Design a retro room using a professional design organization process.
A "retro" room design is a recreation of the look from a previous time period. Examples of retro rooms would be a "1950s diner" kitchen, a "1960s hippie" basement recreation room or a "1940s movie studio" bedroom for a teen. The approach to designing a retro room is the same as designing any interior, regardless of the time period--lots of research and planning are the keys. Professional designers create a portable system to keep themselves on target when designing or executing a retro room design. You can use this system, too.
Instructions
1. Choose the time period that suits your fancy and your needs. Research images from this time period, either online or at your local library. Look for images in books, websites or magazine articles that might reveal a glimpse of what a real diner, for example, looked like in the 1950s. These images will provide hundreds of ideas on period colors, patterns, furniture styles and accessories. Sift through all the possibilities to come to a preliminary design vision.
2. Collect your research images and place them in a tote bag that will serve as your "design file." Take this tote bag with you as you set out on expeditions to look at decorating materials at home improvement stores, decorating or craft shops and flea markets and garage sales.
3. Focus on your color scheme first, since this will influence so many other choices to come. Choose three colors: a lead color (any of the colors on a color wheel), a supporting neutral color (like whites, black, browns and grays) and a powerful accent color that complements the lead color. Your research will help you choose these color schemes, since all historical periods in interior design have "signature" color schemes. Find color samples that represent your three colors and add them to your design file tote bag.
4. Choose the wall treatment for your retro room. Paint is always a good choice but many retro periods before the 1960s placed emphasis on wallpapers. Find wallpaper or paint sample swatches you like and place these in your design file tote. But don't purchase any of these materials just yet. Note prices for these materials.
5. Track down potential floor treatments for your retro room by referring to your research materials. Gather any rug, carpet or tile samples and place them in your file tote bag. Don't buy any floor coverings yet. Note the prices.
6. Pick out possible window treatments for your retro period. Add any samples or pictures to your tote bag. Record the prices.
7. Locate fabrics for items like tablecloths, bedding or sofa and chair upholstery. Take swatches of these materials and place them in your tote bag. Note the prices.
8. Look at major furniture pieces you need for the room online, in stores or at local used furniture shops. Gather images of these items or take photographs of the items you find in stores. Add these pictures to your tote bag and record the prices.
9. Make a "wish list" of all the accessory items you want, especially key items that will really "sell" the look. Break this list down according to whether these are "functional" or "nonfunctional" items. Functional items have to really work, so don't settle for less during the purchasing phase. Nonfunctional items may be substituted with representations that don't really work. Tape this wish list inside a manila folder and place it in your tote bag as a reminder. Clip an ink pen to this folder so you can write notes or check off items you've already collected.
10. Review the contents of your tote bag and make final decisions regarding your design. Sift through the price notes and establish your ideal budget for the project.
11. Execute your plan by buying or collecting items to get the room started, beginning with the backgrounds of walls, floors, windows and major furnishings. Take your tote bag with you as you shop to be sure you're selecting the correct elements.
12. Paint or wallpaper the room, install the floor treatment, hang the window coverings and furnish the room with the major pieces. After this base is established, you'll focus on shopping for accessories to add to the room, an on-going project. Take your tote bag with you wherever you go (store it in the trunk of your car, for example) so it's always within reach in case you spy something interesting.
Related posts
Old appliances make great accessories in retro rooms.Retro design is an ode to decades past, specifically the '50s, '60s and '70s. With bold colors and sleek lines, retro design will definitely ma...
Retro styleDecorating with a retro style makes for a funky yet classic atmosphere. Retro decor typically means 1950s decor. There are specific style and color palettes associated with retro design...
Bright bold colors and geometric shapes accessorize the 1950s living room.Using design elements of the past is a way to give your rooms a fresh new look. Bring the retro look of the 1950s into you...
An old jukebox can highlight a 1950s Americana decorating style.American history has been a road paved with rebellion, resilience and a stubborn streak to rival any country in the world. That hist...
Pool tables are often included in a home game room.A game room in your home is intended to provide amusement and relaxation. In planning a game room, you should combine fun and functionality. Cons...
