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Blue Storage Ottoman

How to interior design in a Retro Style: Stylish 50's or Swinging 60's

To design in a retro style is to remix aspects of a previous style.  Many styles of the past have successfully been reinvented time and time again. A popular retro style is the style created in the 1950's rock ‘n' rock era. The 1960's became known as the swinging 60's. Interior décor and clothing fashions can be intermingle to create bold trendy statements.

If you would like to create a 1950's look Hot Pink was the colour of the decade. Italian couture began to rival French couture. Pucci and Simonetta were influenced by the colours of the Renaissance. Fath used Honan silks in hot pink. Turquoise became a sensation after 1951. The Germany Company Bayer developed the first colour fast turquoise dye Alcian. Full skirts in bold colours were a hallmark of the rock ‘n' roll era.

Interior design

The technological advances of the age let to advances in fabrics and finishes. Orange, pistachio and kingfisher blue furnishing fabrics very much in vogue. The colours were used juxtaposition (side by side) and can appear gaudy to some people.

Scandinavian designers combined natural and synthetic materials. The colours used reflected the Nordic landscape. Linoleum tops in primary colours were used on Birchwood tables and chairs for children. Eero Saarinen's Pedestal Chair was created for Knoll in 1955. Alvar Aalto a Finish architect designed his famous cantilevered chair. The designer Eames created the Sofa Compact in 1954 and the Eames lounge chair and ottoman in 1956. The Ant chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1953. George Nelson also created his famous Marshmallow chair and a storage system.

The fabrics of the decade included a fabric called Circles by Alexander Girard, ‘Double Triangles' a fabric designed by Alexander and Girard Willaim Pahlmann designed ‘Still Trees'. Frank Lloyd Wright also designed ‘Imperial Triangle' which was reproduced by F. Schumacher in 1956.

The 1950's saw the development of new plastics, stream proof paints, wallpapers, and flooring. Velcro was also developed. The 1950's was a glorious time for design. A new optimism was emerging after the depression of the 1930's and the devastation of the World War in the 1940's. If you visit the Sample Board Online blog http://blog.sampleboardonline.com you can find some examples of 1950's style

 

What was hot in the stylish 50's Interior Design?

Bright pinks        Orange                 Gold                      Reds      Turquoise            Beige

Coloured enamel kitchenware

Linoleum top tables in primary colours

Designer furniture

Subdued fabric patterns

The Fashion Colours of 1950's

Primary colours                 Hot pink               Very hot pink     Turquoise            Kingfisher blue

Green                                   Lilac                  Pale maize          Amethyst            Geranium

Clothing styles

Matching colours

Billowing wraps

Semi fitted coats

Strapless boned bodice evening dresses

Fabrics

Taffeta                                 Satin

 

The swinging 60's

A new range of cheap brightly coloured cotton fabrics and an increase in synthetic fabrics produced an explosion of mass produced fashion items in the 1960's. Drip dried non iron clothing became the rage. As did coats and boots in brightly coloured plastic. Mary Quant was one of the leaders of the swinging London style, the mini skirt which conquered the world. Trouser suits became popular from New York, to Paris and Rome.

The Italian collections of the time were highly coloured, stripes and knits. It was at this time blue jeans became popular and were worn by both sexes and people of all ages and went on to become a fashion classic. The panty hose replaced nylon stockings. They worked well with the mini skirt and came in many different colours and patterns. Visit the Sample Board Online blog http://blog.sampleboardonline.com and find examples of the 1960's style.

Khaki military style jackets were worn with jeans or white (bell bottomed) sailor style trousers. The hippy look dominated the fashions of the late sixties. The styles were a mingling of native peasant costumes with beadwork and chamois leather. Mondrian paintings, films and ethic dress influenced fashion. Zandra Rhodes colourful psychedelic patterns in fabrics and wallpapers were contrasted by the Two Tone Laura Ashley designs in brown, pale blue, green and cream for clothing, curtains and covers.

