Retro Inspired Designs

"Retro-inspired" designs are currently flooding design spreads in various print forms. Not surprisingly, since it is one of most aestheticly pleasing, and the simplest to execute. In the article, Elements of Style from a recent issue of Family Circle, Petra Guglielmetti shows three different kinds of "styles" for design novices to try their hand. At first glance they look distinctive, but realistly they incorporate many of the same elements.

The first may seem the furthest from retro-inspired: Contemporary Cool. At it's most simplistic, contemporary cool is mostly clean lines and a minimalistic approach to accessorization. This minimalistic look, however, must also incorporate a sense of symmetry, incorporating architectural patterns that attract the eye.

The following is an example of these elements, derived from a 1920's inspired design.


+Shine, metallic ie (lamps and mirrors)
+Solid colored furniture in bold colors
+graphic patterns, and vivid colors
+uncluttered space


These are all imperative elements of "modern" or "contemporary" design, but we must remember where those design terms derive from. Twenties-style, involving both minimalist, sleek elements, with the whimsicality of retro;the design guru can have the best of both worlds.


"Retro-inspired" usually conjures up a more "artistic" bent. Another take on retro, involves the more "Eclectic Mix". "Using furniture from various time periods, with rustic textures, and global accents...an antique look with a cool twist."

The following is a perfect visual example of a quirky, eclectic, artistic, bohemian, and again, a very whimsical look.




+handcrafted woodwork furniture; Victorian, Grassroots
+Clashy, Cluttered, Ethnic, Exotic
+artwork, pictures, wallpaper; mix-and-matchy
+loosely defined color pallette,
+deep hues; burgundy, reds, blues, oranges, oriental colors;patterns
+hanging lamps, faux finishes, heavy upolstery


Many designers feel that a feel of sophistication is lost in this very DIY, haphazard type of design. They trade the very thrifty/hand-me-down look for a more
elegant, tailored look. These peices can be found in thrift stores-but not as-is. They must be worked-with diligently until they look new. This design is also retro-inspired, very popular in the last sixties and derived mostly from European designs.
You will see that the following design looks very "French".



+Sexy and comfortable-very popular in boudoirs and sitting rooms
+ Do away with stuffiness, everything should have a very "young" look.
+Refined textures: silk, linen, velvet.
+Neat, Symmetrical, and Modern.
+function and feel; pretty and polished.



The three designs discussed, have similar elements, but are all drastically different to some degree. They are all, in fact, inspired by previous design paradigms, despite their very modern look.

Here are two examples of how all of those elements are combined, which is an effect used frequently in the most popular designs.

Philadelphia Shoe Factory Lofts

These types of lofts are the epitome of post-modern design. The large windows, refurbished columns, and exposed brick, give a very old building a very hip, urban feel.

Designers spruce up the kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances, and refinish the floor to give it an old look that is still durable. It becomes the perfect backdrop for either a very sleek modern look, or a quirky bohemian feel. The designers here seem to be doing a bit of a combination-style.

These kinds of buildings are fascinating to me. They are built up from such humble beginnings. The combination of old and new is becoming something of a design standard, having been a trend for quite a while in larger cities. But here, location is also key. This particular dwelling is an old shoe factory in the middle of Center City. These kind of loft designs for this area are rather new, and really reflect the artistic vibe of the city.