Traveling Back to the 1950s

Did you fall in love with the 1950s watching old movies and televisions shows like "Happy Days" and "The Andy Griffith Show"? Well there is a way to bring the 1950s into your 21st century home. While trying to achieve a retro look can become expensive there are many tricks of the trade that will not completely blow your budget.The first step in this type of home decor is to go to grandma's house. If you are in your mid-twenties or early thirties, chances are your grandparents would have been teenagers in the 1950s. This is the best place to start your planning stage. Go through old photos and even the attic or basement to find anything that looks like it would fit into that era. Also ask your grandmother or grandfather to help you with this type of design. Their memories and advice will be invaluable and they may also know of a few places that still carry certain hard to find items.The 1950s was a time of prosperity in this country and the decor of the era reflected that with its many colors and the different types of materials that were used. There are a few essential items that every retro home should have, but for the most part it is more an adventure than a true project.When researching your design ideas for your retro 1950s look you will quickly find that most of this "old" style is actually considered "modern" by today's standards. Most of the furniture in this era had very clean lines and abstract accessories. The colors were bright and vibrant and it was a look that was both stylish and a little whimsical at the same time.When it comes to purchasing the items needed for this design most can be found at second hand stores or flea markets, however if you are wanting to have a 1950s style kitchen the prices of the larger appliances will be very expensive. The reason for this is that the manufactures have to meet all modern codes while using a "retro" frame. This is what will make the price soar.For this design style, rugs have a greater role in the design, especially if you want to achieve 50s chic. The rugs that you will want to purchase have vibrant colors and abstract designs. The rugs you will be looking for are mostly made out of wool, and even consider some shag style rugs, because of their popularity throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s.When trying to bring the past into the modern home it is important to find that special mix of "retro" style and modern convenience. While this style can be pricy in some of the items that will need to be purchased, most of th e things you will need can be found at second hand stores, and even in grandma's attic. Playing with this style will give you a fun and inspirational space that not only you but your friends and family are sure to enjoy. You know what they say, "nothing beats a classic".