Making a Contemporary Statement with Retro Wallpaper

There are wallpaper colors, patterns and styles that specifically hearken to the period between the forties and the seventies. Patterns included striped, geometric and floral designs, and colors include gray, aqua, brown and orange. These wallpaper designs are boldly stylized, and their aesthetic is boldly different from today's wallpaper designs.

Pairing retro wallpaper with a contemporary styled room creates a juxtaposition that is oozing with style. Wallpaper is a major design element in a room simply because it covers so much real estate, so marrying the clean, sleek aesthetic of modern decor with the bold patterns and colors of retro wallpaper creates a lovely design balance in the room. This styling combination is suited for virtually any room in the home, including the kitchen, bath, bed, dining or living room and it can create juxtaposition against contemporary metal artwork, modern wall sculptures or abstract style oversized wall decor.

Using retro wallpaper in a room can add life and energy to the space in ways that few other elements can. It is perfect for making a child's bedroom bright and lively, giving them the perfect atmosphere for playing or resting. Retro wallpaper serves as the perfect inspiration for a contemporary room's color palette. By selecting colors from the wallpaper's bold design, the wallpaper will actually create a cohesive feeling for the entire room's design.

How to Use Retro Wallpaper Effectively:

Go Modern…Finishes like polished chrome, laminate and molded plastic are all harbingers of mid to late twentieth century furnishings. These pieces are generally colorful, bright and have curved organic shapes. To keep a room feeling modern, juxtapose retro wallpaper with pieces of furniture that are angular with straight, clean lines. Retro wallpaper will amplify the aesthetic of the modern furnishings and help to create a balanced modern space.

Go Retro…However, if the shapes and finishes of the mid to late twentieth century furnishings are appealing, then it is entirely possible to create an entirely retro room with vintage furnishings. Add accessories like posters, wall clocks and ashtrays to really round out the look. Adding a signature piece like a jukebox to the room is a great way to balance a wall of bold, retro patterned wallpaper.

Go Classic…Even in a contemporary living space, it is possible to include some retro furnishings and have them blend in very nicely. Select classic retro pieces with clean lines like an Eames chair upholstered in lush leather or a coffee table fashioned in the classic kidney shape.

For the best results, keep the design as simple as possible. The bolder the wallpaper, the more simple the furnishings should be. As a matter of fact, retro wallpaper can carry off a contemporary room design almost with no help at all. Combining styles is best done when one style has a primary voice in the room, and the other style simply plays a supporting role that lets the room feel balanced.