A very retro autumn

Lucia Olive Green Sofa - coming soon - www.furniturechoice.co.uk

“Retro interiors have been having their moment partly due to the popularity of 70s style. Its earthy neutral palette, love of soft textures and natural elements can all be used to create a soothing ambience while remaining rich in colour and free-spirited at heart. 

What makes the 1970s vibe so special? As a style, it combines the clean lines of mid-century modern interiors with unique shapes and vibrant geometric patterns. It’s a decade that represented significant social changes and cultural shifts, with fashion and interior trends of the time reflecting a desire to reconnect with nature.

Lana Ivory Plush Sofa - www.furniturechoice.co.uk

At the core of 1970s interiors is its earthy neutral palette, which is perfect for autumn. Dark browns, taupe, beige and mossy greens create a grounding and relaxing feel that warms up the home. Green can be used as a relaxing neutral or as an accent to break up the brown tones. Olive, forest and sage greens are the best picks for this aesthetic and complement the neutrals in the room. A good tip is to mix and layer different brown tones – start with a light base on the walls and then bring in darker tones through accents like a side table or an alcove. 

Texture is the other key component in emphasising this look. Although this is a revival, we want to give it a contemporary update, not make it feel dated. Walls with a limewash effect are very trendy right now and soften the room with its chalky texture. It’s also a great weekend DIY transformation. If you prefer wallpaper, textured wallpaper is the way to go. Besides the walls, soft upholstery and accessories play a key role. Lush velvet textures are perfect for that soft-to-touch feeling while adding an element of luxe to the room. They also serve as a contrast to dark wood or rattan textures that are commonly associated with retro interiors. 

Rugs can also be used to your advantage to soften the room. While it was common in the 1970s to install shag carpeting for the whole room, a contemporary update would be to introduce a large area rug in a bold colour. This will prevent the room from feeling dated while creating a stylish focal point.

Lucia Olive Green Sofa - coming soon - www.furniturechoice.co.uk

Pattern and curved shapes are another important element in retro interiors. Geometric patterns can be introduced as artwork or as a cushion print. Geometric patterns have been given a contemporary update, making it feel less like your grandparents living room and more like a chic, contemporary home. The trick is to mirror a cushion print with artwork on the wall or choose an upholstery pattern in the same colour as the artwork. Aside from geometric patterns, bringing in curved shapes through side furniture or accessories is a way to break up the clean lines. A round or curved coffee table in the living room is one example. Curved vases or lamps are another subtle shoo-in and chic way to accessorise.”

For more tips on retro style, check out our guide on mid-century modern interiors for inspiration.

Credit

Name: Amthal Karim

Title: Head of Design 

Company: Furniture And Choice 

ENDS

For more information or to contact our PR team, please visit our Press Centre.