FROM another life in another country, my family still has a 1950s Singer sewing machine owned by a late aunt.
There's also a timber, roulette spinning wheel my grandmother used at the gambling table she put out during village fiestas.
As retro styling makes a comeback in home decor, sentimental keepsakes like my family's ones can give an authentic feel to the nostalgic, retro look.
However, reviving key features of a past era into your home does not mean being old and dated.
Interior decorators say the trick is in creating an eclectic mix of old styles with a dose of contemporary forms.
Fantastic Furniture's national visual merchandising manager Craig Evans says the first step is to select a decade in which you prefer to style your home.
"Consider the patterns, colours , finishes and pop culture appeal that will resonate most with you and your individual style," he says.
Your furniture should complement the era you have chosen "to create a streamlined retro finish", he says.
As an example, he cites Fantastic Furniture's latest furniture range (pictured top right and bottom left).
"These new furniture selections offer the Scandinavian-style retro trend, inspired by designs from the past and updated with modern details," he said.
Retro styling involves bold patterns and colours. But avoid having too many colours or the effect can be tacky and uninviting.
If you prefer to be less bold, use pastels and neutrals on furnishings, floor and wall coverings. Go for smaller prints and patterns.
As a rule, the retro vibe is fun and lively. Embrace the vibe, capture your personality and flair by the way you mix the traditional charm of the past with a modern edge.
