Cover image: retro-style bathroom with tiles from the Palazzo collection by Stonepeak Ceramics
An aesthetic that recalls the past
Retro style is a decorative aesthetic inspired by the fashion and design of the past, usually from the 1920s to the 1970s. This style evokes a sense of nostalgia for bygone eras and can be used to personalize spaces by creating original atmospheres.
Typical colours and furnishings of retro style
Retro style is characterized by the use of lively and bold colours such as mustard yellow, powder pink, mint green, burnt orange, and turquoise. Furniture often features curved outlines and slender legs, with decorative details reminiscent of formica furnishings, including typical elements such as rocking chairs, vintage sideboards, and sofas upholstered in fabrics with geometric or floral patterns.
Wallcoverings, fabrics and accessories for a nostalgic living room
As for wallcoverings, wallpapers with geometric or floral patterns are preferred, along with fabrics like velvet, brocade, and boldly printed upholstery, accompanied by shaggy rugs that contribute to creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Vintage accessories play a fundamental role and include wall clocks with Arabic numerals, Art Deco-style table lamps, vintage telephones and radios, along with retro art posters.
Retro style in the kitchen
In retro-style kitchens, elements such as coloured appliances, mosaic or checkerboard tiles, vintage-style refrigerators and old-fashioned kitchen utensils integrate perfectly. Completing the look, decorative details like gilded frames, vintage mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and ceramic vases help create an atmosphere that celebrates period design.
A harmonious combination of details and sensations
The mix of vibrant colours, rounded lines, opulent fabrics and distinctive decorative details characterizes retro style, creating a nostalgic and glamorous atmosphere that is reflected in interior spaces.
The role of reclaimed finishes
Speaking of coverings, reclaimed finishes are a key element of retro style, which focuses on using materials and finishes that appear to have a story or intentional wear. This type of finish adds character, authenticity, and a lived-in touch to interior spaces. Today, the most innovative technologies allow the porcelain stoneware industry to achieve highly realistic effects, inspired by authentic materials. Here are some typical reclaimed finishes, also available in porcelain stoneware versions.
Materials and details for an authentic aesthetic
Reclaimed finishes are key elements for creating a rustic, vintage, and authentic atmosphere in interiors. These include the use of aged or reclaimed wood for wall coverings, floors, exposed beams, or furniture that shows signs of wear, knots, and imperfections. Rusty or industrial-look metals are used to add a rustic and vintage touch to interiors, whether for coverings, furniture, or decorative accessories.
Recovered materials such as exposed masonry, recycled bricks, antique doors, raw metal finishes or reused architectural elements contribute to creating an authentic and sustainable aesthetic. Peeling or worn paint applied to walls, furniture or accessories creates a vintage and used appearance. Techniques such as brush painting or distressing are used to achieve a worn and aged effect on furniture or coverings. Matte finishes, instead of glossy ones, are often preferred to highlight a natural and used appearance in interiors. Vintage decorations such as lamps, mirrors, clocks, frames, antique objects or historical finds help reinforce the theme of reclaimed finishes.
Reclaimed finishes are essential to create an environment with an authentic, lived-in appearance full of personality, with special attention paid to the history and origin of the materials used.
Visit Tilelook.com and get inspired by our porcelain tile collections inspired by reclaimed finishes. Give your living room an authentic and timeless touch.