Vintage colors are making a comeback in interior design and fashion. These are colors that were popular in previous eras like the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and beyond. Vintage color palettes lend a sense of nostalgia and retro charm to any space. In this article, we will explore some of the top vintage color trends and how to use them.
Vintage Pink
Vintage pink encompasses soft, muted shades of pink that were stylish decades ago. Some examples include:
| Dusty Rose | A light pink-beige mix, inspired by rose flowers that have lost their vibrancy. |
| Blush Pink | A pale pink named for the natural flush on one’s cheeks. |
| Ballet Slipper Pink | A very light neutral pink, inspired by ballet footwear. |
These pinks lend a feminine, romantic feeling to spaces. They work beautifully in bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. Vintage pinks pair nicely with other soft colors like sage green, pale blue, and ivory. Add white trim, brass hardware, and antique furnishings for a classic vintage style.
Retro Turquoise
Turquoise was hugely popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Some hallmarks of vintage turquoise decor include:
| Minty Turquoise | A pale pastel turquoise, sometimes called seafoam. |
| Robin’s Egg Blue | A brighter sky blue-green reminiscent of robin eggs. |
| Tiffany Blue | A vivid robin’s egg blue named after Tiffany & Co. jewelry boxes. |
These playful turquoises can create a tropical, beachy, or eclectic Midcentury Modern aesthetic. Use them in kitchens, bathrooms, accent walls, and on furniture like cabinets and credenzas. Pair turquoise with white, natural wood, black accents, and terrazzo or concrete textures.
Harvest Gold
Harvest gold is a warm amber yellow that was hugely popular in 1970s decor. Some shades of harvest gold include:
| Goldenrod | A yellow-orange gold inspired by the goldenrod flower. |
| Sunshine Yellow | A bright, warm yellow, reminiscent of the sun. |
| Mustard Yellow | A muted yellow-brown mustard shade. |
Use harvest gold to create a bold, funky 1970s aesthetic. It pairs well with avocado green, burnt orange, brown, and pink. Use it on walls, upholstery, accessories, and metal finishes. Add floral wallpaper, macrame planters, rattan furniture, and shag rugs for a full boho vibe.
Avocado Green
Avocado green encompasses earthy green shades that were hugely popular in 1970s design. Some avocado greens include:
| Forest Green | A deep muted green, reminiscent of pine forests. |
| Lime Green | A bright green the color of limes. |
| Sage Green | A pale muted green with gray undertones. |
Use avocado greens in daring ways like green kitchen cabinets or velvet green couches. Pair it with warm yellows, oranges, red, brown, and metallics. Add macrame wall hangings, rattan furniture, terracotta pottery, and shag rugs for a groovy 70s look.
Burnt Orange
Deep orange shades were popular in the 1970s. Some burnt orange colors from the era include:
| Pumpkin Orange | A muted orange reminiscent of pumpkins. |
| Rust Orange | A reddish-orange reminiscent of rust. |
| Terracotta | An earthy reddish-orange, like terracotta clay. |
Use burnt orange in moderation with avocado greens, warm yellows, browns, and pinks. Add colorful geometric wallpaper, macrame wall hangings, and rattan furniture for a groovy aesthetic.
Olive Green
Olive green is an earthy muted green that was popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Some olive greens from the era include:
| Army Green | A muted green, similar to military uniforms. |
| Forest Green | A deeper muted pine green. |
| Moss Green | A grayish muted green, like moss. |
Use olive green to create a historical Art Deco look. Pair it with creams, browns, gold, pink, and red. Add geometric patterns, marble, leather, and dark wood for an old-world elegant feel. Use olive green in dining rooms, offices, libraries, and living spaces.
Millennial Pink
Millennial pink is a very pale, muted pink that became trendy in the 2010s. Some shades of millennial pink include:
| Blush Pink | A soft pale pink with subtle peach undertones. |
| Desert Rose | A light beige-pink. |
| Ballet Slipper | A very light neutral pink. |
Millennial pink creates an airy, relaxed feel in bedrooms, living rooms, and offices. Pair it with light woods, white, greenery, marble, and brass. Add minimalist furniture and accessories for an Instagrammable, modern millennial style.
