21 Retro & Vintage Interior Design Ideas: Nostalgic HDB & Condos
The popularity of retro and vintage interior design styles among Singaporean homeowners reflects a broader global trend and appetite for sustainable living, timeless designs, and a need for meaningful furniture and home decor.
Old-fashioned accents such as a recycled metal grille gate and lace drapes, which also serve as a screen for the walk-in wardrobe.
Interior Design by Momo & Partners
This minimalist master bedroom gets a touch of nostalgia with old-fashioned accents such as a recycled metal grille gate and lace drapes, which also serve as a screen for the walk-in wardrobe. Interior Design by Momo & Partners.
Feelings of Nostalgia
Retro and vintage styles often evoke feelings of nostalgia and sentimentality. Homeowners may be drawn to the design elements that remind them of a specific era, perhaps reflecting their own childhood or a time they find particularly charming.
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The rest of the home features concrete and wood textures, which are bathed in warm light. Interior Design by Momo & Partners
Concrete and wood textures bathed in warm light.
Interior Design by Momo & Partners
Timeless retro design
Many retro and vintage design elements possess a timeless quality. Classic pieces from mid-century modern or vintage industrial styles, for example, have enduring aesthetics that appeal to those seeking a timeless and enduring look for their homes.
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Accordion gates stand in place of a solid wall that once zoned a bedroom from the stairway entrance. This grungy feature adds to the retro-inspired common area. Interior design by WY-TO.
Vintage main gate
Give your minimalist home a touch of nostalgia with old-fashioned accents such as a recycled metal grille gate and lace drapes, which can also serve as a screen for rooms, study areas, or even the walk-in wardrobe.
Interior Design by 82
Retro grilles
A series of sliding retro grilles, each one in a different colour, act as screens to spice up the otherwise cold concrete face of this three-room HDB flat at Jalan Bahagia.
A white-washed retro grille serves as a partition to subtly frame the areas in the home, specifically the entrance foyer from the living room. Interior Design by Llark Architects.
A second-hand Oriental screen from Hock Siong is repurposed to become a showcase for artworks to be presented in a fun, informal manner. Interior Design: The Local Inn.terior.
To complement the palette in the apartment, the original window grilles in this Tiong Bahru ground-floor unit were also given a new coat of paint. Interior Design by Asolidplan.
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A distinctive mid-century modern silhouette, but window grilles that resembled those popular in the 1960s and 1970s were installed too.
Interior Design by Design Channel
The interior designers from Design Channel really paid attention to detail when they designed a vintage look for this HDB flat. Not only does the sofa come in a distinctive mid-century modern silhouette, but window grilles that resembled those popular in the 1960s and 1970s were installed too. Interior Design by Design Channel.
Mid-Century HDB Design
Retro and vintage styles allow homeowners to infuse their spaces with unique character and individuality. Vintage pieces, whether furniture or decor, often have a distinct personality that sets them apart from mass-produced, contemporary items.
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This vintage-inspired home belongs to filmmaker Royston Tan. Interior Design by Free Space Intent
Sustainable vintage interior design
The emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices has led many homeowners to choose vintage and retro items. Repurposing and reusing furniture and decor contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, aligning with the growing environmental consciousness.
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The designer gave it a “clean, industrial-zen look”, with concrete screed- finished walls and floors, and minimal built-in fixtures. Interior Design by Free Space Intent
Concrete screed- finished walls and floors, and minimal built-in fixtures.
Interior Design by Free Space Intent
Contemporary vintage interior design
Contemporary design often incorporates elements of the past to create eclectic and visually interesting spaces. Singaporean homeowners may appreciate the flexibility of integrating retro or vintage items into their modern homes, resulting in a blend of styles that feels both fresh and familiar.
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Old theatre seats and his posters.
Interior Design by Free Space Intent
Old theatre seats and his posters showcase Royston’s affinity towards filmmaking. Interior Design by Free Space Intent
Retro theatre seats
Movies, television shows, and social media platforms often showcase retro and vintage interiors, influencing design trends. Exposure to these representations can inspire homeowners to adopt similar styles in their own living spaces.
