Vintage & Retro Interior Design Ideas
For Homes In Toronto & New York

Vintage & Retro Interior Design Ideas

Interior design is constantly evolving, but one trend that never loses its charm is the vintage and retro style. From the elegance of the 1920s to the bold aesthetics of the 70s, vintage interiors bring personality, nostalgia, and artistry into modern homes. Whether you live in a chic Toronto condo or a brownstone in New York City, retro interiors can add timeless sophistication to your space.

Let’s explore how to bring vintage and retro vibes into your home, covering key design eras, color palettes, furniture choices, and room-by-room ideas.

Eras of Vintage & Retro Style

Key Eras of Vintage & Retro Style

Vintage and retro interiors draw inspiration from different decades, each with a distinct character:

  • 1920s Art Deco Glamour – Geometric patterns, gold accents, and luxurious textures.
  • 1950s Mid-Century Modern – Clean lines, tapered legs, and functional furniture.
  • 1960s Pop Culture Aesthetics – Bold prints, funky wallpapers, and playful colors.
  • 1970s Retro Chic – Earthy tones, shag rugs, and eclectic layering of textures.

These eras are making a comeback in Toronto home renovations and New York apartment makeovers.

Retro & Vintage Color Palettes

Color defines the mood of vintage interiors:

  • 1920s–30s: Black, gold, emerald green, and ivory.
  • 1950s: Pastels like mint, pale yellow, and soft pink.
  • 1960s: Psychedelic hues—orange, turquoise, and lime green.
  • 1970s: Warm earthy shades like mustard, rust, brown, and olive green.

For modern homes, mixing a neutral base with bold retro accents works perfectly, ideal for Toronto’s sleek condos or NYC’s compact apartments.

Furniture Selections for Retro Homes

Furniture Selections for Retro Homes

Vintage furniture is iconic and instantly recognizable:

  • Mid-century sofas with wooden arms and slim legs.
  • Retro dining sets with Formica tables or walnut finishes.
  • Velvet armchairs, tufted couches, and leather recliners.
  • Repurposed vintage dressers, credenzas, or bar carts as statement pieces.

Pro Tip: Many Toronto antique markets and New York flea markets offer authentic retro furniture that can elevate your interiors.

Eras of Vintage & Retro Style

Room Design Inspirations

Living Room

  • Retro patterned wallpaper with bold geometric shapes.
  • A mix of shag rugs, leather seating, and glass-top coffee tables.
  • Statement wall art inspired by pop culture icons.

Bedroom

  • Canopy beds with vintage iron frames.
  • Layered bedding in muted retro shades.
  • Side tables with brass accents and globe lamps.

Bathroom

  • Subway tiles (popular in NYC since the early 1900s).
  • Vintage clawfoot bathtubs.

Checkerboard black-and-white flooring.

 

Vintage-Inspired Kitchen Designs

  • Checkerboard flooring in black & white or red & cream.
  • Retro refrigerators in pastel shades.
  • Open shelving with ceramic jars, copper pans, and glass containers.
  • Retro-style pendant lamps and chrome bar stools for a diner vibe.
Décor Items For Vintage & Retro Theme

Entrance Makeover with Vintage Charm

First impressions matter:

  • A bold front door in mustard yellow, teal, or cherry red.
  • Patterned mosaic tiles or terrazzo flooring.
  • A vintage console table with a round mirror above it.
  • Retro coat racks or umbrella stands for functionality and style.

Décor Items For Vintage & Retro Theme

  • Small touches make a big impact:
    • Rotary dial telephones and typewriters.
    • Vintage posters or framed vinyl covers.
    • Macramé wall hangings and rattan planters.
    • Brass candle holders, ornate vases, or art deco clocks.

Themed Lighting for Retro Homes

Lighting sets the tone:

  • Sputnik chandeliers for a mid-century vibe.
  • Lava lamps for 60s playfulness.
  • Neon signage or marquee lights for a bold retro statement.
  • Industrial Edison bulbs in pendant clusters for a mix of vintage and modern.