Green Kitchen Cabinets
Green kitchen cabinets offer a fun, daring way to use vintage green shades:
| Sage Green | A soothing grayish green, perfect for a cottage kitchen. |
| Forest Green | A dramatic deep green for a bold look. |
| Seafoam Green | A pale seafoam for a beachy kitchen. |
Balance bright green cabinets with neutral countertops and backsplashes. Add brass hardware, rattan pendants, and ceramic knobs for a playful vintage style.
Terrazzo Flooring
Terrazzo is a concrete flooring material embedded with stones or glass chips in creative patterns. It was popular in the 1950s-70s and is back in style again! Some ways to use vintage terrazzo floors:
| Vivid Blues | Deep blues with metallic flakes create movement. |
| Warm Grays | Subtle neutral grays work everywhere. |
| Eclectic Colors | A rainbow terrazzo floor makes a statement. |
Pair terrazzo with white walls, natural wood, and plants for an effortlessly stylish look. Use it in entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and mudrooms.
Rattan Furniture
Natural rattan and wicker furniture was popular in the 1970s. Bring it back with:
| Hanging Chairs | Cozy rattan swings make great statement pieces. |
| Side Tables | Round rattan side tables add organic texture. |
| Dining Chairs | Woven dining chairs bring natural vibes to the table. |
Rattan pairs perfectly with millennial pink, sage green, terrazzo, plants, and brass. Use it on patios, in bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.
Wallpaper Accents
Vintage wallpaper makes a bold focal point:
| Floral Prints | Big blooms create a playful 1970s feel. |
| Geometric Patterns | Hexagons, circles, and lines are very Art Deco. |
| Nature Motifs | Banana leaf and palm prints are retro and lively. |
Use wallpaper on one accent wall, in powder rooms, or on the backs of bookcases. Pair with vintage pink, olive green, mustard yellow, or turquoise for a coordinated look.
Brass Finishes
Brass hardware and accents lend a hint of vintage flair:
| Faucets | Gold faucets bring retro charm to kitchens and baths. |
| Light Fixtures | Brass pendants, sconces, and chandeliers shine. |
| Door Handles | Brass knobs beautifully accent doors and cabinets. |
Pair brass with colorful paint colors, wallpaper, tile, terrazzo, green plants, and rattan textures. Brass offers a timeless way to incorporate vintage style.
Boho Rugs
Intricately woven rugs bring free-spirited 1970s vibes. Some boho rug looks include:
| Jute | Natural tan jute rugs have organic texture. |
| Shag | Long retro shag rugs are all about comfort. |
| Moroccan | Colorful geometric Moroccan rugs make art for floors. |
Use boho rugs in living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. Pair them with macrame accents, woven wall hangings, rattan furniture, and plants.
Macrame Decor
Macrame is a knotted rope craft that had its heyday in the 1970s. Incorporate it with:
| Hanging Planters | Knotted hangers displaying trailing plants. |
| Wall Hangings | Delicate woven tapestries as artwork. |
| Room Dividers | Bead or yarn curtains separating spaces. |
Use macrame to enhance porches, patios, kitchens, bedrooms, and offices. Pair it with millennial pink, olive green, rattan furniture, terrazzo, and brass accents.
Terracotta Pots
Terracotta planters are an earthy 1970s staple. Incorporate them with:
| Hanging Plants | Let trailing greenery flow from suspended pots. |
| Bookends | Flanked by mini pots, books stay neatly organized. |
| Table Centerpieces | A simple potted plant makes an effortless centerpiece. |
Group mismatched terracotta pots on patio side tables, kitchen counters, dressers, and more. The organic texture pairs perfectly with macrame, rattan, olive greens, and mustard yellows.
Shag Rugs
No 1970s space is complete without a shag rug! Use these fun floor coverings:
| Living Rooms | Long fluffy shags feel fabulous underfoot in living spaces. |
| Bedrooms | Plush shags beside beds are a blast from the past. |
| Offices | Soften home offices with circular shag rugs. |
Go bold with rainbow or geometric pattern shags. Or choose subdued neutrals or pastels. Pair shags with terrazzo, green plants, natural wood, and macrame for a 70s vibe.
Conclusion
Vintage design trends offer an endless source of inspiration! By incorporating colors, textures, and styles from past eras, you can create spaces with nostalgic charm and personality. Whether you adore millennial pink, groovy shag carpets, or retro terrazzo floors, vintage elements allow you to celebrate the old while making it new again. With a little creativity, you can blend vintage finds with modern pieces to design interiors that are uniquely you.
