Create new traditions with ‘60s-inspired decor

Inspiration board: Retro revival

Story by Sheila Paz + Photo by Lillian August Furniture

Nostalgia has once again infiltrated home decor, bringing vintage styles back into vogue. The resurgence of mid-century modern furniture and art-deco color palettes adds a familiar touch reminiscent of the 1960s to our living spaces. This revival, aptly named Resurgence of New Traditions, blends the old with the new, offering a fresh take on retro designs. John Kilmer, owner of John Kilmer Fine Interiors, shares more about this trend and how you can revive your home in this wave of nostalgia, evoking those warm, familiar feelings of the past.

Find a focal point

Start with your focal point, be it wallpaper, artwork or a statement piece of furniture. From there, layer additional elements that enhance and highlight this central piece. Choose furniture and decor that draw from the colors and patterns of the focal point, ensuring each addition guides the eye around the room, maintaining a cohesive and dynamic space.

1. The art of integration 

Consider a room where the focal point is a piece of brightly colored, art deco-inspired artwork. Begin by placing this bold artwork against a subtle wallpaper backdrop, echoing the ‘60s eclectic design choices that featured bold color schemes and geometric patterns. The Resurgence of New Traditions trend smooths these elements, ensuring other patterns or colors do not overshadow the focal point.

2. Vintage style meets modern comfort

As your eyes move around the room, they should naturally be drawn to complementary pieces like this gold armchair with a purple pillow. These colors, drawn from the artwork, integrate into the overall theme. The chair, with its sloped key arm — a style popular in the ‘60s — has been reupholstered with modern, high-performance velvet and its mahogany legs updated to a whitewash finish.

3. The perfect finishing touches

Final touches in the room, such as a blue porcelain urn and garden seat, feature a striking pattern seen throughout the ages but perfect for this space. These elements do not distract from the artwork; instead, they balance the room by blending old and new, creating a layered environment. Each layer, building on the artwork, culminates in a room that epitomizes the Resurgence of New Traditions trend.