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On Mixing Modern and Retro Design Styles…

March 8, 2016 by Kate Leave a Comment

Memphis eclectic

It’s easy to get in a matchy-matchy rut when we decorate at home, but when trying to infuse our interiors with retro finds, the opposite can be true. While we think everything has to match, it’s almost impossible to piece together an entire room in one specific design style…and on a budget. Don’t fret! It’s perfectly acceptable to mix and match (rather than matchy-match), and some would argue, even more interesting. Today we take a look at a few clean-lined modern and retro design styles that work well together!

Deco Meets Geo

Deco meets geo

We spend a lot of time talking about ’80s design here at Mirror80, so many of today’s featured styles are in fact from the Decade of Decadence. Like Art Deco, ’80s Deco was all about bold curves and dramatic lines. No wonder it pairs so well with today’s popular geo style! Mix geo objects with Deco pieces for a celebration of eye-catching geometry. Be sure to check out our handy tutorial for the DIY modern block above!

Memphis Meets Deco

Memphis meets Deco

If you assumed Memphis and Deco styles weren’t compatible, think again. Check out the Memphis-meets-Deco tour of Meg Gustafson’s and Neal Miller’s Chicago abode, and you’ll definitely be inspired. After all, Art Deco was one of the styles that influenced Memphis-Milano design, as a reverence for geometry is one quality these design movements clearly have in common. Mix Memphis and Deco (even ’80s Deco) freely. Stick to a common color scheme to unite the varied pieces if you wish. This shouldn’t be too hard, as Memphis design celebrates the pairing of pastels with brights. You literally can’t go wrong!

Modern Meets Tropical

Modern meets '80s tropical

It seems like everywhere you look in today’s world of design, there are tropical patterns and a TON of houseplants (bring on the tropical leaves, air plants and succulents)! So boldly display retro tropical textiles in your modern interior, and mix them with houseplants in modern containers. You literally can’t go wrong. An ’80s tropical scarf becomes a trendy tablecloth. A Midcentury tropical painting is the perfect backdrop for a potted succulent. And speaking of Midcentury style…

Memphis Meets Midcentury

Memphis meets Midcentury-001

Yes, we’re back to Memphis design again. It has re-emerged as New Memphis style in these colorful design times. Lots of abstract patterns with Memphis undertones! And they make the perfect backdrop to Midcentury decor, especially since Midcentury style was a source of inspiration for Memphis-Milano designers in the ’80s. And why shouldn’t it be? Between the clean lines and zany patterns, it’s easy to see why ’50s-meets-’80s style is picture-perfect! So pile on the pastels, mix ’50s and ’80s ceramics, and bonus points if you find a way to incorporate glass block!

 

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Mirror80 is a blog that celebrates the intersection of modern design and retro style. I'm Kate, and I enjoy exploring the look and feel of the "recent retro", with a focus on the late '70s through the early '90s. Welcome to Mirror80. Read More…

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