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The kitchen and bathroom are done up in green tiles, decorated with Wong Kar Wai movie posters. Interior Design by Free Space Intent
Vintage home decorations
The increased availability of vintage and retro furniture through specialized stores, online platforms, and flea markets makes it easier for homeowners to access unique pieces that fit their design preferences.
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The owners of this three-room pre-war flat got the interior designers to decorate the space in a way that was congruent with its history. Interior Design by Three-D Conceptwerke.
Vintage furniture pieces
In a world dominated by mass-produced goods, there is an appeal in owning items that are not easily replicated. Vintage and retro pieces often come with a sense of craftsmanship and history that distinguishes them from contemporary, mass-produced alternatives.
A clean and understated aesthetic is adopted, and the mid-century modern furniture is homage to the flat’s age. Interior Design: Three-D Conceptwerke
Retro and vintage styles allow for a high degree of personalization and creativity in interior design. Homeowners can mix and match items from different eras, creating a space that reflects their individual tastes and preferences.
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This loft-style shophouse in Tanjong Katong belongs to Jade Seah and Terence Lim, who filled the home with vintage and country-style decor.
This loft-style shophouse in Tanjong Katong belongs to Jade Seah and Terence Lim, who filled the home with vintage and country-style decor.
Interior design trends come in cycles
Design trends often follow cyclical patterns. What was once considered outdated may become fashionable again. The resurgence of interest in retro and vintage styles can be seen as part of this cyclical process.
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Camouflaging a mirror, the “window” reflects the colourful shower area, bringing an interesting depth of space to the bathroom.
Camouflaging a mirror, the “window” reflects the colourful shower area, bringing an interesting depth of space to the bathroom.
The large bureau from Taylor B holds mostly memorabilia from the couple’s university days.
The large bureau from Taylor B holds mostly memorabilia from the couple’s university days.
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4-Room HDB Flat in Hougang with objects like a trishaw, discarded traffic signs and birdcages add eclectic colour to the vintage-inspired decor.
Mid-Century Modern Chairs & Sofas
In Singapore, as in many other places, homeowners who appreciate retro and vintage interior design often gravitate towards specific furniture pieces that capture the essence of past eras.
Iconic designs from the mid-20th century, characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and often featuring tapered legs. Pieces from furniture designers like Eames, Wegner, and Saarinen are highly sought after.
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A vintage teak cabinet hold the homeowners collection of old glassware.
A vintage teak cabinet hold the homeowners collection of old glassware and knick-knacks.
Vintage teak furniture
Teak wood furniture was popular in the mid-20th century and is still widely appreciated for its durability and warm aesthetic. Items like teak sideboards, coffee tables, and dining sets are often favored.
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1960s-inspired walk-up apartment in Tiong Bahru
Retro lounge chairs & sofas
Comfortable lounge chairs with a retro vibe, featuring bold colors, interesting patterns, and unique shapes. Egg chairs, Papa Bear chairs, and butterfly chairs are examples of popular retro lounge options.
A classic kopitiam chair and table transforms a HDB kitchen into a space that pays homage to Singapore’s good old days.
A classic kopitiam chair and table transforms a HDB kitchen into a space that pays homage to Singapore’s good old days.
Vintage-style wooden dining chairs and Peranakan tiles add to the look in this condominium’s dining room.
Interior Design by Design Channel
Vintage-style wooden dining chairs and Peranakan tiles add to the look in this condominium’s dining room. Interior Design by Design Channel
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5-room HDB Flat in Ang Mo Kio with a gramophone and chesterfield sofa
Vintage industrial furniture
Vintage industrial furniture, often made from reclaimed materials like metal and wood, is appreciated for its rugged and utilitarian aesthetic.
Industrial-style dining tables, desks, and shelving units are common choices.
