When it comes to trends, we all know that they move in circles. What goes around usually comes around, at least within a couple of decades. Retrospectives at art galleries, musical homages and retro interiors are all mining the past for inspiration, as old as the source material it ‘borrows’ from.
However, where it seems peculiar to cherish all things old-school is in digital design. Considering the relative newness of the media, it’s almost incongruent to use retro elements when digital usually strives to be at the cutting-edge of technology. However the most fashionable and exciting brands are all embracing vintage design and the number of sites that are launching with a retro-vibe is definitely on the up.
Perhaps it’s to add a touch of personality and familiarity to an otherwise cold medium of communication. Or perhaps it’s simply where other trends lead, digital follows. It could be a throwback to simpler eras. Or maybe it’s all down to the iPhone’s Instagram app. whatever the reason, vintage logos, photography; colour palettes and imagery are all big news right now.
And perhaps what’s most interesting about this trend is that it somehow manages to feel new. Retro web design is incredibly current, whether you’re pilfering from the 1960s, the roaring twenties or the Berlin burlesque of the 1930s.
Ribbons, banners, textures, patterns and grainy photography are just a few of the ways you can sculpt your site from the annals of history and add a sentimental edge. Here we take a look at 25 excellent examples of vintage-inspired digital design.
