Retro style is an interior category inspired by the popular trends of the 1950s to 1970s. When we talk about retro style, we use it as an umbrella term for various design trends from these eras, with mid-century style often considered a subcategory, drawing from the broader retro timeline. Retro evokes nostalgia, featuring bold, warm, and vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and kitschy elements. While retro is rooted in the past, it continues to influence modern furniture, fabric, and pattern designs today. This is what distinguishes retro from vintage - vintage usually refers to original artifacts from a given time, while retro describes a style influence that is copied and created en masse.

Retro interior design is all about bringing a little joy from the past into the present. At its core, this style is an homage to the bold, spirited styles of the 1950s through the 1970s - times when interiors were full of personality, color, and charm. From the clean lines of mid-century furniture to the funky patterns of the ‘70s, retro design reflects decades that weren’t afraid to have fun with style.

This look first found its feet in a post-war world craving optimism and fresh energy. As tastes evolved, so did the designs, introducing us to space-age influences, psychedelic prints, and warm wood tones that still feel exciting today. Retro design may have started decades ago, but it continues to inspire because of its fearless use of color, shape, and texture. It brings a certain magic that is familiar and nostalgic, yet still totally open to interpretation.

Now that we understand what retro style is and its origins, it’s time to explore how to incorporate it into modern interiors. Whether you want to fully embrace the era or just borrow a few of its best bits, it’s all about creating a home that feels full of warmth, character, and a touch of nostalgic charm.

Color is a great place to begin. Retro palettes are warm, rich, and such as the color palette used in our Rumba wall mural. Think burnt orange, avocado green, deep teal, or mustard yellow that can shift the whole energy of a room with their earthy warmth. These hues can be introduced through accent walls, statement furniture, or wallpaper with groovy geometric or floral motifs.

Textures also play a huge role as retro design loves contrast - glossy and matte, soft and hard, playful and practical. Picture a smooth walnut sideboard against a bold swirl-patterned wallpaper like our Funky wallpaper, or a plush velvet chair paired with chrome accents. It’s those little combinations that bring the whole look to life.

At Hovia, we offer a wide range of retro wallpapers designed to bring any space to life. Each design is thoughtfully crafted with bold color palettes and nostalgic patterns that celebrate the iconic styles of the retro eras, and here are some of our designers favorites!

Named after iconic mid-century designers Charles and Ray Eames, this wallpaper features a striking large-scale pattern in warm hues of pink, mustard, and cream, exuding both elegance and nostalgia. We recommend using a bold design like Eames Brown as a focal point, allowing it to take center stage in a space. Pairing it with too many textures or competing patterns could dilute its impact, distracting from its clean shapes and harmonious color palette. Making use of an overlooked space, @pinkdooratportwillunga has expertly incorporated Eames Brown here in their kitchen/living room, making it the standout feature with minimal competing patterns, allowing its design to truly shine.

Droplet Pastel seamlessly blends soft pastel hues with warm, earthy tones, striking the perfect balance between 1950’s charm and 1970’s nostalgia. Its color palette isn’t the only perfect fusion, the form itself also embodies contrast and harmony. A clean cream background gives it a fresh, contemporary feel, while the geometric, alternating teardrop shapes inject a bold retro touch.

This wallpaper is an ideal statement piece for any home, and we especially recommend it for smaller spaces. While some design experts advise against bold prints in compact rooms, Droplet Pastel defies the rule. Its softly muted pastel tones create a sense of openness while still making a striking retro statement. Don’t be afraid to go bold when creating your dream retro room!

A perfect example of effortlessly incorporating a bold print in a small space is @home_candy_interiors' stunning bathroom renovation. They embraced our Droplet Pastel design, wrapping it around the entire space to create a striking yet cohesive look.

Our Jean design captures the essence of 1960’s flower power perfectly. This sweet repeat pattern of blocky floral shapes, forms a beautiful blend of modern decor and retro nostalgia. Perfect for those who love floral accents but prefer a structured, formulaic repeat, Jean echoes the pop-art influence of the late '50s and '60s. With its striking mix of floral femininity and bold colors, this design offers a fresh take on retro style, one we simply can’t get enough of!

Using our Jean design, @homes_by_hannah_b beautifully transformed her daughter's room. She complemented the bold retro floral pattern with sleek mid-century drawers and wardrobes, allowing the wallpaper to take center stage while maintaining a perfectly balanced aesthetic.

The beauty of retro design lies in its ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary living, creating spaces that feel both familiar and fresh. Whether you’re drawn to bold geometric patterns, earthy tones, or playful floral prints, there’s a retro touch that can be incorporated into any modern home.