subject: Everything Old Is New Again [print this page] Where are those ancient things when you need them? Now, we see the return of a style that came to be many years ago - Retro. This is a fun theme to have for home design that you so wish you still have your parents' couch or your Aunt's lamps. Because retro is not an old-fashioned style brought back to life per se, it is far from being called "cheap." Old-fashioned, not. Modern, yes. Retro decorations are quite expensive and going with the trend can be pricey. So what to do?
Don't shop in major retail outlets. If budget is a concern, spend your time browsing the aisles of thrift stores and resale shops or attending auctions and garage sales. A funky item that can cost a hundred dollar in a department store can be as little as twenty bucks in a thrift shop.
This theme also requires a change in color to suit the era. Modern design is usually in subtle or dark tones, an opposite from the retro look. Hence, you would have to do some repainting work.
You will probably need to change your light fittings, and again thrift stores are a great place to look. You do need to be careful to check the wiring, in case there are any worn spots. If so, then you can take the fitting to a home improvement store, where you can buy rewiring kits inexpensively, and there will probably be an employee there who can explain how to go about the rewiring process.
Lastly to the final touches, which can be what really makes your rooms look work. One great idea is to find some old family photos and have them scanned, re-touched for color and then enlarged and framed, and place these round the room. Decorative pillows in various shapes and colors to suit your scheme also work well. Retro styling really needs some varying shapes, and you can do this and add color at the same time with your picture frames and pillows.
Flooring is also an important part of your retro look. Plush carpets were popular back then, so you need to include this in your new decor. However it can be very expensive to completely re-carpet, so one really good answer to the problem is to get an area rug. You can get a large, plush rug which provides a similar appearance without all that expense. Many of the things you buy for your retro styled room can be second hand items, but your area rug should be new. It is very hard to be sure of the quality of a used rug, and there could be problems with it when you get it home, so you really would be better off getting a new one from a reliable dealer. The extra amount you spend will be well worth it.
Your new retro look should now be complete. Take time to look through your photos and enjoy the new space you have created. As you look at those old pictures, compare your room's look to those in the pictures. You might find even more ideas for things you could add to the room as time goes on.
