This nostalgic design style brings a personal and timeless touch to any space, creating a home that feels uniquely yours. Follow our tips to bring this look to life.
Glamour never goes out of style – while minimalist and industrial trends have dominated recent years, we anticipate a resurgence of the retro glamour aesthetic. This design style is opulent, richly layered, and exudes sophistication and charm.
What is the retro glamour aesthetic?
To help further understand the retro glamour style, Anthony Barzilay-Freund, editorial and art director at 1st Dibs, shares his insights. “This aesthetic draws inspiration from the most captivating design eras of the 20th century, incorporating the elegance of Art Deco, the extravagance of Hollywood Regency, the sleek modernity of Art Nouveau, and the shimmering opulence of the 1970s,” says Barzilay-Freund.
The outside world can seem harsh and frightening. We want our homes to be sanctuaries where we feel pampered and cared for. Retro-glam interiors transport us back to a seemingly simpler time, one that prized rich materials, elegant shapes, and healthy doses of decorative drama.
So, what exactly is propelling this glamorous aesthetic into the spotlight? In an era of mass production and digital overload, there's a growing desire for authenticity, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. People are looking to the past for inspiration, creating interiors that tell a story while feeling indulgent and luxurious.
Nicola Fontanella, founder of Argent Design, notes: “People today are more open-minded than in previous eras, with a growing curiosity about history and a desire for uniqueness – after all, who wants everything to look the same? Authenticity has become more important than ever.”
10 Applicable Ways to Achieve This Style at Home
The retro glamour aesthetic offers the opportunity to indulge in the romantic nostalgia of bygone eras while simultaneously celebrating the path toward modernity, making homes feel timeless, personal, and undeniably unique. It's all about finding the right balance between eras, materials, and statement details.
Follow these design tips to achieve a retro glamour look that perfectly suits your taste.
1. Embrace Historical Differences
The beauty of the retro glamour style lies in its ability to blend influences from different periods. “It's much more glamorous to have a home with character,” says Fontanella. Mixing vintage pieces adds depth to interiors. There’s a story, a narrative, and the DNA of the building and the room.”
You need to construct the narrative correctly, find the appropriate balance, and coherently mix different eras so they work harmoniously together, creating historical significance and showcasing cultural heritage.
2. Introduce Accents of Gold, Silver, and Bronze
Metallic accents are essential for the retro glamour aesthetic. Gilded bronze, polished silver, and warm copper infuse the space with richness and a captivating sheen. Consider metal-clad cocktail tables, vintage bar carts, or sculptural metallic decorations to enhance the luxurious ambiance.
