Decorating: How to Get the Right Mix of Vintage and Modern
A factory light here and a school chair there can be all it takes to lift your home out of the ordinary. Here’s how to add vintage in style
I love to use vintage pieces in my designs. There’s a power in objects from the past that someone before our time decided to preserve. With a careful eye, we can help these objects discover new life in our homes. Who knows what stories the factory light could tell? Or who took a rest on that antique chair?
The trick to getting vintage right is all in the mix. There are no hard and fast rules here and, of course, it all depends on the effect you want to create. Unless you’re after an all-out theme, it’s best to create an interesting balance with a mix of old and new, dark and light, and a variety of textures. Too much heavy metal industrial and you’ll feel as if you’re in a factory; too many heavy wood pieces and your house turns into a museum. Here are some examples of beautifully balanced spaces to get you started.
The trick to getting vintage right is all in the mix. There are no hard and fast rules here and, of course, it all depends on the effect you want to create. Unless you’re after an all-out theme, it’s best to create an interesting balance with a mix of old and new, dark and light, and a variety of textures. Too much heavy metal industrial and you’ll feel as if you’re in a factory; too many heavy wood pieces and your house turns into a museum. Here are some examples of beautifully balanced spaces to get you started.
Keep it light
Even if it’s just one element of your design, vintage furniture can often be the linchpin that transforms the design. Here, the distressed vintage chairs in baby pink give this design a quirky edge while keeping true to the simple colour palette and airy feel.
Check out more marvellous mezzanines that really maximise space
Even if it’s just one element of your design, vintage furniture can often be the linchpin that transforms the design. Here, the distressed vintage chairs in baby pink give this design a quirky edge while keeping true to the simple colour palette and airy feel.
Check out more marvellous mezzanines that really maximise space
Build it into the structure
If antiques or industrial features aren’t your thing, you can still add interest with an old door. Here, the earthy texture gives a rustic feel to this clean, white interior.
If antiques or industrial features aren’t your thing, you can still add interest with an old door. Here, the earthy texture gives a rustic feel to this clean, white interior.
Add a vintage hint
When your surfaces are sleek, modern and shiny, a touch of the old can be just what’s needed to add character. Here, the splashback in antique glass combined with the rough texture of the exposed brick wall creates interest in this kitchen design.
When your surfaces are sleek, modern and shiny, a touch of the old can be just what’s needed to add character. Here, the splashback in antique glass combined with the rough texture of the exposed brick wall creates interest in this kitchen design.
Mix in the modern
On the other hand, to avoid a dated look, a modern piece will lift a design dominated by antiques. In this bathroom, the elegant basins provide the element of luxury needed to complement this beautiful antique vanity unit and add a contemporary feel.
On the other hand, to avoid a dated look, a modern piece will lift a design dominated by antiques. In this bathroom, the elegant basins provide the element of luxury needed to complement this beautiful antique vanity unit and add a contemporary feel.
Ramp up the effect
Sometimes it’s the overload of vintage that makes the design. There are no holds barred in this fabulous kid’s space that’s oozing with character and fun. The neutral walls and floor allow the antiques to shine.
Sometimes it’s the overload of vintage that makes the design. There are no holds barred in this fabulous kid’s space that’s oozing with character and fun. The neutral walls and floor allow the antiques to shine.
Put it on display
If you love antiques markets, a wall display is a great way to make sure you and your guests can enjoy your collection of treasures. This yellow striped wallpaper makes for a vibrant backdrop to really create an impact.
If you love antiques markets, a wall display is a great way to make sure you and your guests can enjoy your collection of treasures. This yellow striped wallpaper makes for a vibrant backdrop to really create an impact.
Get into the mix
The designer of this home office has gone all out with a wonderful combination of colours and textures. The bright yellow chair, pale floor and raw chipboard table all provide the perfect counterbalance to the heavy industrial metal fixtures. The quirky typography and car numberplate add personality to the space.
The designer of this home office has gone all out with a wonderful combination of colours and textures. The bright yellow chair, pale floor and raw chipboard table all provide the perfect counterbalance to the heavy industrial metal fixtures. The quirky typography and car numberplate add personality to the space.
Repurpose for a new lease of life
If you have an old piece of furniture you’re not sure how to use, turn it into something new for a unique design. With the addition of a length of worktop, this vintage oak chest of drawers has started a second life as a kitchen island.
Get expert advice on choosing the right worktop material
TELL US…
Have you peppered your home with vintage pieces? If so, have you gone all out or just added a special item to an otherwise modern scheme? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
If you have an old piece of furniture you’re not sure how to use, turn it into something new for a unique design. With the addition of a length of worktop, this vintage oak chest of drawers has started a second life as a kitchen island.
Get expert advice on choosing the right worktop material
TELL US…
Have you peppered your home with vintage pieces? If so, have you gone all out or just added a special item to an otherwise modern scheme? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
This stunning industrial light really draws the eye and adds drama to the room. Teamed with the reclaimed wooden flip-down seats and metal bookcase, the space is working the vintage industrial look, but in a light, restrained way.
The industrial effect is softened by pale flooring, the warm wooden table and upholstered white dining chairs.