If you’re dreaming of an ’80s bathroom or want a kitchen that looks like “The Brady Bunch” (but better), consider these tips from designers and era-obsessed creators who’ve styled their lives around a particular decade.
A brisk scroll through home design social media will surface era-obsessed creators styling their lives around a favorite decade or historical aesthetic. They will often show it off in a kitchen or a bathroom because those are the most frequently renovated rooms in a home, and as such, they’re the places where the styles of a particular moment tend to find a foothold. Even if committing to the bit and going, say, full-on 1970s sex den or ’90s Tuscan kitchen is too much dip for your chip, you can still find a distinct style for your kitchen or bathroom by mining the past. We talked to designers about how to get a throwback look without going overboard—and also got some words of wisdom from a few of those era aficionados whose love for their particular decade is so strong that they’ve chosen to live just like it.
Clockwise from left: Corvo White and Black Patterned salad plate by Ackerman from CB2; PH 5 pendant by Louis Poulsen, and Classic Ring Handle 10 1/4 OZ mug by Fiesta Factory.
Photos courtesy respective companies and designers
Not Your Grandfather’s ’50s
Nostalgia for the 1950s doesn’t have to express a yen for conservatism but, rather, can be about wanting the creature comforts of early suburbia—your grandparents’ Levittown Cape Cod starter home’s cozy rec room or the sunny dinette off the tidy and efficient kitchen. For some of the same vibes in your more contemporary space, Cristina Poelk, an art director at Hem who also runs @soft_servings, an Instagram account dedicated to beautiful kitchens, advises: “Use solid lacquered wood and pair it with stainless-steel countertops.” Nick Battaglia, an Atlanta set decorator with an affinity for midcentury styles, says that in his bathroom, little tweaks went a long way. “I changed out the light fixture for a double swag light, like a Hollywood Regency [one].” To channel the era yourself, try swapping out your barstools for a set of Cescas upholstered in a claret red, or liven up your bathroom with a mat that’s straight out of the Jet Age.
Nick Battaglia lives in an Atlanta apartment where everything is vintage except his underwear. “If it’s not from the forties to the seventies, it does not come into my house unless it’s an emergency,” he says. “I love how extravagant things could be, but at the same time, it goes back to those clean lines and simple designs. Ninety-nine percent of my stuff is true vintage.” He even gave his modern electronics retro touches. “My flat-screen TV is hidden in a 1950s tube television. I pulled out the tube and put the flat-screen inside.”
Photo by Kendrick Brinson
Shop the Look
PH5 pendant by Maharam
The fixture provides a comfortable, glare-free light based on the principle of Poul Henningsen’s reflective three-shade system, which directs the majority of the light downward. It emits a lateral light as well as illuminating itself, providing a soft radiance from within its core. The lower shade is fitted with a frosted-glass diffuser to ensure that the downwardly directed light is 100% glare-free. 
Farmstead® by Kohler
Bringing sophistication and warmth to your kitchen, the Farmstead sink reimagines the traditional farmhouse sink with a clean, contemporary update. Crafted from KOHLER enameled cast iron with a sleek painted underside, the Farmstead sink can be installed wall-mount with legs or top-mount with custom cabinetry, giving it the look of a unique, hand-constructed piece of furniture. The sink comes with seven custom accessories to simplify food prep and cleanup. 
Dot Pattern by Charles and Ray Eames from Maharam
Dot Pattern was designed by Charles and Ray Eames for a 1947 textile competition at the Museum of Modern Art. Listed price is per yard. 
Ceramic Containers by Herman Miller
With a focus on textiles, as well as furniture, graphics, and interior architecture, Alexander Girard shaped American design in the post-war period alongside George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames. These Ceramic Containers are modeled after original wood designs that were hand-lathed by Girard in his workshop. Each is a functional piece of art honoring his distinctive design legacy. 
FAB50ULCR3 by Smeg
Curved, colorful, and oh-so chic, SMEG’s world-famous FAB line of retro-style refrigerators and freezers quickly become the stars of any kitchen they are put in. But don’t let their good looks fool you, what’s on the inside is just as impressive as what’s on the outside, with surprising amounts of storage in even the smallest FABs. 
Corvo White and Black Patterned Salad Plates by Ackerman from CB2
Designed by famed mid-century artist Evelyn Ackerman, CB2’s best-selling Corvo dinnerware pays homage to the natural expressions of California mid-century modernism. Reproduced from “Stallion,” an original 1965 woven tapestry by Ackerman, the distinctive black-and-white motif is applied by skilled artisans in Portugal with a reactive glaze to create subtle variations unique to each piece. CB2 exclusive. 
Classic Ring Handle Mug by Fiesta Factory
Elevate your dining experience with Fiesta’s iconic Ring Handled Mug, a timeless masterpiece since its debut in 1936. Crafted with meticulous art deco design, this signature piece boasts vibrant colors that add a pop of personality to any table setting. With a generous 10-ounce capacity, this mug is perfect for savoring your favorite hot beverages. 
Cesca Fully Upholstered Stool by Knoll
At the Bauhaus, Marcel Breuer married traditional craftsmanship with industrial methods and materials to help make tubular steel furniture an international sensation and a modern institution. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus, Knoll has taken the Cesca Chair to new heights—specifically bar and counter. With a comfortably upholstered seat and classic caned back, this airy stool brings sophistication to island dining. 
Atomic Diamond Retro Bath Mat by Love Vision Karma
This retro 1950’s inspired bath mat, featuring atomic diamonds and bursts, delivers charming mid century modern style in vintage shades of teal and orange. Bright and colorful, these one of a kind bath mats are a fun way to liven up your bathroom! These made to order mats are not available in stores and are a perfect way to show off your unique personality! 
Clockwise from left: HV1 faucet by Vola, Magritte pipe by Amitha, Nesso table lamp by Artemide.
Photos courtesy respective companies and designers
See the full story on Dwell.com: How to Channel Your Favorite Throwback Aesthetic Without Going Overboard
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