History is a great source of design inspirations. Whilst we have much to learn from past design trends, there's no need to rummage through vintage shops or to buy predictable design classics. Here is our guide on how to recreate the best vibes of the past five decades by using the best of contemporary design.
1970s
The decade that fashion forgot actually begot some pretty fabulous design ideas. The bold florals, funky prints and plastic fantastic speak of a time of youthful experimentation, with an undertone of louche campness that we still find irresistible. You can capture this energy with the groovy Ego Chair from Scarlet Splendour and the bright floral Bisou Armchair from Mambo Unlimited Ideas. They would look great on the Paralleli Rug from Golran with its patchwork of mismatched patterns. For a psychedelic touch try the Amanita Garden Table and Stools from Seletti.
1. Ego Chair by Scarlet Splendour | 2. Bisou Armchair by Mambo Unlimited Ideas | 3. Paralleli Rug by Golran | 4. Amanita Garden Stool by Seletti
1980s
The 1980s is remembered for its exuberant pop music, yuppies with outsized shoulder pads and boundless optimism. In contrast to the ostentatious fashion style, 1980s design can be minimalist, meticulous and super sleek; a good example being the Step Sofa from Viccarbe. This sense of cool comes with a touch of industrial chic. The Table B from BD Barcelona Design, which is made of extruded aluminium sections, and the multifunctional Bordbar Airplane Trolley are great examples. As for lighting, it doesn't get cooler than the Anima Floor Light from Davide Groppi, with a profile so slim that blink and you will miss it.
1. Step Sofa by Viccarbe | 2. Table B by Bd Barcelona Design | 3. Airplane Trolley by Bordbar | 4. Anima Floor Light by Davide Groppi
1990s
Perhaps as a reaction to the sleek, minimalist style of the previous decade, the 1990s saw organic neutrals reign supreme. This was the decade when beige became greige, which then became the must-have ingredient for any sophisticated interior design scheme. You too can achieve this natural, comfortable look with the Atelier Modular Sofa from Stellar Works and the Rudi High Chair from Woak. They look great together with the Scraplight Ausi Suspension Light from Graypants, which is made of corrugated cardboard sheets, and the Souk Ecru Wall Mirror from Dooq.
1. Atelier Modular Sofa by Stellar Works | 2. Rudi High Chair by Woak | 3. Scraplight Ausi Suspension Light by Graypants | 4. Souk Ecru Wall Mirror by Dooq
2000s
At the turn of the millennium a sense of confidence had taken hold and it felt that (almost) anything goes. This was the decade when phrases such as "eclectic" and "maximalism" entered the design lexicon and feature walls went mainstream. The best way to honour this vibe is to select pieces with outsized personality and sculptural presence. The animalistic Yeti Sofa from Missana and the imposing Secant Vase from Atelier Polyhedre both fit the bill perfectly. The Arch Circle Suspension Light from Oblure, with its distinctive shape and bold colour, would work well also. As for that feature wall, the Nizwa Wallpaper from NLXL is perfect for adding a good dose of luxury and indulgence.
2010s
The economic crisis at the turn of the decade had cast a pall over the 2010s, which also saw a fair share of social and political turmoil. This, together with the rising influence of social media as a propagator of design trends, may explain the enduring popularity of "hygge", a sense of warm cosiness with Nordic roots, and its cousin "Japandi". The Gogan Sofa from Moroso, with its Japanese inspired design, is a great example of this trend. The irresistibly furry Altay Lounge Chair from Coedition is likewise the epitome of hygge. We would also recommend the Kactos Suspension Light from LZF, made of natural wood veneers, accessorised by the beautifully sculptural Orimono Vase from 101 Copenhagen.
