Get the look: Go Retro
Styling and renovation extraordinaire Kara Demmrich is one half of dynamic, down-to-earth duo and The Block favourites, Kyal & Kara. With 28 renovations and design projects under their belt, this team knows a thing or two about making homes more beautiful. Kara joins us as our style ambassador and guest blogger.
When going for a fresh new look, never be afraid to cast your mind back to the past and let a bit of nostalgia through the door with a cool retro feel.
In a nod to the 70s, the retro blend sees a re-emergence of rich, sophisticated colours such as rust, terracotta and copper, and teams them up with pieces from today that, although new, still harmonise with the theme.
Styling in this era is all about injecting character and personality, while at the same time exercising a bit of restraint. Nobody wants a room that’s full of velour and burnt orange! So, when taking this path, I find it’s more about curating a look than plays on retro colours, shapes and designs rather than trying to fully recreate a 1970s’ time-warp.
A great way to achieve this, is to firstly work out what you’d like the focal point of the space to be. We look for statement pieces with a retro twist that will act as the hero within the room, such as a funky telephone bench or sideboard, a bold armchair, or sleek Scandinavian coffee table. Then we’d bring the overall look together using accessory pieces that tie into the theme, such as a rust coloured throw or deep-pile floor rug.
Finally add a personal flair with a few quirky items such as photos from your childhood, 70s-inspired glassware, or your favourite retro posters, then put some Pink Floyd on the record player, mix yourself a martini and just sit back and chill.
Here are some of our favourite ways to achieve a hip, retro feel.
Tango buffet
The angled legs, rich timber grain, carved handles and organic lines lend this modern buffet a funky 70s’ edge that would be at ease in any home. Price in store, Nick Scali
Monaco dining set with Etienne chairs
Combining the look of marble with sleek Scandinavian-inspired lines, this five-piece dining set gives retro, a cool contemporary makeover. $849 Fantastic Furniture
Smeg Dolce & Gabbana Kettle
Taking its cues from traditional Italian motifs, the beautiful Sicily is my Love kettle, is part kitchen appliance, part artwork, and all European style. $799 Domayne
Feeling groovy
Go slowly when creating a retro 70s mood. Start with one or two signature pieces and team them with elements that capture the mood through burnt earth tones, bold wood-grain, and open weave textures.
FEATURED PRODUCT