Spanish architect Paco Rabanne invaded the fashion scene with a futuristic style influenced by the space race. He designed mini dresses made of geometric shapes riveted and clasped together with metal, leather or plastics. Verner Panton a Swiss architect designed the first plastic chair with no joints in 1960. This led to the development of synthetic moulded furniture in geometric shapes. Solid moulded foam cubes in bright colours were also produced. The main feature of the 1960's interior style; playful and casual.

The Swinging 1960's

Colourful ethic fabrics

Oriental beads

Colourful jewellery

Muticoloured Afghan dresses

Indonesian batik prints

North African caftans

Nehru shirts

Arabic djellabas (a traditional long, loose-fitting outer robe)

Silver jewellery inset with amber and other semi precious stones

Kohl eye makeup

Red Henna hair colouring

New colour consciousness

Peasant skirts

Embroidered blouses

Boleros decorated with ribbons

High red boots

Patterned headscarves

Body painting

Mini skirt

Indian prints

Black and white geometric designs

 

1960's Interior Design

Floors, ceilings and walls painted in brilliant colours

Murals

Wall hangings

Multicoloured Indian prints

Sofa's, divans and floors covered with oriental carpets and rugs

Abundance of colours available

Plastic chairs

Moulded foam furniture

Cubed Style Furniture

You can create your retro style in a number of ways. Create a colourful 60's hippy pad using oriental carpets and rugs. Or a space age room with bold coloured moulded foam furniture. Psychedelic wall paper designs can be used to jazz up any room and add a touch of 1960's style. You can recreate a 1950's or 1960's room using a number of items and colours from the 50's or 60's. Or select one or two items from one of the eras and use the item as a starting point of the design for your retro room. The sky is the limit it is also an Eco Friendly way to decorate as many items from the 1950's and 1960's are available at second hand dealers, op shops and on ebay.

About the Author

Rosena works as an interior design, retail and visual merchandising tutor for Australian College QED. She I has also worked for the Retail Traders Association of Victoria as a Retail Trainer. Rosena has a Diploma in Interior Design, Post Graduate Diploma in Public and Community Health and is a qualified trainer. She also works as an interior design consultant, creates designer art work and is the Australian partner of Sample Board Online a new cool free design presentation tool.

Square Blue Cube Storage Ottoman $67.99 Bring style and sophistication to your decor with this blue microfiber ottoman. Inside storage space and a stitched pattern on top highlights this ottoman.Materials: Microfiber, woodUpholstery materials: FabricUpholstery color: BlueStitched patterned topInside storage spaceDimensions: 16.5 inches high x 17.5 inches wide x 17.5 inches length

Nottingham Blue Foldable Storage Ottoman $74.99 Crafted of fine, bonded blue leather, this ottoman provides you extra space for storage and a convenient place to store your essentials. This foldable storage ottoman from Nottingham adds a bold, decorative touch to any living space. Colors: Teal blueFrame materials: Sturdy wood Finish: Blue Upholstery materials: Bonded leather Upholstery color: Lift up lid for hidden storage Storage ottoman folds for easy storage Dimensions: 17.2 inches high x 31.5 inches wide x 16.1 inches deepInside dimensions: 14.7 inches high x 29.1 inches wide x 13.5 inches deep

Blue Denim Kids Storage Ottoman $50.99 Any child will enjoy the stylish ottoman as a great addition to their room. This ottoman functions as a seat, table, or added storage. Softly padded on all sides for maximum comfort Washed denim fabricSolid hardwood frame will provide stability and years of durabilityColor: Blue denimMaterials: Denim fabricFinish: Dark brownType: StorageFully assembled with solid wood constructionDimensions: 9.6 inches high x 15.1 inches wide x 15.1 inches deep

