How to create a 1950s look in your home.

From modernist inspired sleek designer looks to colourful bubblegum interiors with unique and fun accessories, 1950s interiors are an ever popular design that can provide a classic vintage look in any home interior.

One of the most prominent changes during this period was the rise of open plan living that saw many homes choosing to take down walls and bring their downstairs rooms into one large area that was both practical and far more social than previous styles of homes. Kitchen diners were an extremely popular design feature with the first range of fitted kitchens being embraced by the majority of homes. Kitchens featured bright colours on the cupboards and walls with striking checker board flooring for maximum visual impact. Chrome or wooden framed chairs and tables were finished with Formica tops and seat pads and large and bubblegum coloured fridge provides the finishes touch for an authentic 1950s kitchen area.

Famous names in furniture design during the 1950s have to be Robin Day, Ray and Charles Eames and Arne Jacobsen whose famous design are instantly recognisable and create an authentic vintage feel in any room of the home. Polished wood furniture items with painted inlays are a staple look during this period as well as chrome diner stools, basket weave seating and the famous ‘Egg’ chair designed by Jacobsen that was available in a wide range of colour schemes.  Chairs were often upholstered in backcloth that featured bold space themed patterns such as starbursts, atoms, polka dots and graphic floral designs. Open planning living meant that moveable furniture was increasing in popular with items such as drinks trolleys, sofa beds and foldable ironing boards becoming a regular feature in the majority of homes.

Light fittings and lamps were prominently displayed in every room of the home with many ceiling shades featuring simple orb shaped coverings, fluted shapes or UFO disk shaped designs that complimented the space themed fabric that was popular during this period. Ceiling lights featured bold primary colours such as red, yellow and blue while table lamps were commonly designed in ice-cream colour tones such as mint green, peach and pastel blue with sculptural bases or spindled metal bases. These metal spindle designs were also seen in the floor lamps, hat stands and coat hooks and were finished with balls of plastic coated metal in an array or vivid colour tones.

1950s homes were all about unusual and Kitsch accessories that added a scattering of colour and visual detail on a sideboard, table or wall shelving area. Flamingos were a popular choice and were frequently seen adorning a bar or drinks trolley alongside an array of tropical themed cocktail glasses and chrome shakers. Poodle artwork, Cadillac ornaments, pineapples and flying wall mounted ducks were also highly favoured items that will create a classic retro feel to even the most modern of interior designs.

Crockery and chinaware featured pastel colours and floral motifs such as the famous Harlequin design or bold and vibrant plain coloured items such as the Fiesta range that perfectly captured the fun and social nature of 1950s interior design.  And of course who can forget a must have collection of Pyrex dishes and Tupperware for those popular and glamorous dinner parties.

For more inspiration for a funky 1950s interior then take a look at our latest Pinterest Board - Pinterest - 1950s Interiors.