Decorating
Style Update: How to Give Your Home Vintage Flair
Introducing wares from a bygone era is easier than you think – these ideas will make blending old and new a breeze
Antique stores are riddled with furniture and homewares just begging to go home with you. But with so many pieces from different eras in such a wide variety of styles, how do you incorporate vintage into your home without turning it into a living museum? Here are a few ideas on how to successfully bring vintage charm to every room with ease.
Create a bathroom just like you’d find at Grandma’s house
Who said vintage charm should only feature in your living spaces? Pull your water closet out of the doldrums by adding old-world character aplenty. The old chest of drawers and floral curtains in this bathroom are enough to make it warm and welcoming.
Who said vintage charm should only feature in your living spaces? Pull your water closet out of the doldrums by adding old-world character aplenty. The old chest of drawers and floral curtains in this bathroom are enough to make it warm and welcoming.
Show off your wares in an awkward space
Make the most of unused or awkward storage spaces by using them to showcase your vintage items. Stick to a theme such as hats, books, tins, jars or pictures to create a simple, yet effective, vintage look without cluttering up practical living space. Making use of what would normally be dead space can create a fabulous focal point and is a handy tip for smaller rooms where vintage furniture may not already be part of the decor.
Make the most of unused or awkward storage spaces by using them to showcase your vintage items. Stick to a theme such as hats, books, tins, jars or pictures to create a simple, yet effective, vintage look without cluttering up practical living space. Making use of what would normally be dead space can create a fabulous focal point and is a handy tip for smaller rooms where vintage furniture may not already be part of the decor.
Start a family of mismatches
If you can’t decide on a set of chairs, why not work it to your advantage? Add charm and charisma to your kitchen island or dining room by combining different chairs of a similar design style. Veer towards items with an industrial or Scandinavian influence without too many defining characteristics to create an inviting collection of seats that suit the everyday.
If you can’t decide on a set of chairs, why not work it to your advantage? Add charm and charisma to your kitchen island or dining room by combining different chairs of a similar design style. Veer towards items with an industrial or Scandinavian influence without too many defining characteristics to create an inviting collection of seats that suit the everyday.
Inject some elegance into your living room
Even the most functional and simply styled space can be transformed with the addition of a plush vintage piece. If much of your furniture is modern or modest, give the room a stylish and sophisticated edge with the help of an opluent vintage piece set against the blank canvas of your contemporary furniture. Accessorise the piece with bold or modern embellishments such as cushions and throws to further integrate the furniture into the space.
Even the most functional and simply styled space can be transformed with the addition of a plush vintage piece. If much of your furniture is modern or modest, give the room a stylish and sophisticated edge with the help of an opluent vintage piece set against the blank canvas of your contemporary furniture. Accessorise the piece with bold or modern embellishments such as cushions and throws to further integrate the furniture into the space.
Make your walls pop
Vintage elements don’t have to take up cubic metres to make a strong impact. If your space is already furnished but lacks vintage style, seek out maps, photography, posters or artwork from a bygone era to hang on the wall.
Vintage elements don’t have to take up cubic metres to make a strong impact. If your space is already furnished but lacks vintage style, seek out maps, photography, posters or artwork from a bygone era to hang on the wall.
Colour your world
Working pastel colours such as duck-egg blue or mint green into a room can deliver instant vintage flair, not to mention enhancing any retro elements already in the space.
Working pastel colours such as duck-egg blue or mint green into a room can deliver instant vintage flair, not to mention enhancing any retro elements already in the space.
Excite the imagination with timeless toys
Children’s bedrooms are just the place to add a little vintage charm – old-fashioned toys are just as fun now as they used to be. Dig through a chest of your childhood toys, dust off the family heirlooms, or collect some special pieces from a second-hand store. Vintage style in children’s bedrooms not only rekindles your own nostalgia, but forms an eclectic mix sure to stimulate any child’s imagination.
Children’s bedrooms are just the place to add a little vintage charm – old-fashioned toys are just as fun now as they used to be. Dig through a chest of your childhood toys, dust off the family heirlooms, or collect some special pieces from a second-hand store. Vintage style in children’s bedrooms not only rekindles your own nostalgia, but forms an eclectic mix sure to stimulate any child’s imagination.
Take it outside
From a balcony or terrace to a garden getaway, you can design a cosy nook for potting, crafting, reading or relaxing with some key pieces that would otherwise go to waste. Consider placing weathered furniture such as an aged desk or table with second-hand garden chairs to create an alfresco area you can’t wait to hang out in.
TELL US
How have you welcomed vintage style into your home? Share your thoughts and high-res images in the comments section below.
From a balcony or terrace to a garden getaway, you can design a cosy nook for potting, crafting, reading or relaxing with some key pieces that would otherwise go to waste. Consider placing weathered furniture such as an aged desk or table with second-hand garden chairs to create an alfresco area you can’t wait to hang out in.
TELL US
How have you welcomed vintage style into your home? Share your thoughts and high-res images in the comments section below.
The beauty and curse of most vintage furniture is that it is often worn and, in most cases, one of a kind. Though you may find some matching pieces, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to find an entire suite of furniture to match your vintage theme. Luckily, in spaces such as living rooms and lounge rooms, one standout piece is often all you need – you can then complement a strong statement dining table, plush lounge or armchair with more contemporary furniture. The simpler the colour and pattern of the accompanying furniture, the more impact your vintage piece will have within the room.