Retro Decor Tips for a Vintage-Style Interior
There’s nothing quite like nostalgia, so why not bring this cherished feeling home? Retro interiors are on the rise, and recreating this atmosphere with a modern lens is doable with the right attention to detail.
There’s nothing quite like nostalgia, so why not bring this cherished feeling home? Retro interiors are on the rise, and recreating this atmosphere with a modern lens is doable with the right attention to detail.
As lovers of nostalgia, you can take our word for it: Here’s 5 easy design tips to consider before you hit the drawing board:
One For Victory Jameson Chair & Hive Sofa
Be on the Lookout for Vintage Furniture
When going for a retro look, the right statement piece is the prize. Whether you’re sorting through secondhand goods or considering something custom, securing that first piece can set the tone for all design decisions that follow.
First, ask yourself: Do I want an original vintage item, or a modern piece with vintage details? Not everyone has the patience to sift through antique shops and flea markets. If done well, a vintage-inspired piece can give the same effect. For example: a 1947 Monte Carlo armchair, or a 1920s modern sewn-tufted sofa.
Allie Cameron's Torquay Home: Image by Becca Crawford & Styling by Paige Anderson
2. Get Inspiration From Retro Color Palettes
Color is king, and finding the right palette is crucial to any interior. At the end of the day, it’s about the feeling it brings. Think warm, cozy, and inviting—or bright, vivid, and charming. The avenues are endless. And sometimes, it can be tricky to know where to start.
Consider interiors you already love and where they’re pulling inspiration. Perhaps it’s a gorgeous Spanish Colonial space, or a classic Mid Century interior in the Hollywood Hills. Each of these design styles is tied to a color palette popular to the time of its origin. And with the right paint or fabric swatches, these palettes can be replicated.
One For Victory Archive
3. Welcome Bold Patterns & Textures
Pattern is an easy way to replicate a vintage feeling in an interior space. And with so many materials at your disposal, it’s achievable without the bones of an original build. These prints are designed to make a statement—whether it be a bold checkered tile, or a groovy wallpaper print, it’s important to be intentional.
In addition, texture can add even more depth to your interior space. Start by browsing products crafted with quality materials, such as a studded leather armchair, a hair on hide cocktail ottoman, or a boulclé fabric reading chair. There is beauty in variety.
Soho House Table Lamp & Kelly Thompson’s Vintage Home
4. Don’t Shy Away from a Secondhand Accessory
If a secondhand sofa isn’t your thing, you can still capture that retro feeling with a smaller antique find. And since you likely have the main furniture components already selected, these accessories are the icing on the cake.
To start, research antique shows, boutique shops, secondhand stores, or yard sales in your area. These display a variety of unique finds unavailable at your local furniture store. Fair warning: You might have to do a bit of searching, but hard work pays off. Your perfect accessory might already be waiting for you—and at a fair price.
One For Victory Schulte Chair, Bungalow Sofa, & Duo Ottoman
5. Maintain the Balance
If a retro look is the goal, remember: don’t overdo it. Balance is key—instead of incorporating too many vintage elements (at the risk of resembling an antique store), mix in a few contemporary pieces to even out the space.
Don’t worry—“contemporary” doesn’t have to be boring. Many boutique sellers pair vintage details with modern craftsmanship. And since you’ll be the item’s first owner, these beautifully crafted pieces will age with you. It gets even better with time.
The One For Victory Way
California roots and vintage details are the foundation of ONE FOR VICTORY. Crafted from a curated selection of premium materials, our collection reflects a deep understanding of modern proportions and fine tailoring. Each piece is built by hand and uniquely fashioned for livability.
Enjoy the enduring beauty of retro design through a One For Victory lens.Browse our collection for more unique styles, orcontact us for special orders and collaborations.
How to Get a "California Casual" Interior in 2024
Nothing says “effortless” like California design, so how can you achieve this laid back look? Take it from the pros: You don’t have to live near the ocean to capture this beloved design style. Your home space is just a refresh away from a coastal inspired living.
Nothing says “effortless” like California design, so how can you achieve this laid back look? Take it from the pros: You don’t have to live near the ocean to capture this beloved design style. Your home space is just a refresh away from a coastal inspired living.
With an emphasis on comfort and relaxation, California design is organic and welcoming. These spaces evoke a “lived in” feel. Here’s an overview of this coveted interior style and how to welcome it into your home space:
A Brief History
California design is famously cozy and inviting. Notes of this style emerged around the 1940s alongside architecture from the area’s early Spanish settlements. Key characteristics include indoor-outdoor spaces, rustic charm, neutral tones/pops of color, natural materials, and thoughtful decorative elements.
Today, the California design style is widely recognized. This casual, yet refined look lives primarily along the state’s famously long coastline, through San Diego, Malibu, and further north toward San Francisco.
Let’s take a look at this design style through a handcrafted furniture lens:
1970s Los Angeles: The Schulte Chair
Inspired by Jeanerret’s modern geometry and 1970s Los Angeles, the Schulte chair combines raw elements and a refined silhouette. Its white oak base and premium suede finish creates a unique, relaxed modernity. Utilize this piece as a colorful accent chair or display its gorgeous angles as a matching set.
Shown with Capital Navy leather upholstery, or customizable upon request
A Touch of Bohemian: The Bungalow Sofa
Inspired by smooth, carefree living, the Bungalow is a memorable must-have. Crank up the record player and unwind on plush cushions framed by sophisticated wood detail. This memorable silhouette captures California’s famous boho-chic style with a subtle vintage feel.
Shown with white oak wood and Capital Verde leather upholstery, or customizable upon request
California Comfort: The Goldenrod Sectional
The Goldenrod is the next California classic. Thoughtful details cultivate clean lines, shelter arms, an anchored plinth base, and a supremely-inviting tufted seat. This substantial seat ensures there’s always room for one more in your west coast inspired indoor-outdoor space.
Shown with Jewel Sand nubuck leather upholstery, or customizable upon request
Made For Wear: The Baby Rex Chair
With a vision of spirit and accessibility, the Baby Rex chair is intentionally fresh. Natural materials welcome the sculptural effects of its exposed wood frame. This style’s unique hair on hide upholstery evokes the subtle feeling of California living: charming, rustic, and casual.
Shown with Light Brown Heather Hair on Hide upholstery, or customizable upon request
The One For Victory Way
California roots and vintage details are the foundation of ONE FOR VICTORY. Crafted from a curated selection of premium materials, our collection reflects a deep understanding of modern proportions and fine tailoring. Each piece is built by hand and uniquely fashioned for livability.
Enjoy the enduring beauty of California design through a One For Victory lens.Browse our collection for more unique styles, or contact us for special orders and collaborations.