Friday, May 31, 2024

Retro Furniture Type #10 - The Walnut Dining Table

 

The Walnut Dining Table

The walnut dining table pictured above is another example of how retro style can seamlessly merge two different aesthetics. The handsome walnut finish reminiscent of older and more traditional interiors combined with the tapered legs so predominant within 50s and 60s furnishings makes for a stunning piece that balances innovative silhouettes with familiar textures – and a completely mid-century modern feel.

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Retro Furniture Type #9 - The Arc Lamp

 

The Arc Lamp

Whether it’s innovative silhouettes crafted from rustic wood (like the above coffee table) or classic fixtures made from progressive chrome, mid-century modern tends to merge two styles into one design. Perhaps most reflective of this ‘merging’ is the steel arc lamp; the subtle curves and the bold glass lampshade make for a design both minimalistic and full of flair.


Thursday, May 23, 2024

Retro Furniture Type #8 - The Triangle Coffee Table

 

The Triangle Coffee Table

It’s been mentioned before, and it’s worth mentioning again: nothing spells out the charm of mid-century modern quite like geometrical lines and shapes. Consider, for example, the coffee tables in the above living room; triangular tabletops contrast with the tapered legs to bring sharp definition and focalize the entire space.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Retro Furniture Type #7 - The Sleek End Table

The Sleek End Table

Part of the charm of retro living rooms is that every piece, no matter how big or small, contributes to the room’s mid-century appeal with its own exciting features. With bright colors and patterns, this can mean a bold array of designs, each competing for attention. However, by restricting the color palette to one or two neutrals, the focus is kept on texture and silhouettes, making it easy for each piece – whether it’s a sleek end table or a cozy shag rug – to shine without clashing with the surrounding décor.

Friday, May 17, 2024

Retro Furniture Type #6 - The Platform Bed

 


The Platform Bed

There is a reason the mid-century bedroom is making a comeback for both adults and kids: platform beds and sleek nightstands in natural colors create a timeless aesthetic, while rugs and ottomans in groovy patterns add a whimsical touch
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Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Retro Furniture Type #5 - The Tapered Chair

 

The Tapered Chair

If you take anything from the mid-century modern rulebook, take the geometry. Ovals, squares and even octagons, whether in an papasan chair or coffee table, are retro-chic at its finest – and can do wonders for plain spaces in need of a defining statement piece.

Monday, May 13, 2024

Retro Furniture Type #4 - The Minimalist Pendant

 

The Minimalist Pendant Light

Mid-century and minimalism go hand-in-hand, and perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in mid-century lighting. No-frills, bare-bones lamps, pendants and chandeliers create a sleek aesthetic – and help to balance out any unexpected flares and colors often inherent in surrounding mid-century décor.

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Retro Furniture Type #3 - The 70's Couch

 



The 70's Couch

Partly out of a need to save space and partly out of a penchant for bold style, mid-century designs saw a deviation from the lavish cushions and graceful roll arms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries – and a rise in retro couches and chairs in minimalistic silhouettes. To incorporate mid-century modern seating into a contemporary or eclectic living room, keep the majority of the furniture (like the coffee table, end table and floor lamps) in a neutral hue – and restrict pops of color to one or two pieces (like the chair or sofa) to maintain a cohesive look.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Retro Furniture Type #2 - The Flared Desk


The Flared Desk

In fashion, architecture and interior design, flared edges defined the late mid-century, encompassing a collective desire to step away from the straight lines of traditional silhouettes. Opt for a desk with tapered legs or a chair with a flared back to effortlessly give any space a hint of the rebellious charm reminiscent of the 60s and 70s.

Friday, May 3, 2024

Retro Furniture Type #1 - The Tufted Sectional

 

The Tufted Sectional

If retro style is anything, it’s all about going bold – especially through tufting. For the ultimate in retro style, incorporate monochrome hues like avocado green, sleek grey and rustic brown in major staples; a grey sectional like the one in the living room above focalizes the room while bringing a standout mid-century appeal.