It's no secret that 2024 was the year retro style saw a significant revival, but Alexandra Daddario has signaled that this trend will live on for the new year. It may be only February, but the Baywatch actress may have just shown us our favorite retro accent of 2025 – and it comes in the shape of her pair of golden-brown armchairs.
Daddario has curated the perfect retro-style room – starting with her chintz wallpaper and ending with her textured accent chairs that bring a '70s-inspired flair to her living room. Despite their vintage charm, these chairs feel contemporary in Daddario's space, and, as designers explain, the secret is in the styling. It can be a risky hue to play with, especially if you're usually more of a minimalist. However, when paired with the right backdrop color and accessories, this hue will bring a vintage look while standing the test of time.
'Golden brown is one of those colors that instantly evokes retro charm but also feels rich and contemporary when done right,' comments Jethro Huie, the founder of Huie Designs.
When it comes to styling, it appears as though Daddario's cushions are custom-matched to her chair. However, if you've invested in a chair that doesn't come with a purpose-made cushion, Huie recommends opting for another retro color, such as rich green or orange.
'If you’re using it on a statement chair or sofa, go bold and pair it with deep-colored cushions in burnt orange or deep green, and finish with warm lighting and a well-placed vintage lamp,' he says. 'Golden tones go well with earthy textures like rattan, boucle, or leather, creating vintage charm with modern sophistication.'
The space surrounding your chair (or chairs) is equally important in ensuring they create a modern overall aesthetic. Daddario has chosen a subtlely-colored chintz wallpaper, which, despite its pattern, doesn't feel overwhelming. We, too, should balance the richness of our chairs with lighter tones – allowing them to make a statement in the space without feeling too audacious.
'To keep it fresh, contrast it with brass or black metal details, geometric patterns, and warm wood finishes. The key is balance; too much brown and you risk it feeling a little dated, but when used wisely, it’s pure vintage sophistication,' Huie says.
Marie Goodwin, the head designer at decorative fabric specialist Prestigious Textiles, agrees.
'Golden and light brown tones are the unsung heroes of retro design,' she comments.
'They bring warmth and sophistication to a space without overwhelming it. Think of these hues as the foundation of your palette – they pair beautifully with bold retro accents like mustard yellow, burnt orange, or teal. A golden-toned sofa or armchair can act as a statement piece, grounding the room while allowing other elements to shine.'
Upholstered in beautiful light velvet, this accent chair is a retro-style staple just like Daddario's. Designed on a stained finish wooden base, this accent chair features a padded seat and back cushions and padded cushioned arms to provide you with a comfortable seating experience (and looks stunning in the process).
You don't need to invest in an accent chair or sofa to go gold. With its plentiful pleats and soft velvet texture, this round pillow will enhance any sofa or accent chair you already love in your living room.
In a beautiful gold colorway, this sofa is a great way to get Daddario's look on a larger scale. It's the perfect choice for more compact urban homes or for placing in a different space. We expect it would look just as stylish in the corner of a bedroom or even in an entryway (if your space allows).
'When selecting a sofa or chair in golden or light brown tones, also consider the texture as much as the color,' Goodwin adds.
'Upholstering with embossed, cut velvet designs in these shades will add a tactile richness that’s quintessentially retro. A curved, mid-century silhouette in a light brown or golden fabric can instantly evoke that 1970s vibe, creating a focal point that feels both nostalgic and timeless.'
