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12 Retro Pieces to Accent a Contemporary Space
Bring the past into the present with a colored credenza, shag rug or iconic chair
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
Love your contemporary home but itching to add a sense of the past? The answer may lie in the addition of just the right retro piece. Not only do retro pieces succeed in introducing that sense of nostalgia your interior may be craving, but many also blend well into contemporary settings. Check out these home interiors for types of pieces to consider, and also see how they mix in modern spaces without going '70s cliché.
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| A shag rug. This entire room is juicy with retro flair — mid-century furniture, yellow and purple upholstery, a green wall panel — but that shag rug is the cherry on top. Layer it over herringbone wood floors and accent it with a contemporary piece of art and you’re mod retro all the way. |
| A geometric area rug. If the shag isn’t doing it for you, go for some geometry. It’s equally retro and likely less upkeep. You can up the ante of your retro appeal with mid-century furniture or scale back with modern choices. Either will work with this rug. |
by Kaylovesvintage
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The Eames Chair. You really can’t go wrong with this chair; it manages to feel retro, modern and timeless all at once, so you can use them forever. Choose colors like burnt oranges and deep greens to enhance the retro nostalgia.
by Elliott Kaufman
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A “Love” poster. Ok, pretty much any artwork that expresses “love” can probably be related to the ‘60s. But the color and composition of this particular poster by Alexander Girard is a retro beat above the rest that will still have a home in any contemporary interior.
The Mobius Table from DWR. Oh, those table legs! The neighborhood will be talking about how cool this table is. It’s mid-century retro contemporized by a glass top. Pair it with a neon lamp and brightly upholstered furniture. and the neighbors will go from talking to drooling.
by Amy Lau Design
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A colorfully colored credenza. Is it modern? Is it retro? That’s the point; it’s a bit of both. The blue and yellow point to yesterday, the shape can swing both ways, and the stainless steel feet give it the contemporary edge. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!
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A wooden credenza. This one, all wood with skinny legs, is definitely more classic retro. Keep it in today’s world by accessorizing it with modern knickknacks.
A futon. Didn’t think futons had anyplace outside college campuses? Think again. Not only will they accomplish that retro feel, but they’ll save space in small dens or offices while providing an extra spot to sleep for the occasional guest. When decorating around it, treat it as a couch. You’ll find it will easily transition into your modern space.
by Kaylovesvintage
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The F511 Lounge Chair from YLiving. This chair makes me want to kick back and listen to the Stones on vinyl. It's definitely an investment piece.
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A mid-century office chair. What a great juxtaposition between this burnt-orange chair and the romantic floral curtains with white desk. That hint of an unexpected retro chair gives the whole setup a splash of pizzazz.
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Colorful dishware. Regardless of how modern your kitchen is, it can always benefit from a set of dishware in unexpected colors. Instantly retro, instantly chic.
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Funky accessories. Too nervous to go all the way with a large piece? Make some room on a console or side table for some accessories with a retro kick.
Next: More ways to play with vintage style
Cool Threads: Shag Rugs Stage a Comeback
Next: More ways to play with vintage style
Cool Threads: Shag Rugs Stage a Comeback
Comments
tinseltoes Great ideabook, but there are several photos I can't see. Also where can I get the fabulous LOVE poster?
21 months ago · Like
tinseltoes btw the photos came up...
21 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Sept. 3, 2011.
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