1026-B Pkolino Play Ottoman (Storage) - Blue $179.55 This versatile ottoman with its fantastic colors looks great anywhere Use it as a traditional ottoman a side table and a storage bin Upholstered with durable supple vinyl that is so soft you will think it is leather This ottoman s great colors and ve

1026-LB Pkolino Play Ottoman (Storage) - Light Blue $179.55 This versatile ottoman with its fantastic colors looks great anywhere Use it as a traditional ottoman a side table and a storage bin Upholstered with durable supple vinyl that is so soft you will think it is leather This ottoman s great colors and ve

Maxwell Blue Grey Storage Ottoman Chair $400.99 This ottoman chair features a blue grey color that will look great at any home. With convenient storage and casters, this chair is perfect for easy furniture re-arrangements. Material: Asian wood frameUpholstery material: Woven fabricUpholstery fill: Polyurethane foamColor: Blue greyIndoorFunctional storage ottoman on castersDimensions: 29.5 inches high x 30 inches wide x 39 inches deep Assembly required

NW Enterprises 150SBGH Round Blue and Gray Heather Fabric Storage Ottoman $149.85 The Round Storage Ottoman is a combination of function and style. The lid of this ottoman can be removed to reveal a storage area for keeping things out of sight. At 14 high and 17 diameter it s a great storage seat in a child s room and meets both your decorative and storage needs. This ottoman is finished inside with the same high quality upholstery as on the outside. This ottoman is padded with polyurethane foam for comfort. The interior frame is built to last with sturdy construction consisting of medium density particleboard and solid core sidewall. This ottoman has nylon hooded casters for easy mobility. Round Blue and Gray Heather Fabric Storage Ottoman 14 H x 17 diameter.

NW Enterprises 450SBGH Square Blue and Gray Heather Fabric Storage Ottoman $224.1 The Square Storage Ottoman meets both your decorative and storage needs. This ottoman is finished inside with the same high quality upholstery as used on the outside and is padded with polyurethane foam. College students find the Square Storage Ottoman particularly useful because it can be used as both storage and extra seating. The interior frame is built to last with sturdy construction consisting of medium density particleboard and a solid core sidewall. This ottoman has nylon hooded casters for easy mobility and will help you keep your home tidy while keeping it stylish at the same time. Square Blue and Gray Heather Fabric Storage Ottoman 14.5 H x 19 W x 19 L.

Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Beige $161 Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Beige

Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Black $161 Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Black

Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Brown $161 Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Brown

Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Green $161 Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Green

Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Yellow $161 Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Yellow

Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Eggplant $161 Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Eggplant

NW Enterprises 150SBLU Round Blue Vinyl Storage Ottoman $144.3 The Round Storage Ottoman is a combination of function and style. The lid of this ottoman can be removed to reveal a storage area for keeping things out of sight. At 14 high and 17 diameter it s a great storage seat in a child s room and meets both your decorative and storage needs. This ottoman is finished inside with the same high quality upholstery as on the outside. This ottoman is padded with polyurethane foam for comfort. The interior frame is built to last with sturdy construction consisting of medium density particleboard and solid core sidewall. This ottoman has nylon hooded casters for easy mobility. 150S Blue Vinyl.

NW Enterprises 350SBLU Rectangle Blue Vinyl Storage Ottoman $218.4 The Rectangle Storage Ottoman meets both your decorative and storage needs. This ottoman is finished inside with the same high quality upholstery as used on the outside and is padded with polyurethane foam for added comfort. The soft padded lid can be removed to reveal finished storage large enough to hold blankets magazines games or toys. The interior frame is built to last with sturdy construction consisting of medium density particleboard and a solid core sidewall. This ottoman has nylon hooded casters for easy mobility. 350S Blue Vinyl.

