Retro Decor for Your Modern Home

Have you heard the phrase "Everything old is new again"? Designers tell us that ‘70s-style interiors are making a big comeback. Part of the reason is that it is such a fun and relaxed decor style, evoking the optimism and non-conformism of the time. This free-spirited approach lets you introduce a varied mix of textures and patterns while leaning on the cozy and warm elements the style brings to your home. 

To welcome back the ‘70s, we set out to put a modern spin on retro trends with our handcrafted stainless steel flatware. The result was 4 fresh retro-inspired place settings that were fun to create.

Before we treat you to our throwback tablescapes, here are some essential components for achieving that ‘70s look when decorating your favorite spaces.

The classic elements of ‘70s design

For those planning to jump on board this old-meets-new design trend, here are a few classic elements that guarantee that fun, relaxed ‘70s vibe.

Wicker and rattan. The Peacock chair probably comes to mind when you think of elaborate rattan furnishings. It was around much earlier in the century but became popular in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Many music icons and movie stars sat in these wicker chairs posing for magazine cover photos, probably because of its throne-like quality.

Another popular rattan chair of the era was the Papasan chair, with its bowl-shaped frame and unique round cushion. However, you don’t have to include chairs to get the look. Many designers opt for a retro-light touch, including woven baskets, wicker light pendants, and rattan side tables.

Macramé, crochet and shag rugs. Want to add instant texture to a room and balance out any linear aspects? Add something macramé, like a wall hanging or plant hanger. Less is more for macramé and crochet, so think of decor accents like macramé cushion covers or a colorful crocheted throw or table runner. While wall-to-wall brown or orange shag was popular in the ‘70s, decorating with a shag area rug is a great way to invite warmth and coziness to today's spaces.

Metallic accents. Chrome, copper, and gold were top choices for color and hardware as they tied in with the many colors and patterns of the era. We discovered that no matter how colorful or patterned our retro-inspired place settings were, our stainless steel flatware, copper flatware, and gold flatware harmonized well with each look.

Natural elements. Do you love houseplants? An excess of houseplants to create that jungle look is very much a throwback to the ‘70s style. Other natural elements like stacked stone fireplaces and stone walls are all part of the back-to-nature style embraced in the ‘70s.  

Does the '70s style confuse you? It’s understandable! The design of that era was like a pendulum, swinging between a return to more organic, natural elements on one hand, and an over-the-top glamorous attitude with bold colors, excess, and an "anything goes" mindset on the other.

With that in mind, we invite you to check out our groovy, retro-inspired tables.

Flower power

Bright, neon colors, psychedelic art, and botanical patterns were popular in the ‘70s. This floral patterned plate conjures up plenty of flower power magic on its own. We added a textured citrus lime saucer, amber glass, and avocado green oval dish to up the energetic floral vibe. We completed this retro-inspired place setting with the beautiful Plateau gold flatware set. This handcrafted stainless steel flatware design features highly polished silver utensils. Finished in vintage gold, the square handles with beveled ends add a perfect lavish touch - a tribute to the era’s captivation with glamorous gold metallic accents. Can you dig it?

🌸 Flower power: The use of flowers as symbols of love and peace, often used at peace protests. American poet Allen Ginsberg coined the term and the idea soon blossomed into the hippie fashion of the time. In the late 1960s, bright florals and geometric patterns became popular in art and home decor.

Tangerine Tango

Shagadelic, baby! This brightly colored table setting has Austin Powers vibes. With dishware and glasses featuring ‘70s colors like tangerine tango and sunny yellow, it brightens the mood. Like a lithograph of the era, we chose to add black to this tablescape. The curvy organic handles of the Tedpole stainless steel flatware are the ultimate finish to this tangy tangerine table.

🍊 Tangerine tango, dazzling fuchsia, electric blues, and citrus limes were part of the high-energy colors of the ’70s. In the kitchen, avocado green and harvest gold were the ‘it’ colors for appliances.

A pop of polka dots

Dinner at 6, on the dot! This delightful dot table setting showcases a polka dot plate surrounded by avocado green and teal accents. While avocado green and harvest gold were popular appliance colors, in the late ‘70s, Coppertone became a popular appliance color. We chose our Sundance copper flatware for this place setting. One of our flagship stainless steel flatware designs, Sundance features round handles that widen slightly in a square base. The antique copper finish is the perfect complement to this place setting.   

🟢 🔴 ⚪ A popular 1960s fashion trend, polka dots appeared on baby doll dresses with white colors. Polka dots lost their symmetrical shape and became more mod in the 70s, with different shapes and sizes in bold colors.  

