Create retro-inspired homes with a twist of contemporary vibes and functional appeal

Home decor tips: To get started on the retro décor, refresh your space with a burst of colours like orange, yellow, and psychedelic patterns (Images: FA Home)

Contemporary homes often blend elements from past design trends with modern sensibilities to create unique and stylish spaces that resonate with today's lifestyle. With the charm of old-age elements and quirky design ideas like tiles, checkerboard patterns, or pastel-coloured tiles, we see a lot of homes drawing inspiration from vintage trends for their living rooms.

To get started on the retro décor, refresh your space with a burst of colours like orange, yellow, and psychedelic patterns. Mix in geometric shapes, floral designs, or paisley for a fun, eclectic feel, recommends Chandrika Thatai, founder of FA Home. Sharing some simple tips, she advices, “Spruce up certain areas with slipcovers and throw pillows featuring retro patterns, or add in some throws for a nostalgic touch. You can also make the seating cosy with cushions in bold prints and decorate tables with vintage-inspired linens like tablecloths, placemats, and napkins. When considering fabrics options like linen, chenille, brocade, tweed, velvet, and cotton blends are all favoured choices, each adding its own unique texture and character to the space. Floral prints remain a quintessential element of vintage decor —whether on wallpaper, upholstery, or curtains, they infuse a sense of romance and nostalgia into the space.”

When creating a vintage corner at home, the right colours and fabrics are key, points out Thatai. “Soft pastel hues like dusty rose, mint green, and powder blue are experiencing resurgence in vintage-inspired interiors. These gentle tones not only transport one to bygone eras but also infuse the space with a sense of freshness and softness. In contrast, deep and opulent jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red hold a timeless appeal in vintage decor. These rich colours contribute to an air of sophistication and luxury, elevating the vintage aesthetic,” she suggests.

The term "retro" covers a wide range of styles from different eras, primarily from the 1950s to the 1980s. Art Deco, Bohemian and Victorian trends draw inspiration from past eras and are often used as reference for theme-based living spaces. The art-deco era reflects bold and glamorous palettes including black, gold, silver and deep jewel tones followed by sunburst motifs, chevron patterns and geometric shapes. One can also incorporate items that have personal meaning, whether they are family heirlooms, thrift store finds, or DIY creations for a personal touch. Balance retro elements with modern conveniences, like vintage furniture with contemporary pieces to create a harmonious blend is another way to achieve a new look.

Elaborating on other elements, Thatai adds, “The Victorian Era was all about ornate and elaborate designs with dark woods and rich upholstery. This can be achieved by using deep, rich colours such as burgundy, navy and emerald, along with intricate floral patterns, lace curtains, gilded frames and crystal chandeliers. The Bohemian trend is high on rich, earthy hues combined with vibrant pops of colour, Macramé wall hangings, potted plants and layered patterns. The blend of rich, earthy hues create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Macramé wall hangings have become particularly popular as statement pieces, adding texture and visual interest to walls while infusing spaces with a sense of artisanal charm.”