NW Enterprises 350SBGH Rectangle Blue and Gray Heather Fabric Storage Ottoman $226.8 The Rectangle Storage Ottoman meets both your decorative and storage needs. This ottoman is finished inside with the same high quality upholstery as used on the outside and is padded with polyurethane foam for added comfort. The soft padded lid can be removed to reveal finished storage large enough to hold blankets magazines games or toys. The interior frame is built to last with sturdy construction consisting of medium density particleboard and a solid core sidewall. This ottoman has nylon hooded casters for easy mobility. Rectangle Blue and Gray Heather Fabric Storage Ottoman 14.5 H x 15 W x 24 L.

NW Enterprises 850SBLU Round Extra Large Storage Blue Vinyl Ottoman $253.8 The Extra Large Round Storage Ottoman is a traditional styled ottoman with a generous size. The inside is fully lined with the same high quality upholstery as used on the outside. The padded lid lifts off to reveal a generous storage space big enough to hold a blanket crafts games and toys whatever you want to keep handy. The lid features a wood board on the bottom so it can be inverted to provide a firm surface to play games or serve beverages. The interior frame is built to last with sturdy construction consisting of medium density particleboard. The solid core sidewall gives it the strength to hold up to 200 pounds. This ottoman has nylon hooded caster wheels for easy mobility. Cording sewn into the top and bottom of the lid add to its classic appearance. The Extra Large Round Storage Ottoman will be a useful addition to your home. Round Extra Large Storage Blue Vinyl Ottoman 15 H x 22 diameter.

Blue Cube Ottoman $136 -Spice up your living room design with this contemporary cube ottoman -Comfortable bi-cast vinyl ensures optimal comfort on this ottoman -Set includes: One (1) storage cube ottoman -Materials: Asian wood -Upholstery materials: Bi-cast vinyl -Upholstery color: Sky blue -Upholstery fill: Foam -Dimensions: 17x17x17.5

Vanderbilt Microfiber Suede Storage Ottoman $129.99 Update the look of your home decor with this transitional style ottoman Furniture piece features a built-in storage spaceOttoman features an microfiber, suede leather like upholsteryPerfect for hiding away remotes, magazines and more Dimensions are 36 inches wide x 25 inches deep x 16.75 inches highli>Covered with easy-to-clean pet proof, kid proof microfiber suede fabricsCushion is made of high density foamFabric lined interior storage area measures 32 in. W x 21 in. L x 6 in. D Available in black, brick, wine, bone, sky blue, blue, sage, slate, chocolate and khaki color options Minimal assembly required, simply attach dark wooden legsClick Here for Matching Ottoman.

Set of 2 Storage Ottoman and Footstool Set in Brown and Blue Finish $196.58 " You will receive a total of 1 ottoman and 1 footstool. Ottoman Dimension: 19"L x 16.5"W x 17"H Footstool Dimension: 14"L x 11"W x 9.5"H Finish: Brown and Blue Circles Finish Material: Nylon, Foam and Wood Set of 2 Storage Ottoman and Footstool Set in Brown and Blue Finish These items feature with hexagon shaped and storage area inside. With the upholstered seat, this ottoman and footstool set offers you a comfortable seating experience. Also available in brown/tan, gold/brown and black finishes. No assembly required. Item is made in India. "

Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Red $161 - Microfiber Storage Ottoman - Red - There is a tray on the underside of the ottoman top.

Octagonal Folding Blue Ottoman $44.99 Obtaining additional storage space is as easy as unfolding your Octagonal Ottoman. When not in use, simply remove the lid and fold for easy storage.Materials: PUFinish: Teal blueUpholstery materials: LeatherUpholstery color: BlueLeather ottoman will compliment any preexisting decor and add its own style and classStore items neatly inside or display them on topWhen not in use, simply fold it up and store it awayDimensions: 17 inches high x 17 inches wide x 17 inches deep

Storage Cube Ottoman $69.99 Storage cube ottoman, dark brown faux leather. Dimensions: 17.5X17.5X

Swayne Blue Cube Ottoman $85.99 Spice up your living room design with this contemporary swayne cube ottoman. Comfortable bi-cast vinyl ensures optimal comfort on this ottoman.Set includes: One (1) storage cube ottoman Materials: Asian wood Upholstery materials: Bi-cast vinyl Upholstery color: Swayne blue Upholstery fill: Foam Seat height: 17.5 inches Dimensions: 17.5 inches high x 17 inches wide x 17 inches deep Assembly requiredAvoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight and maintain at least two feet between furniture and heat sources. Aniline and Protected leathers are especially sensitive to direct sunlight. Use a professional cleaner to help resist staining and to prevent overall soiling.