Retro-tastic red

Along with bold color, the ‘70s celebrated mixing bold patterns and rich textures. Red and white color blocking and thick stripes were a popular trend at the time, and this sugar and creamer set and matching cup and saucer are the perfect color-blocked arrangement. A floral plate on a solid red plate embraces the true spirit of the era. The Jason stainless steel flatware design with its nascent steel square handles adds another rich textural layer to this retro-tastic red place setting.

Embracing the groovy 70s style

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to combine retro accents with modern features to create a fresh look that suits your style. The style of the 70s celebrated individuality and was itself a combination of different eras and styles. If you're unsure whether your retro vibe is more from the '50s, '60s, or '70s, just follow the lead of today's designers. They are mixing and matching these eras to create unique retro-inspired spaces.

Could your table settings use a refresh? Check out our handcrafted stainless steel flatware collection, featuring retro-inspired gold flatware and artisan-made designs with antique copper-finished handles.

Looking to breathe some life into your home with a nostalgic touch? Retro decor is the perfect way to add character and charm to your living space. With its bold patterns, warm colors, and funky vibes, '70s design is making a notable comeback. But how do you incorporate these retro elements without making your home feel outdated or kitschy? Here, we'll explore four creative ways to make retro feel fresh and modern, ensuring your industrial home stands out with timeless style.

1. **Blend Retro and Modern Elements**

One of the most effective ways to ensure that retro decor doesn’t overwhelm your space is by blending it with modern elements. Start with a neutral, industrial backdrop and introduce retro pieces as accents. Think sleek, mid-century modern furniture paired with geometric patterns and bold, vibrant colors. This balanced mix keeps the retro vibe without sacrificing contemporary sensibilities.

2. **Use Retro Colors Wisely**

Retro decor is known for its distinct color palette—think mustard yellows, olive greens, and burnt oranges. To prevent these strong colors from dominating your space, use them strategically. Consider a statement wall in a retro shade or choose accessories like throw pillows, rugs, or art pieces to bring in color. This approach allows you to enjoy the vibrancy of '70s decor while maintaining a sophisticated, industrial look.

3. **Mix and Match Textiles and Patterns**

Textiles and patterns are hallmarks of '70s decor, and there are myriad ways to incorporate them without going overboard. Mix and match different textures, such as velvet curtains with shaggy rugs or leather chairs with embroidered cushions. Geometric and floral patterns can be used in moderation to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. The key is to strike a balance between retro flair and modern elegance.

4. **Embrace Vintage Accessories**

Incorporate vintage accessories to add authenticity and character to your retro decor. Items like rotary phones, lava lamps, or record players not only serve as functional pieces but also add a nostalgic touch to your industrial home. Flea markets, thrift stores, and online vintage shops are excellent places to find unique items that can become conversation starters and focal points in your decor.

In conclusion, integrating retro decor into your industrial home is all about balance and selectivity. By thoughtfully blending modern and vintage elements, using retro colors wisely, mixing and matching textiles and patterns, and incorporating authentic vintage accessories, you can create a space that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. So, dive into the '70s revival and experience the joy and warmth of retro decor in a way that's fresh, stylish, and uniquely yours.

Are you a fan of '70s design? Retro decor is making a comeback, and it’s never been easier to incorporate this nostalgic style into your home. But how can you make retro feel fresh in today’s setting? Here, we provide you with four actionable tips to help you achieve the perfect blend of vintage charm and contemporary flair.

Firstly, integrating bold colors is essential. The ‘70s were known for their vibrant and bold color palettes. You can start by adding colorful rugs, statement furniture, or vibrant wall art to your living space. Think shades of orange, earthy browns, and avocado greens. These colors not only evoke the retro feel but also add a lively ambiance to your home.

Secondly, don’t shy away from mixing textures and patterns. Retro decor embraces the use of diverse materials like wood, metal, and plastic. You can include a mix of velvet cushions, shaggy rugs, and wooden furniture to create a dynamic look. Patterns like geometric shapes and floral prints can be used on curtains, cushions, and wallpaper, creating visual interest and making your decor pop.

Thirdly, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the retro mood. Consider adding iconic lighting fixtures from the ‘70s, such as lava lamps, pendant lights, and globe lights. These lighting pieces not only serve a functional purpose but also act as stylish focal points, enhancing the overall retro aesthetic of your room.

Lastly, incorporating vintage furniture and accessories is key. Look for classic ‘70s pieces like low-slung sofas, egg chairs, or mid-century modern dressers. Thrift stores, antique shops, and online marketplaces are great places to hunt for these unique items. You can also add retro-inspired accessories such as rotary dial phones, vinyl records, or vintage posters to complete the look.

By following these tips, you can effortlessly blend retro decor with modern sensibilities, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and current. Whether you’re redesigning an entire room or just adding a few retro touches, these ideas will help you achieve a vibrant and stylish home that pays homage to the beloved ‘70s era.