8 ‘50s-Inspired Home Decor Ideas That Are the Bee’s Knees

Even if you don’t consider retro style to be your thing, there’s no denying that many aspects of 1950s home style are still with us today. In fact, many pieces would have been just as comfy on the set of “Happy Days” as they are on our Pinterest boards. 

Whether you’re filled with inspiration to redesign your home after watching Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” or just feeling a little nostalgic, we’ll show you all of the 1950s touches that can easily fit into your 21st-century home. 

1. Mid-Century Modern Decor

It’s no secret that mid-century modern design is definitely still around in a big way, and true to its name, this decor style term was coined and rose in popularity right around the 1950s. And while you may have heard the term, you may not be totally certain what mid-century modern design style means. Well, more than likely, it’s all around you.

Mid-century modern style is defined by natural materials like wood and glass, large windows, and a focus on the functionality of the space. Because this look has been so popular for so many years, if you’re looking to tap into it in your space, a local interior designer will know exactly what you’re talking about. 

2. Atomic Design

Many designs of this period took a cue from science class with pieces that looked like starbursts, bubbles, and yes, the atom. This surge in intergalactic artwork in America was in part inspired by the space race in the latter part of the decade. Think of the iconic clocks with colorful orbs you know from this period made by George Nelson Associates, or even star-patterned wallpaper.  

Today, many of these designs remain a fixture in mid-century modern homes. The photo above is a great example of a fixture that looks perfectly at home in a house where the family is eating avocado toast rather than TV dinners. And because the cost to install a new light fixture tends to be fairly low in comparison to other home projects, it’s an easy way to make a splash.

3. Colorful Home Fixtures

A few different color schemes were popular in the 1950s, from deep earthy tones to pastels, but no matter which you prefer, you can’t deny that homes of the day were definitely playing around with color. And what’s more, they were doing so in ways we wouldn’t quite expect today. 

For example, instead of just painting their kitchens a pretty hue, families were opting for colorful fridges and other home appliances to show off their style. And while you can certainly rock a bright pink fridge today (and retro kitchen appliances have definitely made a resurgence) you can also make this one a bit more modern by speaking with a local kitchen renovation pro about adding a colorful island, backsplash, or even underside of your sink.

4. New Technology

OK, even the wisest sci-fi shows of the 1950s couldn’t have predicted most of our high-tech homes today, but so much of the ‘50s home style involved embracing new technologies that made everyday tasks easier. Embracing new technologies was a big part of home style then and now.

If you’re looking for a futuristic facelift in your home, think about taking on the cost of adding new automated home technologies like smart thermostats, virtual assistants, or even a new security system. 

5. Chrome

When you think of chrome in the 1950s, you probably think of the iconic diner chairs or even the outside of the diners themselves. And while we’re sure your guests would love to sit on one of these and enjoy a hamburger at a “Grease”-inspired party, luckily 21st-century design has embraced chrome in a more modern way. 

Try adding chrome furniture, like tables, and yes, modernized bar stools, to give your room a sleek look. You can also opt for chrome fixtures in your cool-toned bathroom to give the whole thing a calming and clean vibe. Installing a new bathroom sink typically costs between $170 and $360 for instance, and can quickly alter the whole look of your room.

6. Scandinavian Design 

We may think of the minimalist design style as something that came about with the rise of wellness influencers and aesthetically pleasing decor photos on social media, but Americans have been fascinated with minimalism for decades. More specifically, in the ‘50s, we saw a big influence of Scandinavian-inspired style, which paired minimalism and sleek home decor with cozy accents.

While you probably have no shortage of minimalist inspo these days, taking steps like decluttering, opting for simple furniture with clean lines and adding comfy accents can all help you tap into this look.

7. Entertainment Spaces

In the ‘50s, dens and living rooms were the centers of the home, with families gathering to watch TV and guests lounging while listening to records. Today, our forms of entertainment look a lot more like family movie nights thanks to a streaming service, and huge stereo systems with Bluetooth hookups, but our desire to entertain and be entertained remains the same. 

First, decide which form of entertainment you want to focus on (are you a rock enthusiast or a discerning moviegoer?) and choose your next project from there. Whether it’s designing a new home theater or looking at the cost to build your ultimate surround sound system, it’s sure to get plenty of use.

8. Drawing the Outside In

Many homes in the ‘50s were categorized by big open windows and sliding glass doors that made you feel like you could almost touch the outdoors while sitting in your kitchen or living room. Sound familiar? This type of home layout remains extremely popular today and was even one of the biggest predicted home trends of 2022. 

If you’re itching to feel more connected to nature, look into the costs of adding a sliding glass door to your home, or get ideas to make your patio or outdoor space so beautiful you’ll want to hang out there on the daily.