Strong foundation – furniture

The principal element creating retro atmosphere is furniture. It is the most important point in the design, and its inaccuracy thwarts the whole project, even if apart from the furniture it is perfect in every detail. Retro-style furniture is usually made of natural wood with characteristic decorative grooves at the fronts and/or additional decorative elements such as bentwood legs or cabinet handles. While furniture in the colour of beech or wenge constitutes a literal reference to the design of past centuries, the furniture stylized in white – is its modern interpretation, referring a bit to a French style and modern British design.

Accessories with soul

In retro interiors, contrary to any other style, details are worth their weight in gold. Mirrors or pictures in stylized frames, curtains with appropriate draping – they complement the nature of the design. When looking for such details, or trying to have them tailor-made, it is worth using inspirations from old photographs and pictures, and even visit a few old palaces which serve currently as museums.

Where to look for accessories in retro style? Firstly, visit antiques fairs – this is a real mine of unique objects in low prices. It is worth visiting them also to get inspired, as they are a great generator of ideas for your own flat. The most popular antiques fair is Warszawska Giełda Staroci in Koło. However, similar events are organised in every bigger city cyclically or occasionally. Search online for calendars and locations of antiques fairs.

Sanitary facilities

A big challenge in retro design is kitchen and bathroom, because while ideas for furniture and accessories are plenty – when thinking about the kitchen or bathroom design, the imagination may fail. The first obstacle and actually the most difficult problem to solve is how to give a space an old character but at the same time was resistant to dampness… there were no tiles in the past!

There are at least two ways to combine functionality and style. The first one is replacing wall tiles with wooden panelling. Yes, yes, you may think that this is an acquisition of Polish flats in the period of late PRL, but rid yourself of all bias. Wooden panelling, appropriately impregnated and painted with white wood stain in retro sanitary facilities looks really great! As a matter of fact, the British have already discovered it and it is one of the most popular elements of bathroom design in British houses in the suburbs.

For those who are not convinced by wooden panelling, there are two ways – impregnating paint which is water resistant or wall tiles in retro style. The latter may be found in catalogues of each major company from tiles industry.

Nevertheless, an important aspect which serves as the final touch in sanitary facilities retro design is the fittings and showers. Mixer taps and hydrotherapy in retro style are often with antique bras finishing.