A while back, Pam and I created 11 retro decorating “archetypes” — and “retroscopes” to go with. We made these as a “freemium” for the signing up for our newsletter… and now, we decided to just put all this analysis out there. This archetyping was mostly in the spirit of fun, but reading through the retro vintage design styles we gave names to again, well, golly, we still kinda think they capture the different buckets pretty accurately. What do you think? Which archetype, or mix of archetypes are YOU?
Did we miss any???
No matter what your retro style – or mix – rest assured that here on Retro Renovation, you can feel at home. In fact, we are pretty insanely crazy about ALL the retro styles – so, we cover them all. To top it off, our community of readers really is like one big, retro-loving family – appreciative of everyone’s unique style – because, yup, we know: There’s more than one way to retro.
See the archetypes enlarged:
Tips to view slide show: Click on first image… it will enlarge and you can also read my captions… move forward or back via arrows below the photo… you can start or stop at any image:
Scott says
I suppose I should be a little bit frightened that I identify with bits of every retroscope, with perhaps slightly heavier leanings towards being a tasteful traditionalist who is not afraid of color. Lots of color. Red and turquoise are neutrals, right? 🙂
Jenny A. says
I guess in my heart I’m a Mid-Mod Minimalist but I have too much ‘stuff’ to really classify as such.
Speaking of Kings and Queens of Kitsch, has anyone heard from Eartha Kitsch lately? I’ve been a little concerned about her.
sherree says
I talked to Eartha a few weeks ago and she is doing well 🙂
Jenny A. says
Thank you, Sherree! I’m glad to hear that 😉
Mike says
I laughed at the Velvet Elvi description. Years ago I worked in a picture frame shop, and someone brought in a velvet Elvis painting for a reframe job. So I referred to it as “Velvis”. It made my boss and manager laugh!
Great compilations, these. I’m thinking I might be a streamlined sophisticate or perhaps a retro moder mix master. But I think if I could do up a mid mod house, there would HAVE to be at least one knotty pine accent wall somewhere.
Josie says
I definitely aspire to Star of Stage and Screen. http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f0/da/bb/f0dabbb6dcf16ada2443e0cbad8e161c.jpg <— This sort of thing.
Amazing sconces, glossy black and white tile, Art Deco lady lamps, and yes, Streamline Moderne porcelain fixtures, lots and lots of mirrors, chinoiserie. Pale iced greens and maybe touches of orchid. Bradbury & Bradbury has some wallpapers I want, Art Deco + damasks.
I don't have that look yet though. It's where my heart lies though.
At the moment I have more Grandma's Little Darling – it's much easier to fit into a little apartment and easier to thrift for. Maybe I can edge from one to the other with reupholstering, colours, accents? Or blur the lines – Glitzy Grandma?
Laurie Louise says
Josie, the link is fabulous! They don’t make ’em like that anymore!
Laurie Louise says
Mashin’ it up! My most personal ref for midcentury decor is my mom, who did a major remodel of our 20s house in the early 60s. I always knew we lived in a beautiful house, but now I see how on-trend she was–in a very House Beautiful way. The house we just bought (I’m taking a break from ripping up carpet!) is more Family Circle, and my word, is it all over the map, style-wise: lots of colonial (reads Western here in Texas), with touches of atomic, brutalist and elegance. I think all the painted surfaces, including the ceilings, were originally aquamarine. So I’m trying to go with my own personal nostalgia (elegant) and listen to the house, which is begging for Ranch Oak and color. Adding some Asian, which my mom also loved, and a little modern. And a look back–like what would have been vintage in 1961–on the screen porch. Plus bird and animal images, since it’s next to a nature preserve. Eclectic, anyone? Here’s hoping I can pull it off!
pam kueber says
I actually think Asian including Chinoiserie in touches goes under “Traditionalist.”
Laurie Louise says
Good point, Pam. I think the unifying element will be a Traditionalist approach. Thank you again–Kate, too–for this wonderful blog. I’m
not sure we could pull off this restoration without your knowledge, resources and inspiration. You have literally saved me months of research, and helped me develop a sense of what’s appropriate. Kudos and more kudos!
pam kueber says
You’re welcome — and thank you for the lovely comments, you made my day!
Laurie Louise says
🙂
virginia says
Cannot express enough my love for Brutalist 1965. Love.
ineffablespace says
I am probably closest to #11-Traditionalist, because I lived in an 1840/1965 hybrid with mostly modernist furniture and now live in a 1965 brutalist with a mix of modernist and antique furniture.
Apropos of this there is a Louis Kahn time capsule that just came on the market her that you might want to post. (Lots of traditional/antiques mixed in a modernist house).
Megan says
I am a star of stage and screen for sure! I’d love to see more of that style featured.
Robin, NV says
Yes! More Hollywood Regency stuff on RR please. My grandmother’s house was done in this style – ornate furniture, heavy gilded mirrors, big ornate lamps, brocade upholstery and drapes. She had a bedroom set that was all white with “gilded” trim. I’ve seen some Dixie furniture that looks a lot like it.
Also more Chinoiserie please!! Maybe Hollywood Regency and Chinoiserie could be lumped into a new category. Ab Fab Fifties Flair?
Ooh geez!! Kate you forgot Coolonial!!!! I love Coolonial. 🙂
Joel says
My personal style has frequently been described as “the Addams Family meets Pee Wee’s Playhouse”, which I certainly take as a compliment!
Jonny says
That is a perfect description, I might have to steal that.
tammyCA says
Ha, my home has no style…but, I guess I’m a smattering of “trash to treasure”, “kitsch”, “granny”…really eclectic, things I love mixed with the modern conveniences (and cheap ikea that I can’t wait to get rid of when I can replace with the right vintage things). When you have a family with their own different tastes and things you don’t get free reign.
What about Hollywood regency style and Chinoiserie? They seem to have a Modern following now if you look on Pinterest.
pam kueber says
Yes, we need to come up with Hollywood Regency and Chinoiserie retrotypes!
tammyCA says
I love so many eras, styles and items…I think “I coulda been a contender” or rather a set decorator…I practically have a prop dept. 😉