Blast from the past

While teenagers tend to have the reputation of being moody and sassy and thinking they know way more than their parents, youth-oriented designs have taken a nostalgic turn. Pieces from the past are popping up everywhere in the form of record players, Polaroid cameras, beanbag chairs, and shag rugs. And they’re getting the stamp of approval from today’s teens, which is no easy feat.

Perhaps it’s the simplicity of the retro products, their straightforward designs, and the absence of technology that makes them a far cry from the smartphones and social media frenzy that’s become a staple for the youngest generation. For instance, operating a record player is more tactile and interactive than creating a playlist. The hands-on experience forces them to slow down and concentrate as they sit and listen to one song at a time because the old-school device isn’t as portable or flexible as other options.

VISUAL STIMULATION

While the act of downloading apps doesn’t create much in the way of decor, classic LPs, CDs, DVDs, and books can tell a teen’s story while personalizing their space. Their graphic designs add character and can be displayed in creative ways. Some of the latest product offerings even merge retro accents with modern technology—like a lava lamp with a Bluetooth speaker for the best of both worlds.

There’s something comforting about familiar silhouettes like the typewriter replicas that recently hit the market, particularly when compared to the flat screens of a computer or television. Whether it’s the assortment of colors or the distinct clicking of the keys, a vintage-inspired typewriter can make the writing process more enjoyable for a budding young writer taking a crack at a school essay, debut novel, or poem.

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Designers are turning to multiple eras for inspiration, and creating reproduction pieces that fit the bill. You can’t move forward without looking back for inspiration. And in this hectic world that can be especially hard on teens, a simple object can provide an escape even if it played a part in their parents’ childhoods.

Now that photo ops are at every turn and selfies are part of everyday life, many images never see the light of day because they are saved and shared on smartphones and laptops. That’s the beauty of the instant Polaroid camera, which has made a recent comeback. The instant gratification factor is a major attraction. A tangible photo appears in minutes and can be displayed right away.

CHILL OUT

Comfort is essential in a teen’s room, given the amount of hours spent there. What better way to chillax than with a retro-inspired beanbag chair that conforms to their shape or a shag rug that makes it easy for them to kick back and watch Netflix? Even tapestries from the ’60s are back in a big way, offering an affordable solution to cover a wall in a space where a teen’s taste can change as quickly as their attitude.

The more people are surrounded by technology, the more they seem to crave simpler times. This can also hold true for teens who don’t know what life was like before all these gadgets came around. Whether it’s the quiet act of writing in a journal instead of blogging or sending a postcard in the mail rather than posting vacation details, habits from the past and the products that support them can be so refreshing when compared to the art of oversharing.

RETRO RENAISSANCE

Though finding the real deal may not be easy when compared to reproductions that are mass-produced, it can be fun to add some authentic relics to the mix, whether they are still in working condition or are simply there for show. Old cameras, radios, and more can soften the cold facade of hightech products like flat-screen TVs that are meant to blend in rather than stand outlike their predecessors.

While teenagers may love poking fun at their parents for their seemingly medieval ways, there’s a place for nostalgia in this modern-day world. Vintage products have a way of bringing people out of isolation (like staring at a screen for hours on end) and together for meaningful conversations. In fact, that may be their greatest achievement. Written by Jeanine Matlow. Photography provided by (clockwise from top) ©iStockphoto.com/IgorBukhlin, ©iStockphoto.com/ThomasVogel, ©iStockphoto.com/RyanJLane, ©iStockphoto.com/guvendemir.