Are you ready to step into a time machine?
From mid-century modern to funky patterns of the 70s, retro styles are giving homes all around the world a nostalgic charm. These cherished designs are making a comeback in new, contemporary forms that blend classic vibes with the present day’s style.
I’ll walk you through 15 inspiring vintage home trends updated for today. These can effortlessly bring that iconic retro touch to your space.
Vintage-Inspired Lighting Fixtures
Lighting can set the tone and vibe of your space, and fixtures with a touch of retro flair can add nostalgia and warmth. Pendant lights, globe lights, sculptural lamps, and brass finishes instantly add a vintage feel.
Replace a few prominent fixtures, such as a living room pendant or a chandelier in the dining room with retro designs to add subtle character without a big remodel.
Rattan and Wicker Accents
Create a light, natural ambiance with rattan and wicker furniture. It is reminiscent of 70s boho and adds an organic touch to your décor. These pieces ranging from little wicker baskets to rattan chairs, fit practically any space.
Think of a wicker coffee table or a few woven storage baskets in your living space for a cozy and breezy vibe.
Bold, Geometric Wallpaper
The daring 80s patterns—vibrant hues, geometric shapes, playful motifs—are reviving, especially in wallpapers, and who doesn’t love that?
To keep it contemporary and fresh, pick one accent wall to cover with this design. This trend is ideal for a home office or an entryway and adds a pop of color to any space without a complete retro makeover.
Colored Glassware & Accessories
Green, amber, and smoky gray shades in colored glass can set a pleasant and welcoming retro touch to a space. A few décor pieces in your kitchen or dining area, like vases or candlesticks, can add instant chic and charm.
These décor items are easily available at vintage shops for you to enjoy the trend without much effort.
Terrazzo
The speckled splendor of terrazzo, a mixture of quartz, marble, and granite chips, is back! Terrazzo creatively adds character to a space and a trendy, vintage vibe without committing to a full retro overhaul. You can introduce it into a modern interior through smaller decorative elements like coasters, planters, or side tables.
It is important to not overdo this pattern otherwise it will overwhelm the space.
Velvet Textures
Undoubtedly, the ultimate fabric for bringing sophistication and warmth with a vintage feel is velvet. Get accent chairs, throw pillows, or curtains in jewel tones like burgundy, navy, or emerald.
Velvet offers an opulent and luxurious appeal without being too much, perfect for anyone wanting to add 70s glam to their home.
Retro-Inspired Rugs
Richly colored, boldly patterned, vintage-inspired carpets are ideal for creating a retro flair without completely redecorating the space.
Shag, geometric, or Persian-style carpets add coziness and nostalgia underfoot, offering that lived-in feel to any space. Style it to set a vintage tone in the living room or under your dining table.
Funky Tile Patterns
Vibrant tile designs are becoming increasingly popular in bathrooms and kitchens. Try a retro backsplash with bold colors and funky patterns. Hexagonal or floral tiles add a retro touch and will instantly update your room while paying homage to the past.
A lively choice for anyone seeking to add a bit of personality to the space!
Pops of Orange and Olive Green
The staple colors of the retro color card are orange and olive green, adding a vibrant and funky vibe to your space. Pieces of art, throw pillows, or vases in these colors work beautifully together.
They set the mood right, creating a warm, groovy, and retro-inspired ambiance without feeling old-fashioned.
Vinyl and Record Players
Nostalgia kicks in as I write about vinyl and record players. A record player and a few vintage albums serve as both entertainment and décor.
Whether placed in a cozy corner or the living room, a record player offers a personal touch to the space and a stylish nod to the past. This way, you can enjoy the unique ambiance that streaming can’t deliver.
Checkerboard Patterns
These were once a staple in retro décor and have found their way back into modern home décor. This design is recreated in several unique color combinations other than black and white.
Checkerboard patterns can be found in wall art, rugs, and pillows. It introduces a touch of playful nostalgia and makes any room pop with visual charm.
Glass Block Walls
Once a mid-century must-have, glass block walls are reviving as chic partitions that serve as letting in light and adding privacy. These blocks are ideal for bathrooms or open-plan designs and add texture and a nostalgic twist.
Choose frosted or clear blocks, or even colorful ones for a distinctive look.
Mid-Century Modern Revival
Timeless and sleek designs with no fuss – this is what mid-century modern furniture sounds like. Pieces with warm-wood tones, rounded and smooth edges, and tapered legs can fit this vibe. Consider furnishing your living area with a walnut coffee table and a sofa or armchair with a mid-century design.
It’s an easy yet powerful method to bring classic style to your room.
Macramé Décor
We all love macramé, don’t we? It’s a 70s classic that is making a comeback and gives any space a handmade, bohemian feel. You can adorn any space with macramé in various ways to get that artisanal vibe. Hang a macramé wall piece on a wall, use it as a plant hanger, or choose macramé light fixtures.
To find out about more artistic pieces that transform your space with minimal effort, take a look at 15 Ways to Fill Your Space with Artisanal Decor.
The 70s Warm Earth Tones
Homes are once again cozying up with the hues of the 1970s: think mustard yellows, olive greens, and rich browns. In a small space or nook, try mixing in these hues with carpets, throw pillows, or even a fresh coat of paint.
Warm colors can balance today’s neutrals with a dash of retro flair, making any area feel welcoming.
Want to know more tips to style your home in warm tones? Read Why Earthy Tones Are the New Decor Must-Have here to get inspired.