Retro Design But what is meant by Vintage retro?

“Typical use of past styles” surely doesn’t work, nor does traditional, but what about “classic retro” – hmm, that must have been the thinking of whoever coined the phrase – especially when you consider that it takes most of its design elements from the most classical of our American periods – the 40’s and 50’s –

If those were not truly classic times with space travel, finned automobiles and burgeoning social reform lining up behind the rich elite to all share a piece of the American pie then what is?

So called “Vintage” retro, wherever coined refers to the use of classical 40 and 50 décor elements to create a retro space with modern comforts and conveniences.

The interesting thing is that back in the late 40’s and 50’s when these styles came out they were ‘futuristic’ and ultra-modern, and relied in large part upon designers ideas of what was to become common in the 20’th century and beyond as man ventured out into space.

Due to this many unusual and even outlandish styles were created as well as the whole ‘art deco’ movement – hence the delineation of ‘classic’ or ‘vintage’ retro for this unique style.

More exotic or outlandish ideas from the time, while possibly of use as an accent piece should not be the core of a vintage retro design – rather falling back to the more traditional elements that were likely to be found during this period and creating a homier and lived-in space is the experience that is sought with this design in mind.

As with its related ‘art deco’ style heavy reliance on black and white as a background, bright greens and neon as accents and rounded objects in a variety of man-made materials and chrome is at the core of a Vintage retro design.

Unlike other retro design goals however a more comfortable and common experience is desired, so furnishing may not be the more exotic and less comfortable plastic shapes and designs introduced in the 50’s but what would have been more common the traditional solid-surfaced and straight-lined couches and chairs from the 40’s.

Rounded edges with subtle patterns and stripes were more common in the 40’s then the geometric designs and twisted elements of the 50’s.

Use of these classic materials and styles is essential to a comfortable and realistic vintage retro space today …

The late 40’s featured a style known then as the “American Modern” that is wonderful to select display pieces from or to review to gain insight and ideas into what a vintage retro design should look like.

With a mix of colors and materials which would become more pronounced in the art deco movement already underway lounges and lighting, bookshelves and artwork from this movement are all vaguely reminiscent of the art deco movement but with a less exotic and extreme edge. These are the pieces your mother and father would have had if they could afford them!

This was a time when even toasters reflected elements of design and forming bookshelves in the shape of skylines were common nods to artful indulgence. The world was changing, man was heading off into space and anything was possible – and the objects and furnishing of the time was starting to reflect that but had not yet become so playful as to later appear laughable.

There is perhaps no easier OR harder style to design for then Vintage Retro – easy because it is popular and numerous sites and replicas of items exist making it easy to find materials and theme pieces that fit your goal – difficult because the distinction between retro and classical retro is a fine line that is not well defined.

As the designer your goal should be to identify the nature of your client and the tone they want to set, and to use pieces from retro suppliers that lend just the right amount of whimsy to the room without going ‘over the top’ or falling into another design niche such as art deco or 50’s retro.

It is a difficult feat to accomplish but the new classical look and feel of what you achieve will thrill you and your clients and guests – and may even be the inspiration for a whole new design term such as "Retro American Postmodern.» Stranger things have happened, so who knows?

Rustic is so often spoken with the additional word charm, the two have become inseparable. With the addition of a couple more words like comforting or relaxing and in very short order you will have summed up the appeal of this decorating form.

The great outdoors might seem a world away from the city where you live but bringing it home shouldn’t be an obstacle. Nor is it necessary to sacrifice modern sensibilities in the acquisition of a little charm.

Most likely it isn’t feasible to capture all the elements of a primitive mountain cabin. But, enough can be done to copy exposed log walls, rough-hewn beams, stone and other rough creations to impress the style deep into your senses.

Color and textures

This is one deep woods decorating style where color and texture share the same palette. Neutral, natural and earth tones are taken from nature. The shades are those occurring in weathered construction timbers and stone, and in preserved wood furnishings and wall panels.

The only exceptions you’ll find is bleached woodwork finished with varnish or color wash paint applications on boards and plaster. Washes introduce the only variation, a muted cousin to vivid color. These milk paint concoctions, mostly in gray-blue and green, and lacking in solid depth, allow wood grains to show through, much in keeping with the natural look. Modern powdered versions are available to you in most paint stores. Use these in your work to achieve color correctness.

Texture is everywhere. Use woods that aren’t finely planed and don’t be overly concerned about imperfections. Plank floors can be interrupted with entry areas of flagstone or unpolished granite. Massive stone hearths and exposed rock in plastered walls are prevalent and impressive.

Everything natural, naturally

If you want to take the look further, use stone to build a room dividing wall. Make it appear structural and add some timber beams across the room in the ceiling.

Animal hides, rag rugs and coarse woolens add to the list of heavily textured materials you will be sourcing to use.

Finding the right Country Furnishings

When set against a pale, neutral background, furniture made with logs, planks or knotted woods can create a commanding feel. Look around in flea markets and garage sales for simple yet sturdy pieces. Let the form of the wood do the talking without help from carved or applied ornamentation. For a well used homey look try pieces with natural or worn finishes.

You’ll often find suburban hobbyist furniture makers set up in parking lots selling pole log beds and sofas, stick chairs that are tied together without nails or adhesives, Adirondack slat chairs, rustic “time of day passing” rocking chairs, sliced tree trunk coffee tables, driftwood lamps and routered out country humor signs.

All this out of the back of a pick-up truck and every last piece has a place in Rustic decorating.

To me, a "tree trunk coffee table" are probably the most familiar piece of furniture for a rustic style home decor, try to add it whenever is possible.

Dining areas are always important family areas in Rustic homes. They are usually dominated by a long plank table flanked by benches along the length and wooden arm chairs at each end. A classic harvest table makes a great side board while a bakers stand makes for an attractive highlight piece.

Arrange seating in close groupings for homey conversation. Define the space with a large oval rag rug. Set the seen for relaxation with a couple of rockers by the fireside. A bear skin rug set between supplies additional warmth.

 Plain linen and cotton covered cushions keep things simple.

Becoming accessories

Patchwork quilts always make things cozy and there’s a whole history behind the making of these pieces of Americana so there’s lots to talk about and compare if you leave them laying about. A particularly special quilt makes a colorful addition, corner pinned to a panel wall.

• A chipped but still charming mirror will find the right spot to call home. Hung nature paintings fit right in with deer antlers and old tin advertising signage.

• Blanket boxes are a great place to store things and can also do double duty as a coffee table or storage bench in a hallway.

• Try things like an old wash tub to store magazines, and old pump head fashioned into a lamp, and water cans or bucket for flower arrangements.

Even if you’ve never left the city, there’s always several rustic or country theme restaurants nearby. They’re loaded to excess with ideas you can use in your Rustic decorating project.