NW Enterprises 850SBGH Round Extra Large Storage Blue and Gray Heather Fabric Ottoman $253.8 The Extra Large Round Storage Ottoman is a traditional styled ottoman with a generous size. The inside is fully lined with the same high quality upholstery as used on the outside. The padded lid lifts off to reveal a generous storage space big enough to hold a blanket crafts games and toys whatever you want to keep handy. The lid features a wood board on the bottom so it can be inverted to provide a firm surface to play games or serve beverages. The interior frame is built to last with sturdy construction consisting of medium density particleboard. The solid core sidewall gives it the strength to hold up to 200 pounds. This ottoman has nylon hooded caster wheels for easy mobility. Cording sewn into the top and bottom of the lid add to its classic appearance. The Extra Large Round Storage Ottoman will be a useful addition to your home. Round Extra Large Storage Blue and Gray Heather Fabric Ottoman 15 H x 22 diameter.

Onyx Storage Ottoman $143 -Use this ottoman as a decorative storage piece or as a foot stool. -Lid to cover storage area. -Made of faux leather with an interwoven pattern.

NW Enterprises 3500SBGH Jumbo Rectangle Blue and Gray Heather Fabric Storage Ottoman $390.15 The Jumbo Rectangle Storage Ottoman is a seat footrest and a coffee table all in one. The lid features a wood board on the bottom so it can be inverted to provide a firm surface to place games or serve beverages. The interior frame is built to last with sturdy construction consisting of medium density particleboard. The solid core sidewall gives it the strength to hold up to 200 pounds. This ottoman has nylon hooded casters for easy mobility. Cording sewn into the top and bottom of the lid add to its classic appearance. It will be a useful addition to your home. Jumbo Rectangle Blue and Gray Heather Fabric Storage Ottoman 16 H x 23 W x 29 L.

Set of 2 Storage Ottoman and Footstool Set in Brown and Tan Finish $196.58 " You will receive a total of 1 ottoman and 1 footstool. Ottoman Dimension: 19"L x 16.5"W x 17"H Footstool Dimension: 14"L x 11"W x 9.5"H Finish: Brown, Tan Swirl and Stripe Finish Material: Nylon, Foam and Wood Set of 2 Storage Ottoman and Footstool Set in Brown and Tan Finish These items feature with hexagon-shaped and storage area inside. With the upholstered seat, this ottoman and footstool set offers you a comfortable seating experience. Also available in gold/brown, black and brown/blue finish. No assembly required. Item is made in India. "

Set of 2 Storage Ottoman and Footstool Set in Gold and Brown Finish $196.58 " You will receive a total of 1 ottoman and 1 footstool. Ottoman Dimension: 19"L x 16.5"W x 17"H Footstool Dimension: 14"L x 11"W x 9.5"H Finish: Gold, Brown Striped Finish Material: Nylon, Foam and Wood Set of 2 Storage Ottoman and Footstool Set in Gold and Brown Finish These items feature with hexagon-shaped and storage area inside. With the upholstered seat, this ottoman and footstool set offers you a comfortable seating experience. Also available in brown/tan, black and brown/blue finishes. No assembly required. Item is made in India. "

Goodies Foldable Storage Ottoman $30.99 This leather ottoman features a folding design for easy storage and supports up to 200 lbs. for reliable durability.

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