10 examples of beautiful retro-inspired decor
By Christine Simard
Updated on November 8, 2023

Are you one of those people who tend to be nostalgic for past eras and not too fond of modern decors? If polka dots, bright colours and geometric forms are all things you like, maybe it's time to give your home a little retro makeover! Here are some examples that could inspire you!
10 examples of beautiful retro-inspired decor
1) Velvet in the spotlight

Source: Pinterest (rover.ebay.com)
If there's a fabric that is well-known amongst retro lovers, clearly it's velvet! While bringing comfort and softness, velvet can also be found in different bright colours, bringing joy to your decor. Here, the contrast between the dark yellow, the forest green and the navy nicely complements the wood floor's natural tint.
The diversity between the colours and the shapes gives life to the decor, which is sure to catch the eye of your guests! We should also mention the beautiful ornamental lamp in the center of the room, which is also an emblematic figure of retro decors!
2) Warm tones and cold tones create a balanced decor
Source: Pinterest (play.google.com)
While we now tend (more often than not) to opt for silver-gray fixtures, we sometimes forget that gold drew all the compliments at one time! Once again, dark yellow helps contrast cooler colours like blue or dark green. A fair mix of straight lines and curved lines gives life to a balanced and distinguished decor!
3) Retro, but make it minimalist
Source: Pinterest (dicasdemulher.com)
The first thing we notice in this design is the relative lack of objects, which reminds us of minimalist decors. The red of the back wall offers warmth and joy, contrasting with the dark green shade of the couch and the neutral tones of gray.
Moreover, this also counterbalances the liveliness of the red and the pink, which avoids visually overloading the room. Contrary to a trend specific to the retro style, we notice here that few patterns have been used. The decor is both colourful and vibrant, yet soothing and relaxing.
4) Flowers and pastel
Source: Pinterest (pmqfortwo.com)
We often associate pastel colours with retro designs, and with reason! We can see in this example above the predominance of pastel green in this undeniably charming small kitchen! The use of beautiful gold-coloured cabinet handles nicely enhances the decor. For the flooring, the choice of black and white tiles is a tribute to the classic kitchens of the 50s, where this type of design was more than popular!
If flowery wallpaper isn't such a popular choice amongst decor enthusiasts, it surely occupies an important spot within the retro style. Applied to part of the wall, it adds a touch of fantasy without overshadowing the rest of the decor.
5) Velvet for a cozy atmosphere

Source: Pinterest (liveyourstyle.com)
This bedroom with a soothing design reminds us of how graphic posters play a major role in retro decors. In this example, they work as a focal point and are highlighted above the headboard.
The lightweight design of the lighting ornaments keeps them from outshining the rest of the decor while offering a touch of finesse and delicate attention to the rest of the room. The soft lighting, the beige colour on the walls and the velvet pillows all help to create a calm and soothing atmosphere.
6) A classic retro bathroom

Source: Pinterest (retrorenovation.com)
This bathroom is the picture-perfect image of retro design: the glossy ceramic tiles, the pastel colours and the black and white floor covering are perfect examples! Since the overall decor is somewhat conventional, it will easily please those who prefer classic designs.
7) Orange and green for a colourful living room

Source: Pinterest (etsy.com)
Orange is typically associated with retro fashion and occupied a central spot in 70s decors. This bold colour brings liveliness and once paired with white, it's even brighter! This decor perfectly highlights the nice bright orange shade which works in harmony with the white and dark green. The frame is certainly the focal point of this room and its abstract design makes all its charm!
8) Colour, even more colour!

Source: Pinterest (Melissa.K)
This retro-styled living room isn't scared of being colourful! The green, the yellow, the turquoise and the orange all mix together to create a surprising look. And what about this beautiful yellow couch?
It perfectly highlights the surface area of the room and its particular design is definitely unique. The turquoise stair risers prove to us that retro decors are perfect to add colour to the most unusual places!
9) A colourful decor!

Source: Pinterest (blog.millem2.com)
Just like in the previous example, this decor is made of a daring mixture of colours! Blue, orange, green and yellow add brightness to a decor that is not meant to please the most conventional among us, but which will charm those with colourful personalities! There is also an interesting combination of patterns, which adds a degree of complexity to this magnificent layout.
10) Flowery tiles for a successful retro look

Source: Pinterest (jungalow.com)
This small retro kitchen has pretty floral tiles rising up the wall, reflecting a popular trend in this decor style. This arrangement aims for a certain level of sobriety by choosing a pretty pale gray shade for the cupboards and a pastel green for the fridge. If the whole decor is relatively sober, it is nonetheless warm and will suit those who like more discreet colours.
Get 3 renovation quotes for your home improvement project
RenoQuotes.com will put you in contact with 3 reliable contractors for your home renovation project. Fill in the form on our homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from trusted professionals.
Dial 1-844-828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

Editorial Team
•16 Dec 2024
Whether it’s your house, condo, or apartment, the need or desire to spruce up the decor after a while is completely expected. But, who should you hire for this sort of project, an interior decorator, an interior designer, or maybe even an interior architect? While these professions might appear similar, they involve distinct skills and roles, each tailored to specific needs.

Cynthia Pigeon
•11 May 2026
In 2026, the cost of residential renovation in Canada generally ranges from $10/sq. ft. for minor cosmetic updates to over $250/sq. ft. for major reconstruction projects. For a standard full-home renovation (including kitchen and bathroom), the average budget typically falls between $125 and $175 per square foot. These prices reflect recent increases in labour costs across provinces, as well as continued pressure on construction material prices nationwide.

Léa Plourde-Archer
•12 Feb 2026
In the past, families often lived together across generations due to limited senior housing and childcare options. Over time, single-family households became more common, but now multigenerational homes are resurging. Factors like rising housing costs, family changes, and longer lifespans are driving renewed interest in intergenerational homes and other multi generational housing options.

Amanda Harvey
•04 Nov 2025
Shingles are in place to protect the layers of roof below and more importantly, the inside of your home. They work against weather damage, including rain, snow, sleet as well as sun. Not only do shingles protect from the effects of the great outdoors, they also work to help your interior avoid serious water damage as well as leakage.

Amanda Harvey
•03 Nov 2025
Tiles come in all kinds of colours, shapes and sizes, keeping bathroom floors waterproof and beautiful. However, like any home surface, they need proper maintenance to uphold their elegance while preventing cracking, mould or mildew growth.