When it comes to fashion, we think it’s probably a good idea not to wear a particular style when it comes round for the second time – for example, if you wore flares the first time round, you should probably give the revival a miss! When it comes to homewares, though, fashions are a little more forgiving. We’re all for homewares being fun, so if you’ve always secretly regretted getting rid of your lava lamp then maybe it’s time to get another. Sit back, open your Marathon bar or packet of Spangles and take a look through the retro home accessoires we’ve found.
1. White and blue lava lamp, Red Candy
We thought we’d kick off with a classic retro piece. Add a bit of grooviness to your home with this traditional lava lamp. They’re actually very relaxing to live with – let your mind switch off as you watch the slow rise and fall of the ‘lava’ blobs. Available in different colours, this lava lamp costs £29 from Red Candy.
2. Dallas leather shaggy rug, Homescapes
Remember shagpile carpets? This Dallas rug is a modern take on a retro trend. Handwoven from recycled leather offcuts, it’s produced in a fairtrade environment and proceeds directly help the weavers. £29.99 and available in different colours from Homescapes.
3. GPO 746 vintage rotary phone, GPO Retro
Do you remember when making a phone call meant you had to physically go to the handset, which were always located in freezing cold corridors? We’re not hankering after the cold corridors, but we do rather like this modern take on the vintage rotary dial phone. It’s got a ‘proper’ bell ringing tone and is available in a range of both traditional and contemporary colours. Prices start at around £33, see GP Retro for more information.
4. Large fabric plant bag in 1970s print, Orla Kiely
Our trip down memory lane wouldn’t be complete without some big floral fabrics. We’re drawing the line at going over the top with sofa fabric or curtains, but we think this pretty orange floral planter strikes a cheerful note without being overpowering. Was £35 now £26, available from Cuckooland.
5. Macrame demin wall hanging, Kinfolk
Any self-respecting house a few decades ago would have featured macrame somewhere among its home accessories – whether in the shape of a plant pot holder, a dream catcher or a wall hanging. We’ve tracked down this retro style handmade wall hanging from Northumbrian company Kinfolk, intricately woven from wool, rope fibres and blue denim. £35, available from Kinfolk.
6. Crochet basket, Rachel Rogers
Do you remember those crochet rugs, whether the crochet squares were sewn together to make a blanket? In fact, we seem to remember crochet featured pretty heavily in the retro house! In an homage to an original trend, we’ve found this crochet basket, handmade by Rachel Rogers. These baskets are beautiful, practical and environmentally responsible as they are made from off cuts of tee shirt fabric. They’re available in three sizes, and prices start at £12 from Know and Love.
7. Mini mackerel oilcloth, Cream Cornwall
Plastic tablecloths used to be a thing. No, really, they did. Back in the day when everyone still used a tablecloth, these were practical, waterproof, wipeclean and didn’t need washing so they could be found in almost every one. Now, using tablecloths everyday is no longer common practice – but we think there’s still a place for beautiful oilcloth designs such as this mini mackerel one, £39 per metre from Cream Cornwall. They really jazz up garden tables and are great for protecting kitchen tables when you’re doing something really messy.
8. Round wicker dining chair, Cox & Cox
Willow or rattan chairs used to be de rigeur. They may or may not have looked good, depending on your point of view, but they certainly weren’t always that sturdy or comfortable. This modern version, £195 from Cox & Cox, scores highly on both points – it has a strong wicker body and is mounted on strong metal legs.
9. Sydney rocking chair, Cult Furniture
Why did rocking chairs ever go out of fashion? Maybe because the traditional designs took up so much room – but this sleek, modern version, upholstered in grey faux leather, is neat enough for any interior. Was £129 now £64, available from Cult Furniture.
10. Latva coat stand, Covo
Well, we know why hat stands went out of fashion – because no-one was wearing hats any more. We all still wear coats though, so we reckon having a tall stand like this is just as useful as it ever was. This one is available in a range of colours and is made using powder coated steel. The name means ‘tree top’ in Finnish. It costs £359 and is available from Lime Lace.
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Omg!!! the Latva coat stand is stunning. It’s very unique to see that design nowadays. Do you have any idea where to buy that stand?