Photo: As featured @jonathanryantaylor
There’s something irresistibly charming about summers gone by—the scent of sunscreen mingling with citrusy cocktails, the lazy creak of a wooden deck chair, the cheerful flutter of striped umbrellas in the breeze. In 2025, the outdoors is getting a retro revival, as homeowners rediscover the breezy elegance and sun-drenched simplicity of 1960s and ’70s holiday escapes. Welcome to the Vintage Summer Holidays Look, where verandas, patios and poolside settings channel the nostalgic magic of vintage summer.
Photo: As featured @_stay_inside
Stripes: The Signature Print of Retro Relaxation
Nothing captures the essence of a vintage summer like bold, sun-faded stripes. Whether in candy hues or nautical blues, stripes instantly transport a space back to the heyday of Mediterranean resorts and California backyard pool parties.
How to Use It:
- Canvas umbrellas and awnings in bold, alternating stripes evoke European beach clubs and roadside motels from the 60s.
- Lounge chairs and deck chairs in striped slings (think yellow and white or navy and cream) bring that easy-living aesthetic to patios and pool decks.
- Outdoor cushions and throws in mismatched retro stripe patterns can be layered for a casual, well-loved look.
Tip: Opt for sun-resistant fabrics in vintage palettes—terracotta orange, avocado green, faded turquoise, and daisy yellow—for an authentic retro effect.
Photo: @baptistebohu
Veranda Charm: The 60s-70s Front Porch Revival
Back when front porches and verandas were social sanctuaries, summer evenings meant iced drinks, gentle breezes, and soft tunes on the radio. Today, these semi-outdoor spaces are making a big comeback, transformed into retro retreats infused with the comfort and kitsch of mid-century leisure.
Design Details to Include:
- Wicker and rattan furniture, especially hanging egg chairs or low-slung loveseats with floral cushions.
- Vintage bar carts or beverage coolers, ideally in pastel enamel or chrome finishes.
- Pendant globe lights or lanterns for soft, nostalgic evening ambiance.
- Painted breeze blocks or geometric screen walls (especially in white or mustard) to echo mid-century architectural detailing.
Accessorise with ceramic ashtrays (repurposed as trinket trays), rotary fans, or even an old-school radio for the ultimate vintage mood.
Photo: Giulio Girardi studio, Architect: Jerico project as featured @ad_germany
Poolside Nostalgia: Resort-Style Leisure at Home
The private pool of the 70s was the ultimate status symbol—clean lines, umbrella drinks, and all. Today, the retro poolscape is being reimagined with a distinctly playful, laid-back flair that celebrates form, function and sun-drenched joy.
Bring the Retro Pool Vibe Home:
- In-ground pools with curved edges or kidney shapes nod to vintage design and pair perfectly with tiled coping in soft pastels.
- Poolside loungers with tubular frames, often powder-coated in white or chrome, offer both retro form and function.
- Inflatable pool toys in nostalgic shapes—think vinyl swans, striped beach balls, or even banana lounges.
- Tile mosaics or checkerboard patios in pink and white or mint and cream add that unmistakable vintage resort feel.
Finish the look with pops of macramé plant hangers, lucite accessories, and succulents in atomic-style planters.
Photo: As featured @_stay_inside
Mood Matters: Sounds, Scents & Textures
To complete the experience, think beyond the visual. A curated playlist of 60s surf rock or bossa nova, citronella candles in glass jars, and the textured feel of jute rugs or terrycloth towels all work to layer your outdoor space with multisensory nostalgia.
Photo: As featured @businessandpleasure_co
Final Word:
This summer, let your outdoors become a sanctuary of nostalgia—a place where time slows down, sun hats are wide-brimmed, and the lemonade is always just a little too sweet. The Vintage Summer Holidays Look isn’t about recreating the past perfectly—it’s about reimagining it with heart, humour and a deep appreciation for the golden hours of simpler summers.
Photo: As featured @rochebobois
Ready to lounge under striped shade with a cocktail in hand? Your timeless summer escape is waiting—just outside the door.
Until next time!!!
Design geek in Athens