Retro Metro

Like many other trends in America, the hottest and newest looks have been appropriated from overseas. Now, yet again America's newest look in interior design has followed in the footsteps of European designers- Retro - Metro. Retro Metro is a look that utilizes a combination of older styles and patterns with new color blends, materials and fabrics. Originating in the U.K., Metro Retro primarily focus's on post-war to 1970's styles. By combining old and new it allows people to explore a post modern feel to their living spaces.

The look is defined by bolder lines and colors than traditionally used, or a combination of different materials used. For example a Retro Metro coffee table may not be solely constructed of wood or metal but a combination of timbers legs and a steel face or vice verse. “Modernism” as a style concept began in the 1950s, when the emphasis on furniture shifted away from tradition and history, to function, accessibility and innovation. Furniture that seemed to "weigh down a room was replaced by pieces that conveyed a visual lightness." Clean, sleek lines replaced carved wood, and geometric shapes formed by metal and glass pushed richly patterned fabrics and accessories aside.

Modernism later branched out into Retro and Contemporary design. It is a nostalgic and campy styles that hearken back to ’50s sitcoms, and it’s a design style that also has seen a resurgence in the past several years. The latter is often confused with Modern design, but offers more relaxed and livable lines, and classic pieces that generally defy trends.



The design scheme of Retro Metro is generally regarded as a style that is highly popular but many foresee it fading out in the near future. Currently, Retro Metro is highly popular amongst younger to middle aged adults but as this group gets older many feel it will not be passed on to the next younger generation. According to one interview, Retro Metro's attractiveness is esteemed with those who lived int he era that this is a throwback too-the 1950's, 60's and 70's. Like many other hip innovations we see, the Retro Metro design scheme is only a product of copying what was popular many years before.


http://martinklasch.blogspot.com/search/label/interior%20design
Interview Conducted with Cynthia Loiacono on 4/27/07
http://www.metroretro.co.uk/home.html
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/061604/news/jonathan-adler-gets-a-room-000472