one? Tell all in the Comments below.
Or a seasick swirl. Or an acid-trip swish. Patterns were far from subtle in the ’70s and the retro look celebrates clashing colours and big repeats. Love them? You’re so retro!