Where Retro Meets Farmhouse: A Balanced Design Approach - Kate McEnroe New York

Where Retro Meets Farmhouse: A Balanced Design Approach

Alright, folks, let's have an honest talk! The best living spaces aren't the ones that slave to the latest fashions. Rather, they bring comfort, warmth, and a touch of charm. That's where the blend of farmhouse and vintage design comes in. Continue on to see how this integrated duo can seamlessly deliver both homey simplicity and easy elegance.

Built for Living: Adding Easygoing Charm to Your Living Room

Some may argue that the heart of a retro farmhouse home is the living room, with connection and comfort being paramount in this design style. So, begin stylizing your space with comfy throws and pillows that lean towards a classic look.

This pink- and orange-toned groovy floral pillow offers a great balance of both bold and mature. It features a retro influence without losing touch with today's times.

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If you want something more playful, this multi-colored bohemian floral pillow is where it's at. It's cheerful, folk-inspired, and nature-driven, providing the play of color of retro design while maintaining the comfort and familiarity of the farmhouse style.

Stick to your country roots with a cow-print minky blanket, the perfect addition to your sofa, loveseat, or accent chair. A throw like the latter can bring an instant warm and welcoming feeling to any developing farmhouse design.

What's a living room without ample storage? Add a touch of striking retro appeal to your design with a brightly-colored, groovy floral wooden storage cabinet. It'll add the colorful warmth of vintage style, while also sticking to the practicality of farmhouse design.

Carrying the Mood Through the Bedroom

Maintain a snug and settled feel going into the bedroom, without losing that vintage charm, of course! Consider "function-first" pieces, muted retro colors or soft neutrals, vintage-inspired floral or heirloom-style prints, and natural materials.

Add subtle yet striking farmhouse soul through light fixtures, ranging from a Scandinavian floral ceiling fan with light to a visually arresting teal floral desk light.

While little accents and vintage knick-knacks can make a statement, vivid pieces like this retro kitsch flower power dresser can significantly add to the sophisicated granary of your space, while doubling up as a place for storage.

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Interested in viewing more vintage-inspired dressers? Go to Kate McEnroe New York’s mid-century-modern dressers to see more options.

Because no bedroom is complete without a thoughtfully styled comforter, consider something zestful like this Scandinavian floral comforter, or keep the tone down low with this floral bird cotton comforter set.

Bringing Retro Personality to the Kitchen

Aim for a vintage-inspired, cozy kitchen where you can break the bread together with family. If it doesn't support real cooking, dining, and gathering, then it doesn't match the retro-meets-farmhouse standards.

Add elements of country charm with this bright and cheerful honey bee hive table runner, paired with retro-styled furniture. Create soft, mid-century modern-inspired lighting over your dining table with this ceiling lamp with retro abstract floral drum shade to set the right mood and tone.

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For a more timeworn look, homeowners might instead gravitate towards accents like this muted floral kitchen mat set, which gives off subtle elegance while adding comfort when preparing supper or washing the day away.

For a similar vibe like the latter, add little vintage touches like these watercolor floral color dinner plates or this wine bottle-shaped cutting board. Small touches like these can add personal impact to your design and make a home actually feel like home.

A Cheerfully Lived-In Home: Letting the Style Flow Throughout the Rest of Your Space

You can't have a true traditional-rooted space homespun with style by only touching the living room, bedrooms, and kitchen. The ambiance needs to extend through all parts of your home, from corner to corner.

Add nostalgic-chic with a retro orange and aqua-colored mid-century modern geometric rug or perhaps a brighter-toned retro mod runner rug. Place one of these in your entry way or down a hall to not just stylize your space but to provide anti-fatigue comfort and noise reduction.

Kate McEnroe New York Groovy Mid Century Modern Runner Rug, Retro Mod Entryway Accent, 60s Geometric Floor DecorRugs3b3CXorHfi

Have stairs? Reclaim their heritage with orange and green 70s floral stair treads or vivid and vivacious 70s daisy floral stair treads. These help add an easy punch of pigment while also creating a softer, non-slip travel up and down the stairs. Stair treads can also protect your stairs from wear and tear.

Every cozy vintage-inspired farmhouse home interior should also be decked with relevant wall art. Add to the retro aspect of your theme with something like this 3 piece retro geometric canvas. The bold use of color and rhythmic design pay homage to the 1960s. Or, if you prefer a piece that screams classic farmhouse, go for this citrus ginger jar canvas wall art.

As for windows throughout your home, you can't go wrong with curtains guided by classic farmhouse. Add floral shabby chic country farmhouse curtains to add modest color to a color-lacking space. Or add a bit of bounce with these fun, groovy flower power curtains.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the benefit of blending two interior design styles?

Integrating two interior design styles, like retro mid-century modern and farmhouse, can help you create a more personal home. A blend of two styles can introduce contrast, better support everyday living, and ensure your space doesn't look "too themed." 

How do you mix eras without your home looking dated?

The key to mixing eras in your design is to start with a neutral base. Add splashes of classic through accents, rather than main components, to keep it from looking too dated. Also, be sure to emphasize function over theme.

Does retro farmhouse require a certain color palette?

Absolutely not! There are no specific color schemes for retro farmhouse, only recommendations. Farmhouse interior spaces often feature layers of color through neutral bases. In a retro-inspired farmhouse space, consider adding vintage colors, like buttery yellows, muted blues, and warm reds.

Why should I blend comfort with character?

Blending comfort (farmhouse) with character (retro) can help homeowners create a balance between functional livability and charming style. While the comfort of farmhouse is great for everyday life, the character of vintage design adds nostalgia and personality.

Is vintage farmhouse just a trend?

Not at all! While vintage farmhouse might seem like a trend or phase, in reality, it has historical roots that many people of all ages are drawn to. Not to mention, the integration of farmhouse design and vintage aesthetics helps interiors age well.


Love the Idea of Retro Farmhouse?

What's more important to you in a vintage farmhouse-styled home: comfort or nostalgia? Let us know below!

#classicwithcharacter 🌻🫖

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