The study is the homeowner’s favourite part of the home. He says he spends most of his time working from home and it also has the vintage locker where he keeps almost everything.
A vintage locker where the homeowner keeps almost everything.
Interior design by 19sixtyseven
A cosy cafe-like corner was sufficient to serve as a dining area for the homeowner.
A cosy cafe-like corner was sufficient to serve as a dining area for the sole occupant.
Sewing machine legs, bought from a vintage shop, have been fitted to create a nostalgia-tinged table. Interior design by D’haus.
Sewing machine legs, bought from a vintage shop, have been fitted to create a nostalgia-tinged table.
Interior design by D’haus
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A pegboard as the kitchen’s backsplash keeps kitchen tools neatly displayed and organised – a method popularised by renowned American chef and TV personality Julia Child. Interior design by WY-TO
Atomic Age Furniture
Furniture pieces from the Atomic Age (1950s-1960s) often feature futuristic designs, bold colors, and geometric patterns. Atomic-era coffee tables and lounge chairs are notable examples.
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The retro console and TV set channel a bygone era. Interior design by JQ Ong
Retro sideboards
Functional and stylish storage solutions with a vintage touch. Homeowners often use these pieces to add a statement to their living or dining areas.
An inviting vignette made up of the owner’s retro-inspired gadgets is set up by the main entrance. (Renovation cost: $47,000)
Interior design by ID Emboss
An inviting vignette made up of the owner’s retro-inspired gadgets is set up by the main entrance. (Renovation cost: $47,000)
A nostalgic standalone storage unit stores the homeowners’ treasured porcelain dinner ware.
A nostalgic standalone storage unit stores the homeowners’ treasured porcelain dinner ware.
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Retro HDB flat with a vintage pendant lamp hanging over the teak dining table set.
Retro HDB flat with a vintage pendant lamp hanging over the teak dining table set.
Not wanting to spend too much on a statement-making dining light, homeowner, Barbara, made her own with colourful Longan cans.
Not wanting to spend too much on a statement-making dining light, homeowner, Barbara, made her own with colourful Longan cans.
Vintage lighting fixtures
Pendant lights, chandeliers, and floor lamps with retro designs are popular for adding a touch of nostalgia and creating a focal point in a room.
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Much of the homely and nostalgic ambience of the space is created by this retro study work desk and vintage accessories, which come from a multitude of sources.
Much of the homely and nostalgic ambience of the space is created by this retro study work desk and vintage accessories.
Retro desks and office furniture
Homeowners looking to create a vintage home office often choose retro desks, office chairs, and filing cabinets reminiscent of the mid-century era.
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Retro kitchen with old fashioned oriental flasks, vases, and baskets that contrast strikingly against the concrete wall.
Retro kitchen design
Turn your kitchen into a museum of sorts by displaying vintage décor accessories! Here, the homeowners went wild with old fashioned oriental flasks, vases, and baskets that contrast strikingly against the concrete wall.
Kitchen with retro pattern wall and floor tiles paired with sleek, modern kitchen appliances. Interior design by The Scientist.
Want to keep your kitchen up to date with sleek, modern appliances but pining for a dose of the vintage feel in the same space? Clad the walls and floors with vintage-inspired contemporary patterned tile designs!
The retro-style Smeg fridge is integrated into the dining area to become part of the display console.
Interior design by JQ Ong
The retro-style Smeg fridge is integrated into the dining area to become part of the display console. Interior design by JQ Ong.
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It’s all in the details – vintage posters decorate every room, keeping the decor style consistent.
Interior design by Distinctidentity
It’s all in the details – vintage posters decorate every room, keeping the decor style consistent..
Vintage posters
Creating a retro and vintage kitchen involves incorporating design elements from past eras, typically the mid-20th century. Frame vintage kitchen-related posters, advertisements, or artwork to adorn the walls.
Vintage posters often reflect the art, design, and cultural trends of a specific time period. They serve as visual representations of history, providing insights into the aesthetics and values of the past.
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