How To Incorporate Retro Items In Your Apartment [5 Ways]

Have you always loved the look of apartments decorated in a more retro style?

Capture the magic of retro in your own home decor using these five styling tips!

In everything from movies and music to home decor, the retro theme is making a comeback.

Vintage decor and accessories are in high demand as people flock to second-hand stores to design their apartments.

Retro currently means mixing modern living elements with accents of the ‘50s through ‘70s.

You don’t have to sacrifice your quality of living to incorporate vintage decor in your home.

If the retro style appeals to you, but you’re not sure how to bring the look into your apartment, try these five decor tips to get started!

1. Think Retro Colors and Patterns First

When you’re choosing elements to include in your home, stick with the retro color scheme.

There weren’t many metallics and neons in decor and design until recently.

If you’re going for authenticity — stay away from those options.

In general, retro shades have a flat, more matte look to them.

Because they are becoming so popular in projects and home decor, it’s easier to find them almost anywhere you look.

To start a color palette with this style, choose a basic brown shade as your foundation.

Then add accents of turquoise, teal, mustard yellows, bright and dull greens, or orange.

You may remember the shag carpeting of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Some of these patterns had so many colors — it was hard to list them all.

If this is your preference, go for it! Otherwise, limit your palette to two or three complementary shades.

Patterns for the retro look are always geometric: circles, square, checkerboard, and polka dots.

These designs bring out the retro atmosphere.

Try to keep them from being overwhelming by using one primary pattern and secondary choices that play off it.

2. Swap Out Furniture Piece By Piece

Modern manufacturers make contemporary furniture and finishings that resemble the retro look.

But the resemblance only goes so far. These mimicked items are rarely as well-made or usable as their original counterparts.

As you begin incorporating retro furniture, start by deciding which era you want to recreate.

Going “vintage” can include multiple decades that had contrasting styles.

Keep your decor and furniture consistent within the time period you prefer. Then choose items that add authenticity to that theme.

If you shop around and have patience, your choices might be genuine vintage and not remanufactured.

When you find old furniture you love at a good deal — grab it! Even if it’s not in prime shape, you can repurpose or refurbish it.

You might not need that big, retro stereo system that doesn’t work, but can you use it as a nightstand or coffee table?

Think outside the box to bring vintage furniture into your home gradually.

3. Check With Your Family

Almost every family has that one person who collects all the history.

The rest of the family members might jokingly call them hoarders, but you appreciate their dedication!

And you’ll really be happy with them if they share some of their decor collection with you.

Ask your grandparents or other family members if they have any memorabilia they’d be willing to part with.

It will probably excite them to share the history of each item with you and to see it go to someone who appreciates it as much as they do.

4. Pick a Theme You Love

Once you start looking for retro pieces, you’ll find them everywhere.

Curb your enthusiasm as much as you can and only bring home the pieces that fit your theme.

What theme, though? That’s the hard part!

The trick is to decide this before you start shopping for your apartment decor. Choose your era, then determine what themes were in vogue at the time.

Vintage Coca-Cola decor is popular, for instance. But since the company began in 1886, you’ll run into a lot of memorabilia!

It can quickly overload your home if you’re not selective about what you decorate with.

Don’t worry about limiting yourself by only picking one era.

It’ll surprise you how much is out there once you familiarize yourself with laser-focus on a particular theme and time period.

5. Make Your Artwork Retro

Frames and photos, signs, and light fixtures are perfect retro decor touches.

You’ve probably seen the idea in action if you’ve ever been to a diner or restaurant that uses the vintage style as their decorative niche.

Sometimes this happens with just the right touch of design and class; other times, it’s overwhelming and chaotic.

This usually happens when the decorator doesn’t limit themselves to a specific era and randomly hangs their items.

In your apartment, things should blend cohesively without clutter and overload.

How much is too much is up to you. Keep an open space between all your artwork to give the brain a visual space to rest.

With an idea in mind of artwork you want to display, you can start searching for pieces that match.

It might be necessary to move the older pieces around to make room for the new ones, so try to avoid adhering artwork to the wall permanently.

Conclusion

Retro design does not have to be complicated, and it’s always fashionable.

The idea of “retro” is reviving a style that was popular in the past, and the past is ever-changing!

The typical retro style includes any interior design scheme from the 20th century. When you find an era you fall in love with, stick to it!

Use these tips and your own preferences to mix your apartment with the perfect blend of modern and authentic.

[Author Bio:]

Dominique Daniels has five years of Property Management experience working primarily in high-end apartment community living. Her ability to consistently deliver white-glove service to her residents and prospects has propelled her in a successful career that now finds her leading the team at Tobin Estate Apartments