The term Retro refers to old fashioned, or old and
functioning like something that is timeless or considered a
classic. Retro home style deeply relies on accessories and
choosing the right ones to give it a fun and funky look.

For the living room, you can include a black leather sofa
with tufted seat tops and legs finished in a brown stain.
You can also add a leather chair that features a wrap around
back with molded sides with the seat forming from the back
though the center and is completely padded. Furniture
pieces for the kitchen, for instance, include dinette sets,
with an oval red cracked ice table that has chrome insert
banding, and chrome chairs upholstered in yellow, red, and
cracked ice vinyl. Also, a vintage wooden style table with
an enamel top will work perfectly in the kitchen.
You can spruce up your furniture and cabinets with glass
knobs because they add an authentic vintage look. For
cabinets painted in white, you can install the green glass
knobs for a nice contrast.

A super way to add appealing charm to your walls is by
painting the walls in a cream and green, red and white, or
pink and blue color scheme. Also, through the use of wall
art, you can enhance the overall look. This is a great way
to show off your vintage finds by displaying collectibles on
shelves or hanging them on the wall as a group. A tip when
hanging art pieces is to keep the center of the artwork at
eye level. Furthermore, you might want to consider using
vintage tile on the walls or painting in vintage colors to
help accentuate other decorative items.

For flooring, you can install linoleum in a checkerboard
pattern for a retro feel. Another option is to use throw
rugs to add color to the floor, which help tie the elements
together.

Lighting helps transform the ambiance in the room. To
achieve that authentic retro look, you can buy vintage
ceiling lights, vintage desk and table lamps, and wall
sconces in plastic or in an enameled metal. You can choose
from sputnik lamps, along with other lamps in a variety of
colors, which includes yellow, red, and orange, just to
name a few.

Decorative accessories are essential to bringing your retro
look together. Try to focus on finding items that match
your particular color theme. For the kitchen, stainless
steel containers and breadboxes are a good choice, as well
as patterns, such as cherries, solid pink, and powder blue.
Also vintage plates, tablecloths, and dish towels make
interesting pieces. If you are having difficulty tying that
refrigerator or stove into this look, consider purchasing
ones reproduced with today’s technology in the original
appearance. Other accessories that can be displayed include
classic pedal cars inspired from the 1940’s and 50’s,
replica jukeboxes, turntables, radios, Double Bubble clocks,
atomic clocks, cocktail clocks, orb clocks, Coke machines,
car hop, oil signs, and metal laundry soap bins for a taste
of laundry room nostalgia.

Decorative pillows are another fabulous decorative accessory
because they add a nice touch to any room. You can purchase
pillows that are made in a retro fabric design.

Finally, for window treatments, consider the use of vintage
barkcloth that comes in complementary colors and great
patterns. This will definitely add drama to your room.

Giorgina Devereaux is the creator of AskGiorgina.com, which features questions, answers, and ideas on home decor and furniture. For more information, please visit http://www.AskGiorgina.com