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Published: 13/09/2011 09:00 - Updated: 12/09/2011 11:16

Juxtaposing contemporary and retro: the future of interior design?

AS with all fashions, what goes around comes around and this has never been truer for interior design.

The styles that we now consider 'vintage' are working their way back into our homes and mingling perfectly with 21st Century life.

Spending habits are also changing, so resorting, reusing and 'upcycling' are the smarter and more stylish ways to redesign our living spaces. Designers are creating modern homes with a retro twist; a perfect juxtaposition of modern, shiny bright colours and quirky, retro chic.

We are seeing more retro designs and styles as antique objects are brought back to life and money-saving options are favoured. Car boot sales and charity shops have become the places to go for chintzy cool.

If you are looking for a way to update your home, either with a modern or a retro feel, some simple ways to do so are with rugs, cushions and throws. These soft furnishings will completely change the feel of your home in a matter of seconds and allow you to freshen up your living space with the latest trends.

A rug is the perfect way to liven up your home. They can fill an empty floor space, hide an old carpet or brighten up a room, and there are plenty to choose from whatever your preferred style.

The new fusion rugs are modern but have a fun, retro feel. These rugs are made with polyester fibres which give them a shaggy, 70s vibe. They are soft and fluffy to the touch and they add texture and colour to any interior. The range of metallic colours available gives them a modern, contemporary feel.

There are also a massive variety of modern rugs to choose from, if that's more your style. There are a range of materials and textures from leather and sheepskin to natural fibres; and with a range of colours and designs there will be something to suit your home perfectly.

The days of minimalist white walls throughout a home are long gone and wallpaper is making an unlikely return. This is a perfect example of how retro and contemporary styles are merging and creating a new vintage aesthetic. The best way to display your eye-catching wallpaper is by covering just one wall whilst leaving the remaining walls with a sleek painted finish.

Another way to embrace the vintage style is with some 'upcycling'. This new buzzword has interior designers rummaging through second-hand stores in search of retro treasures that can be buffed, polished and given a new home and purpose. Old leather suitcases are a favourite among designers for their vintage charm and adaptability. Use them for some stylish storage in any room of the house. This is the time to get creative and crafty with your interior design and fill your home with some unique vintage pieces that slot perfectly into the modern world.

 

 

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