When we land at the summer house, for most of us it's about getting down to business. Taking a break from everyday life, recharging and gaining new energy.
That's why we often decorate our summer homes in a simple style that doesn't want too much. If the goal is to slow down and regain overview and balance, a simple and analog interior design style is a hit.
Retro style is a natural fit for the summer house. When we surround ourselves with old things from the past or memories from childhood, we tend to slow down. We remind ourselves that there was a time when life was a little slower.
Decorate the summer house in retro style
There are no set rules for the retro style. Especially in the summer house you can allow yourself to be creative in your interior design and try different things. You can go all in or settle for a few well-chosen retro elements. The right balance is often found in the details.
Choose the cool retro colors
When choosing colors for walls, furniture and knick-knacks, you can go for colors that are typical of the retro style. These include pastel colors, brown and gold shades or orange and green. You can also take inspiration from the colorful 60s and 70s with red, yellow, purple and blue colors. You can be brave and put several colors together, but choose a color palette that you want to go with and stick to it so that your eyes don't get color shock.
Fill up with retro-style textiles
It's cozy, it's warm and it might even invite creative pursuits in the form of embroidered pillows and home-knitted blankets. Rugs or curtains with geometric patterns, floral prints or polka dots are also a surefire retro choice. Again, you'll probably have to pick something you want to go with or decorate each room in its own style so that you maintain harmony in the rooms.
Go for used design classics
Go on a second-hand hunt for design classics like Erik Kold or Poul Henningsen (PH). Danish designer lamps from the 50s and 60s in particular are popular in modern interiors - both when it comes to the stylish, Nordic home and the cozy summer house with retro furniture and grandma's old frames.
If you are looking for designer lamps that will hold their value, you should take a closer look at Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton and PH. These are good investments that typically hold their market price, even when you buy them used.
Buy retro lamps online
Danish design can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be impossible to come by. You might be lucky enough to spot a well-maintained designer lamp in a thrift store or you can go second-hand hunting online.
There are several online places where you can buy used designer lamps. At Mission Afrika Genbrug we sell retro finds for interior design, including lamps.
Try your luck in our lamp category, where among beautiful retro lamps you will often find Danish classics such as Verner Panton or PH.
When you decorate in retro style, it's all about connecting the past with the present. The entire interior can come together when you combine modern convenience with old recycled finds and the colorful aesthetic of the happy 60s.
