Retro

Clubhouse Interiors are proud to showcase a number of high spec, beautifully restored ‘retro’ items in their stunning, jam packed showroom. The term ‘retro’ was first used to describe items that remind a person of a certain age of days once passed. Whether it be furniture, items of interest, or simply accessories for the home, the name ‘retro’ has been in use since the 1960s or onwards – this reflection is always self-aware, recalling their generation and the aspects of culture and lifestyle, fashion and even home interiors and styles they remember. ‘Retro’ encompasses designs of the recent past, with references to sports, games, or film stars, TV programmes and even pin-up girls who were once big stars of their time. Retro, in its truest form, is different for each individual.
Items normally not found in the home, such as a projectors, gambling equipment, dated cameras, pinball machines or sports equipment are now retro items, with cartoons, video games and telephones becoming objects of collectable interest, price and design significance. The items restored and lovingly kept on display by Clubhouse Interiors attempt to capture a sense of nostalgia, harnessing alongside it a real sense of fun. Whether artwork, electrical goods or wallpapers, the retro items featured at Clubhouse Interiors have been carefully hand picked to make a poignant impact when restored to their former glory and placed as a feature in a home environment setting.
It really wasn’t until the 50’s and 60’s that furniture in the home explored different, modernist design, and home furnishings prior to this time were always what we would consider antique in age or style by our current definition.
The beginning of modernism and industrial revolution saw the large production of plastics and lighter woods with simple design. The term ‘retro’ is used heavily in American culture, with many retro designs recalling a more tongue-in-cheek, kitsch and fun style.
Retro shops started to appear in London in the sixties, selling on items that were around a decade old and worse for wear. Unlike today, there was no desire to keep hold of these older items as newer styles came along. The Clubhouse Interior showroom is a modern day example of this change in attitude, wishing to preserve and cherish the design and art of the past. In some ways, these junk shops paved the way for antique dealing and the new trend of reclaiming vintage items. These first shops were full of Victorian enamel signs, stuffed bears, old furniture painted with union jacks, and hats for any occasion!
With the term, ‘Retro’, coined in the 70’s onwards, the speed at which design and technology, fashion, including interior design kept evolving and changing, was staggering. This speed of change is why there is now such a popular desire for revival – it is a celebration.
The rarity and uniqueness of genuine ‘retro’ products are part of their huge appeal, with many collectors travelling far and wide for specific items to cherish in their homes while they hope for an appreciation in value if and when considered for future sale. The tricky thing for serious antiques enthusiasts will always be, having to say ‘goodbye’ to items that one has grown too fond.
Clubhouse Interiors are proud to welcome all to their super showroom in West Sussex, with Retro, Art Deco and Antique vintage pieces to suit any interior makeover.