If you’ve ever felt a little flutter of nostalgia at the sight of a 1970s sideboard, or found yourself admiring a Formica-topped kitchen table that takes you straight back to your nan’s house, you’re already halfway to loving retro style.
Retro tiles and interiors are vibrant, expressive and full of personality. They celebrate colour, pattern and optimism in a way that feels playful rather than precious. And right now, they’re having a very confident comeback.
At Baked Tiles, we’re powered by interior designers who love helping clients inject charm and character into their homes. Retro is one of those styles that, when done well, feels layered, uplifting and entirely personal. The key is knowing how to embrace it without making it feel 'gimmicky'.
What is Retro Style in Interiors?
Pictured: Kit Kat Lustre Verdigris, Guildhall Chess Decor A, Decor B
The term “retro” generally refers to design influences from the mid-20th century, primarily the 1950s through to the 1980s. It encompasses several distinct periods, each with its own quirks, colours, and character.
Unlike traditional interiors that reference centuries past, retro looks to a time of post-war optimism, cultural shifts and fearless colour. Think geometric prints, punchy palettes, glossy finishes and furniture with real presence. It’s expressive, it’s confident, and it’s wonderfully fun.
Periods of Retro Style
To create an authentic retro look, it helps to understand the decades that define it:
1. 1950s – Post-War Optimism
Design in this decade was shaped by newfound prosperity. Bright colours, atomic shapes, chrome furniture, and diner-style kitchens were all the rage.
The 1950s were bright, hopeful and full of futuristic flair. Homes embraced colour and modern materials.
Key elements include pastel pinks and mint greens, chrome accents, atomic motifs, spindle-leg furniture, Formica surfaces and starburst clocks.
2. 1960s – Mod Meets Psychedelia
The Sixties dialled things up. Pop art, bold graphics and mod culture collided in interiors that were graphic and playful.
Key elements: Bold graphics, geometric prints, shag pile rugs, statement lighting, vinyl and plastic furniture.
3. 1970s – Earthy and Eclectic
The Seventies saw a move toward natural textures and warm, earthy tones. Think avocado kitchens and lots of brown and orange.
Key elements: Rattan, macramé, dark woods, houseplants galore, patterned wallpapers, sunken seating.
4. 1980s – High Gloss and High Contrast
The 80s brought in a bit of glam with gloss finishes, Memphis-style geometry, black-and-white motifs, and metallics. High contrast palettes, lacquered finishes and bold geometry defined the decade.
Key elements: Lacquered furniture, neon accents, glass blocks, mirrored walls, and geometric tiles.
Key Features of Retro Interiors
Pictured: Heritage Marble, Plume Emerald Crackle, Rapture Crackle Mustard
Retro doesn’t have to look like a film set. The trick is to blend era-inspired pieces with modern comfort. Here’s how to strike that balance:
1. Furniture with Personality
Mid-century silhouettes are a brilliant starting point. Look for tapered legs, low profiles, modular sofas and sculptural chairs. Vintage finds work beautifully, but good reproductions can be just as effective.
2. Colour Confidence
Each decade has its palette: the ‘50s loved pastel pinks and mint greens, while the ‘70s favoured burnt orange, mustard, and olive. Choose a scheme and run with it.
3. Pattern Play
Don’t be afraid of prints! From abstract geometrics to florals and stripes, retro style embraces boldness. Just balance statement patterns with calmer elements to avoid overload and try to keep the design of your pattern in keeping with the main retro era in your room.
4. Lighting That Makes a Statement
Lava lamps, globe pendants, and chrome arc floor lamps all add authenticity, and a bit of drama.
5. Material Matters
Plastic, vinyl, Formica, rattan, chrome, and lacquered finishes all have a place, depending on your chosen era.
Key Finishes for Retro Interiors
Pictured: Venetica Terrazzo Cognac,
To give your retro interior an authentic base, focus on the following:
- Walls - Use bold feature wallpaper (think geometric or floral), or go for solid saturated colours. Wood panelling or painted brickwork can work well for ‘70s-inspired rooms.
- Flooring - Think parquet, cork, linoleum, or carpet in rich tones. Layer with a shag pile or bold patterned rug.
- Woodwork - Warm woods such as teak, walnut, or rosewood are staples of mid-century and '70s design.
- Upholstery - Choose velvets, boucle, or textured weaves in era-appropriate colours like mustard, teal, or rust.
Retro Tiles: Fun, Functional, and Full of Flair
Pictured: Elan Green Brick, Original Terrazzo, Rapture Caramel
Retro tiles are a brilliant way to give a space a retro twist, they’re practical, easy to clean, and offer endless design potential. Here are some styles that suit the retro aesthetic:
1. Checkerboard Tiles
A classic black-and-white checkerboard floor is straight out of the 1950s. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or hallways.
Best used for: Kitchen floors, bathrooms, or bold entranceways.
2. Geometric Encaustic Style Tiles
Opt for bold, repeating patterns in colours like orange, navy, mustard, or avocado. The bolder, the better!
Best used for: Kitchen splashbacks, cloakroom floors, or statement shower walls.
3. Kit-Kat and Finger Tiles
Slim, linear tiles, particularly in glossy finishes or bold colours, add a modern nod to retro style, perfect for bathrooms or bar areas.
Best used for: Bathroom feature walls, kitchen splashbacks, or basin surrounds.
4. Terrazzo
A great backdrop to many Retro settings, Terrazzo Effect Tiles really capture the essence of this nostalgic look
Best used for: Kitchen walls and floors , Hallways, Living rooms, Bathrooms, and Cloakrooms….even the terrace!
Final Thoughts
Retro interiors are all about joy, nostalgia, and a sense of individuality. Whether you're fully embracing a ‘70s colour scheme or simply adding a few vintage touches to a modern home, the retro aesthetic gives you the freedom to have a little fun.
Just remember: pick a key era, commit to a colour palette, and embrace boldness, but always keep comfort and liveability in mind.
Need help sourcing the perfect vintage tiles or giving your space that groovy touch without going overboard? Our designers would love to help. Use our free Perfect Pairings service to find the perfect tiles for your space
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