Before Nordic minimalism and clean lines became all the rage, there was colour… everywhere!
For those who remember or were around, home design in the 60s and 70s was all about quirky patterns featuring pumpkin orange and raspberry pink; if not, then drab shades of avocado green or antique red (arguably gaudy choices by today’s standards).
Interior Designer: Ace Spade Design
However, considering how everything today is all about being ‘clean and simple’, aren’t these eye-popping hues, curvy shapes, and just about any groovy decor feature relics of the past?
Well, not if these 6 retro-inspired homes on Qanvast have anything to say about it. Keep scrolling to find out what keeps them looking fresh!
1. Telok Blangah flat by Versaform
As this classically good-looking abode proves, the key to updating the retro-look for modern times lies with mixing in contemporary décor elements.
In the living room, various mid-century era furnishings, such as upholstered seats accompanied by classic pencil legs and a suspended wooden cabinet with chicken wire doors, are backed by a bespoke accent wall featuring metallic inlays – an otherwise current-day feature that can't be found in yesteryear homes.
2. Upper Boon Keng Road flat by Linear Space Concepts
Following a similar, but ultimately different approach, this retro-eclectic apartment puts a more playful, rather than elegant spin to the fancy 70s look.
Here, pale pastel yellow and cyan take centre stage as the primary hues, giving the surroundings a cheery look that goes well with the abundance of light. Meanwhile, retro-chic geometric kitchen tiles and monochrome bamboo blinds (albeit not featuring the familiar black-and-white combo) serve as callbacks to the past.
3. Toa Payoh flat by Hall Interiors
Living up to legacy of the heritage estate that it is situated in, this Toa Payoh HDB resale flat plays host to a number of home trends from the 70s (see how many you can spot!), which do an excellent job at creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
For starters, the wood-grain panelling fronting the main living space is a classic addition that has been updated for modern tastes, especially with the use of light beech tones over darker shades; the same can be said about the selection of playful and colourful posters referencing current-day pop culture.
Now, this is TRULY psychedelic.
Channelling the blinding, funky aesthetic of the colourful 70s, the Local INN.terior gave this Clementi apartment an eye-popping paintjob consisting of bright orange, yellow and blue.
Adding on to the wacky look is an unconventional feature wall of gleaming white tiles, which creates a sharp (but surprisingly tasteful) contrast to the vibrant colour scheme.
5. Jalan Tiga flat by Linear Space Concepts
Industrial meets retro in this Jalan Tiga resale flat, which features a decidedly eclectic look that fuses the two aforementioned styles.
On one hand, there’s the ever-familiar floral floor tiles from the olden days, then there’s the yellow ribbed metallic passageway walls that resemble the exterior shells of shipping containers.
Topping everything off is a collection of neon accent lights, which bathe the surroundings in either a deep red or electric blue glow. Downright edgy, eh?
As this Buangkok Crescent flat proves, sometimes simple is best. ARK-hitecture’s execution of the retro look here is no-frills for the most part yet is sufficient to send one on a trip to the past.
A pair of vintage metal grilles, repurposed as wall art, serve as distinctive living room centrepieces, whereas the kitchen’s showy backsplash adds a bold, retro touch to the space. Also note the cutesy, larger-than-bite-sized kueh cushions!
Retro homes may be great and all...
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