Haven’t we met before? Suddenly old is back in fashion.
Bucket seats, neon colours, jazzy patterns, upholstered furniture with that nostalgic factor: designers are currently bringing vivacious imitations from the 1950s to 1970s into the mix. Amidst all the fast pace of life today, this awakens feelings of familiarity and reassurance: it’s familiar to us, we were part of it! Not always, but increasingly this is the case.
What began a few years ago with the rediscovery of the “lava lamp” has now found its way into many sectors. It’s not only junk shops and auctioneers who are benefiting from the wave of nostalgia. Countless online traders and interior designers are too. Those things that were previously considered “modern antiques” are now referred to as “retro” or, somewhat more sophisticatedly in the English-speaking world, also as “mid-century modern”. The organic shapes, graphic patterns and often delicately-built frames convey something of that rediscovered lightness of the early post-war period and the modern, abstract styles of art. Hello “swinging sixties”.
The result is a complete mix of styles
Brown, green, orange…. It’s essentially a complete mixture. The retro look is seldom celebrated in its pure unadulterated form, rather it is blended with other influences. Some call this mix of styles eclectic. This is the name that one of the most successful creative minds of today also gives to her particular style: Patricia Urquiola, the vivacious designer who, together with Axor, has designed a multifaceted, feminine bathroom for the Axor Urquiola collection.
It’s not just interior designers who are going on the retro trip, other industries are also rediscovering tried-and-tested forms: some examples of these are cars that are reinterpretations of their classic predecessors, or internet radios that look like the old portable radios. Even the rediscovery of horn-rimmed glasses and jazzy wallpaper are part of the retro trend. There are many examples of manufacturers giving new life to classic designs, in the simplest cases by using new and unusual colours. Some of the past masters have suddenly been given fresh youth and vigour: old is new.
Bucket seats in retro design stand out impressively in the colours of the “swinging sixties”. © Jonathan Adler
The music is digital and is broadcast from the internet – but is presented in the guise of an old portable radio. © Sony
The brand new “Bauhaus90” floor lamp is a homage to the Bauhaus tradition of the 1920s. © Lumini
The retro trend is easy to implement with wallpaper: the focus is on jazzy décor. © Graham Brown
With the retro trend, neon colours are again in vogue. So this chest of drawers is a real eye-catcher. © Jonathan Adler
A tribute to stylish living with tradition: Duravit bathroom furniture. In combination with Axor Citterio. © Duravit
The “Sixty” cordless phone was modelled on the old trusted telephone with dial and cradle. © Sagemcom
The Axor Urquiola wash bowl evokes images of the traditional wash tub. Even the bath tub enters into the theme.
Floral wallpaper, reinterpreted by Marburg. The sixties-style light and bucket seat fit in perfectly. © Marburg
“Couchin” pendant lights are inspired by traditional Asian lanterns. © Foscarini
