In everyday life, when we come across certain furniture designs, we get fascinated by their appearance and creativity. But, in reality, most of the furniture we see are recycled designs of old trends with some twists and turns, which are basically changes in their finishes and colour combinations. Think of it as an upgraded version of technology that you see in the electronic world. The look and feel is more or less the same but it's new generation, furniture 2.0 for you!
1) It seems that furniture trends come back after every 50-60 years. In 1970’s the popular colour finishes for furniture were Avocado Green/ Orange/ Shades of Brown/ Mustard Yellow. These finishes are back again with the same charm! Kernig Krafts, a furniture manufacturing company, offers bespoke furniture that is on trend, and the latest finishes to their clients. One of their recent projects is shown below. A client wanted dark brown finish on a chair and he gave an old 1970’s furniture picture for reference:
The chair design shown above, was requested by the client with a little less carving and natural leather as upholstery instead of fabric. I'll give you the inside story on this, this chair is made of Rosewood which makes it very cost effective! The client is satisfied and happy to get the old 70’s look, without his place looking outdated.
2) The most persistent problem I found about new generation furniture is the lack of availability and high price of wood in the market. To overcome this constraint old designs are modified by replacing some parts or converting the design fully into an industrial piece, using metal sheets, angles and flat bars. The fusion of both, with the application of rustic finish gives it a new generation 1970’s look with the same usability and updated appearance. The wood is replaced from Teak to Mango Wood and Structure from wooden to Mild Steel. I have shown below the best example to make you understand:
3) Rattan & Wicker are back! To understand what are wicker & rattan you can go through this article on our blog https://kernigkrafts.com/blog/wicker/.
Whether in an office or residence, we can easily spot old chairs with natural bamboo or synthetic wicker on the back and the seat. This trend is back again, imparting a new retro look to the ambience with modified colours as per the client’s choice. Below is the common office chair that was used earlier, in government offices and now it's commonly used as study chairs in residences. In the picture below you can see the transformation of how Kernig Krafts changed the old steel structure to quirky orange and wicker from beige to yellow colour. This change keeps the old school essence of the furniture and yet makes it look trendy, new and fresh, ready to be used as a chair in a contemporary apartment.
I hope this article helps you understand how trends repeat in a specific time period. If you have any other questions please feel free to write to me at info@kernigkrafts.com. I would love to discuss this year's popular trends with you! If you wish to upgrade your cafe, restaurant, hotel or residence with an all new retro look, our dedicated team at Kernig Krafts can help you!
FAQs – Vintage-Inspired Furniture Trends & Customization
Furniture trends tend to cycle every 50–60 years because of nostalgia, timeless appeal, and evolving preferences for vintage aesthetics with a modern twist. Designers and homeowners often draw inspiration from the past to create something familiar yet fresh.
Kernig Krafts updates vintage furniture by modifying finishes, reducing or altering carvings, upgrading upholstery materials (like using leather instead of fabric), and integrating modern materials like mild steel or mango wood for structural changes.
To make vintage designs more affordable and practical, Kernig Krafts often replaces original teak wood with mango wood, and traditional wooden structures with mild steel. This results in a modern industrial look while keeping the essence of the old design intact.
Yes, Kernig Krafts specializes in bespoke furniture. Clients can share old photos, sketches, or mood boards, and the team will recreate the design with desired modifications in finish, upholstery, structure, or dimensions.
Yes, finishes like Avocado Green, Mustard Yellow, Orange, and various shades of Brown were iconic in the 1970s. These hues are making a strong comeback in today’s retro-modern interiors.
Industrial-style furniture is often used to reinterpret vintage pieces by incorporating metal elements like flat bars, angles, and sheets. The rustic finish adds a retro feel, while the structure offers a durable, modern twist.
Absolutely. Rattan and wicker have made a major comeback. They blend classic charm with contemporary color palettes and are now used not just in patios, but also in living rooms, studies, and even modern offices.
Due to the rising cost and limited availability of premium hardwoods like teak, manufacturers now opt for alternatives like mango wood or rosewood. These offer a similar aesthetic appeal at a more budget-friendly price.
Customized vintage-style furniture gives you a unique, nostalgic piece that aligns with your taste and space requirements. It also helps promote sustainability by minimizing the demand for mass-produced items.
You can reach out via email at info@kernigkrafts.com. The team would be happy to discuss your design ideas, share current trends, and help you achieve your dream retro-inspired space for home or business.
