We all know the axiom: “everything new is well-forgotten old.” The same can be said about design structures, web design trends, and the design field as a whole. As life around us changes—society, views, politics, economics (yes, even those)—fashion also evolves. Many old styles return, though not in their original form: they are transformed by the era they reappear in.
One such example in web design is the retro style. Today, we’ll look at how modern retro is used in web design and how you can apply it to many of your design projects. Modern retro is useful and unique in that it works like an assistant. Website designs are diverse, but retro can add interesting touches to nearly any element and transform the whole project. What’s more, modern retro works great in print as well (invitations, logos, business cards, posters). Since promotional pages and landing sites often tie into printed materials, retro finds use in nearly every aspect of web design.
Classic retro style will not go unnoticed either.
The influence of retro style on the internet
Modern retro style originates from the styles of the 1950s–1980s. You can often spot hints of these decades in various projects. Some webmasters call this trend “a blend of nature and technology,” forming a unique new culture.
What truly makes retro style—or even just certain elements of it—so effective is its nostalgia, sentimentality, and memories. These can create a deep emotional connection between the website design and its visitors. They influence how content is perceived, how material is presented and marketed, and can inspire users to click buttons, browse products, and more. Subconsciously, users think: “I remember this”, or “I recall something like this when I was…” and so on.
Meanwhile, retro style is used mostly in page designs intended to entertain users. Sure, such pages still convey important and serious information—but they do so in a light, playful manner. This lets visitors feel like teenagers again, recall the carefree times of their lives, and absorb valuable information in the process.
Retro design transcends time, fashion, taste, and age. Retro-themed web design resonates with users from different countries, partly because the topics often focus on certain eras or pop culture elements that have dedicated followings worldwide. Also, the color schemes and visuals are typically neither too dull nor too vibrant—making them pleasant to the eye.
Retro design adds a touch of romance to web aesthetics. Many of us often think, “things used to be better, the grass was greener, the sun shone brighter.” We feel life was simpler and more relaxed during our school or college days. Retro design taps into that emotion, bringing us back to those sweet, nostalgic times.
Features of modern retro
The popularity of modern retro style is growing and depends on many details borrowed from other retro and vintage styles. Web designers take aspects of a bygone era and present them in a modern context. That’s why, when looking at a project, you can often tell whether modern retro was used or not. To do this, pay attention to the following:
Here are some striking examples of retro-style websites: writesketchand, colonelsanders, Tram of Wishes (a residential complex), LOCUS SOLUS, Effektiv, Caava Design, Sweez, Belle Epoque, Vacheron Constantin – Florilège.
Details of retro styles in web design
Retro style in web design includes several distinctive features seen across many projects. These are handwritten fonts, vintage cars, retro product models, old-fashioned photos, early electronic devices, and other classic visuals that create a nostalgic atmosphere. Some websites use imagery of early space exploration celebrations, while others lean on post-war themes (like the legendary 1950s in the U.S.), early factories, and production. Military themes often feature vintage airplanes and emblems, along with charming pin-up girls of the era.
As mentioned earlier, some key elements define both classic and modern retro styles. Let’s look closely at them:
Shapes. Simple yet bold in size and color, shapes are used to attract attention and create clear content zones or highlights across the layout.
Color schemes. Retro palettes are limited and soft. From the 1950s to 1990s, full-color printing was costly, so designs often relied on muted tones. Two-tone palettes are often enough for web layouts. Alternatively, one dominant color may be combined with subtle supporting colors for a unique theme.
Typography. Fonts are essential in retro design. Retro fonts are often simple, duplicated, repositioned, or include pixelated strokes to express uniqueness and personality.
Borders and dividers. Lines and frames are a playful yet crucial part of retro design. They can frame visuals, divide content, or form sections. These may be solid or decorative, with creative freedom allowed.
Textures. Light grainy backgrounds, subtle noise, and barely visible patterns help create a modern retro feel without appearing outdated or dull. Some designers prefer canvas-like textures; others use solid ones with fine lines. These can be created quickly in Photoshop. Avoid overusing shadows.
Logos and badges. Perhaps the most powerful element in conveying a retro mood. Often circular, they may feature banners above or below. Clear, contrasting colors are vital—they ensure visibility and recognizability at a glance.
More examples of retro details in a modern interpretation: HOUSE AT KHLEBNY, projectsunday, bilan-trends2016, dada-data, thesmokehaus, threecent, gleneagles, burleymanor, plugnickel, whitefrontier.
Pros and Cons
Is retro style—whether classic or modern—right for your specific project? Let’s look at its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of retro style
Disadvantages of retro style
Conclusion
Modern retro influences are everywhere today—from superhero films to video games and even Atari-style products. The joy, energy, and playfulness of that era can make your project shine—if you know how to embrace it.
Using retro elements in web design is an attempt to bring back memories of the past. When a webmaster deliberately creates a "vintage" design and mixes it with modern services or technologies, the result is true retro. Interestingly, retro techniques remain technologically compatible with modern design. But beware of outdated elements: Flash animations, rainbow fonts, visitor counters—those won’t evoke retro charm. Instead, repurpose current elements in a retro way: convert photos to black-and-white, match fonts and backgrounds to old posters, and more.
Retro styles are visually unique, complex to design, easy to perceive—but also quite niche. They draw from modern trends, yet don’t blend freely. Classic retro web design is rare these days—especially in the European web space. In essence, retro style is often associated with the 1950s USA, making modern retro more relevant and practical today.