Mixing vintage and modern elements in home design is a great way to create an eclectic and unique look that is both stylish and welcoming. There is something about vintage decor that beautifully showcases the heritage of a culture, family or even of an individual, depending upon the route taken for the design. And when seamlessly brewed with modern design elements, it fosters a truly eclectic aesthetic. The resulting blend of the two styles can make a space look evolved and can stimulate a sense of nostalgia if personal life is imbued along with the design. Remember, mixing vintage and modern elements requires a delicate balance. Start slow and experiment with different pieces until you find the right mix. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Start with a neutral base:
A neutral color palette is a great foundation for mixing vintage and modern elements. It allows you to inject pops of color with accent pieces and accessories, while keeping the overall look cohesive. In this topic, choosing a color that helps highlight your furniture and accessories without overwhelming the space is important. A neutral palette is a good option if you’ve lots of interesting individual elements. When mix vintage and modern, there isn’t such a need to add dramatic color to your walls. In one way or another, the minimalistic theme makes its way into modern design as they share many similar characteristics. One such characteristic is the neutral colour palette, encompassing colours like white, grey and black.
Balance old and new:
Don’t be afraid to mix old and new pieces, but make sure they balance each other out. For example, you could pair a vintage sofa with modern accent chairs or a contemporary coffee table with antique rugs. Be creative with furniture and create a unique look by upcycling vintage pieces. To achieve a piece that bridges the gap between styles, use contemporary fabrics and colors. While mixing different styles within the same space, you should find a balance between the number of pieces used. It’d be good to distribute designs, so they aren’t grouped in their periods or styles. If you have inherited a vintage piece of furniture, try finding a few accessories from the same era to tie it in.
Mix textures:
Playing with different textures is a great way to add depth and interest to a space. Mix vintage fabrics like velvet or silk with modern materials like metal or glass. Creating the right balance between the two styles is in no way easy, the best route you can take is to experiment with a variety of textures and patterns. For instance, pair a modern sofa and a velvet throw pillow. Vintage pieces can be a great addition; however, too many can create chaos.
Repurpose vintage items:
Repurposing antique items is a great way to bring them into a modern space. For example, an old ladder can be used as a decorative shelf, or vintage suitcases can be stacked to create a side table. Vintage decor elements have the ability to add intrigue to a room like nothing else, so understandably going overboard is much easier. We recommend taking things slow, as too many vintage pieces can make a space look cluttered and overwhelming.
Accessories:
Accessories are a great way to add vintage elements to a modern space. Look for vintage lamps, frames, and pottery to add warmth and character to a room. Another important highlight to point out when mixing vintage and modern decor items is the mix of styles – don´t be afraid to combine different inspirations to activate the perfect look. You can find vintage pieces from art deco to mid-century to complete your look. Vintage art tends to be a bit lighter in color and generally features an actual image of some kind, whether that’s an animal, a person, an advertisement, or a scene. For a room that is primarily modern, it can add a touch of whimsy and showcase your unique personality at the same time.
