How to Achieve the Perfect Retro Look in Your Studio Apartment

In the world of interior design, vintage and retro styles have become popular for reasons that go beyond mere nostalgia, as they offer decorators the opportunity to introduce a sense of history and culture to a space. These décor styles are celebrated for their ability to tell stories about an interesting past, with each piece like a living snapshot of a bygone era. 

 

If you’re looking to decorate a studio apartment, where space is at a premium, a vintage or retro theme can be particularly effective at making it feel more alive as well as more pleasing to the eye. But the goal should be to achieve a balance between the functionality of each item you incorporate and the unique look and feel it adds to your apartment’s atmosphere.

 

One place where you can start looking is DROOL, a leading platform for contemporary art prints, illustration art posters, and graphic design prints, many of which have a distinct vintage flair. Our catalogue contains plenty of well-curated pieces from up-and-coming artists that are perfect for apartment dwellers who want vintage flavours for their space. We’re also believers in art’s power to transform spaces, and you can browse our site for expert advice on infusing your home with the ideal retro vibe.

Here are DROOL’s practical tips on how to furnish a studio apartment in the retro style and craft a living space that feels both timeless and intimately personal:

1) Define Your Era

 

 

“Vintage” and “retro” refer not just to one single aesthetic, but many. That means that your decorating journey should begin with you defining your chosen style more clearly. The eras of the 20th century have their own distinct flavours, from the Art Deco elegance of the 1920s to the psychedelic swirls of the 1970s.

 

Identify the period that resonates most with you to narrow down your decorative choices and ensure that your space comes out looking coherent as well as pleasing to the eye.

2) Use Multifunctional Vintage Furniture

 

 

Every inch counts in a studio apartment, so furniture that serves multiple functions is a necessity rather than just an option for your home design. Vintage pieces, often celebrated for their craftsmanship and unique designs, can also be among your most versatile choices for furnishing your space.

 

A vintage trunk, for example, can serve as a coffee table, a storage solution, and a statement piece all at once. Similarly, a mid-century modern credenza will be the perfect house for your media setup while providing plenty of storage for items like books, video game consoles, and the like. This approach will both honour the aesthetic of your chosen era and address the practical needs of modern living, proving that style and function can indeed go hand in hand in a small apartment.

3) Invest in Vintage Accessories and Art

 

 

The devil is in the details, and when it comes to vintage décor, accessories and art play a huge role in bringing your vision to life. Unique finds from the past—be it an ornate mirror from the Art Nouveau period or a vibrant pop art poster—can transform a space and give it a memorable personality. DROOL carries no end of unique art prints with a retro feel, which you can readily use to infuse your studio apartment with character.

4) Opt for Vintage Patterns and Textiles

 

The allure of a vintage or retro aesthetic often lies in its distinctive patterns and textiles, which can strongly evoke the spirit of the era they represent. Geometric patterns, floral prints, and bold colours were hallmark features of many past decades. Try incorporating these elements through curtains, rugs, throw pillows, and upholstery to dramatically alter the ambience of your space and make it feel as though you've stepped back in time. When selecting these pieces, consider how their colours and patterns complement each other and the rest of your décor. That will help you create a cohesive look that feels both authentic and inviting.

5) Shop Second-Hand

 

One of the most rewarding aspects of decorating in a vintage style is the hunt for those one-of-a-kind pieces that add character and spirit to your space. Flea markets, estate sales, and thrift stores are treasure troves of vintage décor, where you might find anything from a 1950s sunburst clock to a rustic 1930s vanity. Shopping second-hand is also an environmentally sustainable practice, as you’re giving a second life to old objects rather than always purchasing new ones.

6) Use Wall Space Wisely

 

 

Though your studio apartment may be limited in terms of floor space, its walls make the perfect canvas for your creativity. Shelving units and wall-mounted cabinets provide storage solutions without encroaching on your living area, while gallery walls can showcase a mix of vintage posters, art prints, and personal mementos. Treat your walls as part of your design strategy, and you’ll unlock plenty of ways to enhance both the form and function of your studio apartment in a signature retro style.

7) Create Distinct Areas in Your Apartment

 

 

The open layout of a studio apartment presents a unique challenge to apartment dwellers: how to define separate living, sleeping, and working areas without the benefit of walls. To do this, place furniture and décor strategically to create visual and functional divisions within the space.

Vintage rugs can anchor different zones, while open shelving units serve as makeshift room dividers that preserve the flow of light and space. Different types of lighting, meanwhile, can delineate areas and set a distinctive retro mood for each part of your apartment. With thoughtful planning, you can carve out separate zones for your apartment life that feel purposeful and coherent—with each reflecting facets of your vintage aesthetic.

 

We at DROOL are more than excited to be your partners in the creative and personal process of decorating your studio apartment. Think of your home as a potential reflection of your personal history and style, as well as the history of bygone eras. Look through our catalogue for art that will transform your apartment into a place where the past meets the present in beautiful and unexpected ways.