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Swansea Life - 'Interior Design Course - Part 8: Retro Revival' - Interiors Column - Nov 201
I often believe that interior design can be compared to the fashion industry as trends from different eras always seem to make their way back onto the market. At the moment there is a real passion for reinventing the past and every clothes shop you enter is full of vintage designs that are thought to be the latest fashion, despite the fact they made an appearance many years ago. In the interiors world, retro products are finding their way back into homes and rooms are brought to life with the character and charm reminiscent of an era that is hard for many to resist. So, this month in our interior design course we are going to look at how you can incorporate retro elements throughout your home.
PIC 1: Newgate Electric wall clock Finishing touches make all the difference and this Newgate Electric clock is perfect for a creating a retro interior. £185, 01691 679 994, www.newgateclocks.com
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There is still something to be said for 'the good old days'. I look back to my childhood and everything seemed to be much more carefree than the many demands of modern life now allow. Despite it being a bit before my time, perhaps this is the reason that the 1950's remains so memorable and continues to be reinvented, particularly in the interiors world where it is a prominent trend.
The fifties is typically remembered for the rise of Rock 'n' Roll and the rebellious teenager who invented an individual style, which broke away from the conservative suit and billowing skirt. Youngsters opted instead for the fashion projected by Elvis Presley, with cool leather jackets and slicked back hair. Not only were changes taking place in terms of clothing and music, but homes were welcoming new technology as television sets started to find their way into households along with the development of appliances including the invention of the home microwave oven. |
For the first time since the end of the war, households had a degree of disposable income, which could be spent on the design of their homes. Interiors from this period are still recognisable today for abstract prints and a mix of bright colours coupled with earthy hues.
Retro has made a real come back, with many looking to not only inject a sense of fun into their home, but to also create a unique space that stands out from the crowd. If you want to have a revival in your home, then carry on reading!
With the fifties being home to the retro craze, it seems only right to make this the main focus. One room that will truly benefit from a retro renaissance is the kitchen and as the 'heart of the home' it seems a good place to start. First things first, let's think about appliances. Though this can be a costly investment, if retro captures your taste and style, then this is an area where you can really go to town! I'm sure I'm not alone when my imagination jumps straight to an image of a curvaceous, bold yet simply designed fridge. Opt for a model in a bright, vibrant shade that is sure to get noticed and will serve as a focal point within the kitchen.
If this sounds like something that would catch your eye, then Smeg offers an array of designs and colour options to suit your needs and personal tastes. Just remember, be brave in your choice.
This Kenwood Kmix toaster has a retro combination of bright colour and stainless steel with a modern twist.
From £39.95, 0239 239 2333, www.kenwoodworld.com/uk |
The cooker is another aspect that needs ample consideration. Manufacturers have recognised the trend for retro products throughout the home and brands have therefore continued to offer products that suit this current style.
Brands including Rangemaster and Stoves have a collection of range cookers that would be ideal for creating a kitchen that has an authentic fifties feel but uses the latest technology. It is also important not to forget the smaller appliances as these too will make an impact. When it comes to choosing your toaster, microwave or even a blender, stainless steel or a finish that replicates enamel are definitely the best options. |
Depending on just how dedicated you are, changing your kitchen worktops will also help to give the space a retro twist. I would recommend using a Formica material, which actually works surprisingly well with a contemporary fitted kitchen in a laminate finish and creates a harmonious balance between old and new. Wall colours should consist of a sorbet colour palette and should be chosen to complement the cabinetry that is already in place. Another design aspect that will definitely aid in setting the scene is the flooring. While linoleum was a popular addition back in the day, its popularity has faded over time. Tiles are definitely the way forward and a black and white combination will be reflective of the era you are trying to recreate. Despite this process being more time consuming, I would recommend laying individual tiles and ensure that you have a couple to spare. This way, if one gets damaged, it will be easier and far more economical to change just the one tile as opposed to a sheet.
French House - Loft Lamps The French House offers a range of retro lighting products for use throughout the home. This loft lamp is brilliant for introducing colour to a room. 020 7831 1111 |
Whenever I think back to films set in the 1950's I can't help but think of American diners with a jukebox in the corner, coke floats and strawberry milkshakes.
Depending on just how far you want to take your interior scheme, it is possible to create something remarkably similar in your very own home. While the typical layout of many fifties homes was open plan with a combined kitchen diner, even with a separate dining area it is possible to have a funky retro interior. Inject a sense of fun into your meal times with a blast from the past, and incorporate a Formica topped dining table, with a set of padded, chrome legged chairs. As with many trends, not only are products recreated, but they also become modified for a contemporary style. |
PIC 3: Cola-Red- Route 66 dining set
Revive your meal times with this American diner style Route 66 table and chairs by Cola Red.
01753 88 9000,
PIC 4: Matalan- Kitchen Accessories Incorporate kitsch styling into your kitchen with Matalan's range of floral accessories. 0845 330 3330, http://www.matalan.co.uk |
In your search for dining furniture of a retro design, you will probably find manufacturers that have taken the fifties shape but updated it by using wood, as opposed to metal to enable it to be a more subtle addition that is easier to incorporate into the modern home.
Including a wooden table will also help to create a more subtle interior with a soft, traditional English appearance that steps away from American styling, but still has a retro edge. Dress with Cath Kidston tableware to really set the scene!
With the cooking and dining taken care of, let me give you a few tips for the living space within your home. While I'm not going to encourage you to purchase a sofa similar to the one you may find in the home of your grandparents, you can take the basic concepts to find the one most suitable to you. |
Opting for a straight back suite made from a fabric material as opposed to leather will help to create a retro look. I would also recommend incorporating a long sideboard as the main focus within the room.
In terms of decor within the living room, I'm drawn to kitsch styling, which also lends itself to the 1950's. The secret to this scheme is to incorporate clashing prints that share the same colour scheme. Create a mismatched effect, by having a contrast between the pattern on your cushions and the design of your curtains. It is easy to feel out of your comfort zone when it comes to creating a kitsch interior, as our instincts tell us to choose products that suit other items within the room.
Try and be brave as when it comes to retro revival the best results come from those who dare to be adventurous! If you still want to include an essence of retro into your home without it being too overpowering then I would suggest keeping a simple backdrop and bringing it to life with a few quirky accessories.Try to include funky lighting or an eccentric phone. Alternatively, why not invest in an attractive antique and place it within a minimalist setting to act as a centrepiece? Remember, it is often the small finishing touches that make a big difference!
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Taylor's Etc furniture
For a retro living room, this PF Collections furniture, available at Taylor's Etc will definitely set the scene. 02920 358 400, www.taylorsetc.co.uk |
By Lesley Taylor
Lesley Taylor is an Interior Designer, Author and full member of the BIIDA. www.lesleytaylor.co.uk.
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