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Retro apartment decor combines the best of both worlds – the nostalgia and charm of bygone eras with the soothing convenience of modern living. By incorporating retro pieces into your home, you can create a space that feels like a time capsule from centuries past, perfect for any modern-day dweller! And the best part is that retro apartment decor is easy to come by – take a look around your local thrift store or flea market. You’re sure to find plenty of hidden treasures to help you bring your vision to life.
What is Retro?
Retro isn’t quite the same as “vintage” and “antique.” It refers to the recent past. The current retro aesthetic is consumed with the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s cultural and stylistic references. The options for retro apartment decor are seemingly endless. But it’s not just about nostalgia. Retro is also about irony, taking something once considered tacky or kitschy and reclaiming it as incredible. It’s about subverting expectations and norms. Retro provides a sense of comfort and stability in a world that seems increasingly uncertain. It might be rooted in the past, but Retro is very much of the present moment.
Retro Apartment Decor Ideas
There’s something undeniably alluring about a retro apartment. Maybe the sense of nostalgia comes with living in a space that looks like everything is being plucked straight out of the past. Or perhaps it’s the notion of living in an area that feels genuinely unique, unlike anything else on the market today. Whatever the reason, retro apartments are having a moment.
Wall Panelling
One of the most defining features of retro style is wall paneling. This throwback trend was prevalent in the 1970s, and it’s making a comeback in a big way. Wall paneling can add texture, depth, and visual interest to any space. And best of all, it’s relatively easy to DIY. Purchase some pre-made panels from your local home improvement store, or get creative and make your own!
Consider grey-blue series wall paneling for a retro-style makeover that will take your home décor to the next level. This classic style of wall paneling is making a comeback in a big way, and it’s easy to see why. The subtle grey-blue hue is versatile and can be used to create a range of retro looks, from sleek and modern to cozy and inviting. Plus, the paneling is easy to install and can be used to cover up any unsightly blemishes on your walls. The photos below show how the retro wall paneling sets an exciting tone for your room.
Retro Apartment Decor Ideas—Mid-century Accent Furniture
If you’re a fan of retro style, then you’ll love mid-century accent furniture. It seems like it never goes out of date. Its sleek design combined with functionality and aesthetic value always has its fame everlasting. Many of the pieces are reproductions of the original edition but without the expensive price tag. You can always find them in IKEA. The beauty of this type of furniture is that it can easily be integrated into any home décor. Whether your home is contemporary or traditional, a few well-placed mid-century accent pieces can make a space pop.
Retro Style Wall Paper
There’s something about retro wallpapers that make you smile. Maybe it’s the nostalgic trip down memory lane that they evoke. Or perhaps it’s the way they add a touch of retro flair to any room. For whatever reason, retro wallpapers are perfect for trendy environments and provide visual highlights in modern wall décor. Whether you’re a child of the 60s or the 80s, retro-style wallpapers enable you to evoke your favorite decade in your home. From psychedelic patterns to geometric prints, retro wallpapers come in various styles to suit any taste.
Retro-themed Wall Art Gallery
Walking into the retro-themed wall art gallery, you are instantly transported back in time. The walls are lined with paintings, posters, and other retro-themed wall art, all of which record your times and present your personality. You can’t help but be drawn in by the colors and the nostalgia. Each piece of art is unique and brings back memories of a different time in your life. The retro-themed wall art gallery is the perfect place to go to relive old memories or find new ones.
Retro Apartment Decor Ideas—Carpets
A retro-style carpet is the perfect finishing touch to any retro-themed space. Rugs in this style are typically very colorful, with sophisticated patterns and rich textures. They can help to tie together all the different elements of a retro-themed room and make it feel more cohesive. In addition, a retro-style carpet can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to a space. If you’re looking for a way to make your retro-themed area stand out, then a retro-style carpet is the way to go.
Retro Apartment Decor Ideas— Eclectic Lighting
Eclectic lighting is key to retro decor, so don’t be afraid to mix and match pieces from different eras. Consider adding dramatic floor lamps with curved bases for a formal sitting area. Or make a statement with funky glass pendant lights. The combination of different styles is part of what makes retro decor so appealing. So let your imagination run wild when it comes to retro lighting. The only limit is your style.
Mosaic-inspired Accent Wall
Retro is definitely in style these days, and one way to add a retro touch to your home is to create a checkerboard-like mosaic accent wall using retro-style mosaic-inspired tiles. It can be a fun and easy project to brighten up your kitchen or bathroom. You can choose any color combination, but we recommend choosing two colors that will pop against each other, such as black and white or red and yellow. Once you’ve chosen your colors, lay the tiles in a checkerboard pattern on the wall.
Bold Patterned Flooring
You can achieve a variegated, Retro-style look in your home by using an intricate pattern on your floor. Significant, bold patterned flooring was popular in the past and can be used to bring Retro vibes while staying true to your original look. This technique is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their floors and add a touch of retro style to their home.
Dramatic Retro-style Appliances
There’s something nostalgic and romantic about retro-style appliances. They conjure images of a simpler time when life was slower and more leisurely. Many people use retro-style appliances as decorative accessories, such as vinyl record players and taper candle holders. These items not only add a touch of elegance to a room but also remind us of a bygone era. For those who appreciate the charm of the past, retro-style appliances are the perfect way to add a little bit of history to their home.
Retro Apartment Decor Ideas—Create delicate corners
There’s something about a well-decorated, vintage home that exudes class and charm. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your home, why not create retro-delicate corners in some of the blank spaces? It’s pretty easy to do, giving your home an instant makeover. All you need is a vintage chest, a chair, a bookshelf, and accent furniture. Arrange them in the corner, and you’re done! You’ll be amazed at how much difference this simple addition can make. Not only will it add style and interest to your home, but it will also create a retro vibe that will impress your guests. So go ahead and transform those blank corners into something special.
A retro-style bathroom
The bathroom is another space where you can let your imagination run wild with a retro theme. You can start by using vintage-inspired fixtures, such as an old-fashioned sink or toilet. You can also add in some fun and funky retro towels, rugs, and even shower curtains.
Conclusion:
Retro apartment decor is about embracing the past while maintaining a modern sensibility. By following these tips, you can create a retro-inspired space that feels timeless and chic.
