One of the biggest trends in home decor these days is the retro look. Vintage is in. Chrome legged dining tables and vinyl-covered chairs in reds, pinks, and blues are being reproduced. Even shag carpeting is making a comeback.

So when the real deal comes along, it's a find.

The house at 636 Highland Drive is the real deal. It's a handsome sprawling brick-ranch home built elegantly on a hill in one of Cape Girardeau's historic neighborhoods near Southeast Missouri State University and Capaha Park. It has a shady front yard, a welcoming terra-cotta tile walkway and a craftsman-style carved solid oak entrance door.

A wood parquet floor greets visitors in the foyer along with an elegantly subtle wallpaper. The living room stretches ahead with a hickory hardwood floor that runs into the dining area. Both rooms receive natural light pouring through large windows. A large picture window in the living room has a tiled window seat perched beneath it, the perfect spot for admiring this historic neighborhood. The living room also features a custom-built entertainment center and bookshelves. Soft, buttery colored walls provide a warm and restful backdrop for the room along with matching custom draperies on the windows.

The family room has beige-toned tile flooring and a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace is the room's focal point. A hefty oak mantle provides the perfect place for displaying art or collectibles, and floor-to-ceiling casement windows flank each side of the fireplace, allowing natural lighting and soft summer breezes into the room. A large bay window at the rear of the room overlooks the classic brick patio and a magnificent magnolia tree. The back yard is partially lined with a handsome black wrought-iron fence.

The kitchen features the retro look with its unique gray cabinets and retro-style white electric range. A white side-by-side refrigerator with indoor drink and ice dispenser and electric dishwasher are other modern appliances that blend nicely with the room. Cottage-style casement windows overlook the brick patio and centerpiece bird bath. A classic beadboard paneling lines the walls of the kitchen, and linoleum tile-look flooring in hues of cream, blue and mauve echo the vintage look.

Nearby is the main-level laundry room with a deep double sink and cottage-style casement window above it. A wall of cabinetry with clean lines is another retro influence combining style with functionality.

The main-level bathroom with its light blue ceramic wall tile and matching blue cabinetry with geometric handles is another classic retro feature. The sink, toilet, and tub/shower area all join in the retro look with shades of blue.

This home has three bedrooms, all of a comfortable size with good natural light through generous windows and all with plenty of closet space. Several of the closets are cedar-lined. Each bedroom also features hardwood floors, in some cases currently beneath carpeting. The master bedroom suite includes yet another beautifully retro bathroom, with the sink, tub and toilet all done in pink, and with cabinets done in a complimentary green.

This home has a roomy two-car garage and a backyard storage shed.

traddle@semissourian.com