We adore the character, depth, and texture that vintage home décor brings to a space.It's truly unmatched in terms of expression. We strongly believe that interior design is all about narrating a story within four walls. Every corner, vignette, and piece of furniture in a space conveys the narrative of the inhabitants, sparking a captivating conversation that resonates throughout the walls, turning a house into a home. Vintage home décor pieces have a way of inviting you in, urging you to sit down and relax, creating rich, lived-in spaces wherever they are placed. They share a tale of history, of collection, of deliberate curation, and we incorporate them into almost every home because of this.
Like many design processes, styling with vintage décor is an instinctive practice, which often includes trying different approaches, adding and removing elements, and stepping back to appreciate the overall vignette. Nevertheless, there are several helpful tips and techniques that can enhance the charm of your vintage pieces and bring timeless charm to your home. Here are some of our team's favourite guidelines for becoming a master in styling vintage décor.
The delicate dance of balance
When it comes to styling vintage decor, you should always strive to find the perfect balance. It's a delicate dance between too much and too little. We want our spaces to be beautiful, but not overloaded. While we adore antique stores, we don't want our homes to feel like one. Here's our top tip for styling vintage décor pieces: give them breathing room (or white space). In interior design, white space is a term used for when elements are being separated in order to improve the overall visual layer. For example, that vintage wooden table in your living room could be complemented with a vase, full of sunflowers and a lovely candle. Take a step back and experiment with different arrangements until you find the right balance. And don’t worry if you go through multiple iterations before finding the perfect combination.
Credits: Retrouvious Design Studio
Find the right arrangement
Rearranging the furniture in an empty room before placing your cherished vintage pieces can be quite beneficial. This way, you can determine the best arrangement for each item. Remember to select pieces that truly resonate with you and keep an eye out for unexpected discoveries, rather than simply filling a void. Consider the space you have available and have fun experimenting with various arrangements on tabletops, consoles, open shelves, mantelpieces, inside bookcases, or on a basic wooden bench. Play with adjusting and relocating items from one room to another to achieve different aesthetics, depending on the time of year or your current mood. If a room seems disorganised, try removing pieces until it feels harmonious and peaceful. Keep in mind, it's not about achieving perfection – if it feels right to you, then it's perfect.
Credits: Studio Shan
Credits: Studio Shan
Vintage with a modern twist
Creating a cohesive yet non-repetitive vintage interior is essential for adding depth to your space. When combining vintage and modern decor, remember to maintain that sense of balance. Some may prefer to highlight the old with a few new discoveries, while others may lean towards a more modern approach with hints of the past. Perhaps the frames of two vintage art pieces in the same area coordinate, or the colour tones harmonise, or you have two wooden objects with similar textures placed apart in a built-in setup. If your home has period features and bay windows, consider pairing contemporary furniture with clean lines or curved edges to blend the old with the new. For instance, if you have a vintage armchair, pair it with a modern glass vase on a small coffee table. The key is to ensure that all elements complement each other seamlessly. There's no single formula for success - it's the combination that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Credits: Studio Shan
Antiques and personal treasures
Including too many new modern items can make a room feel overwhelming, so adding a few key antiques can really make a statement. Layering in personal treasures, old finds, and unique handmade or newer pieces can add a touch of charm to your home decor. Reach out to your loved ones and check if they have any treasures tucked away at home that could enhance your interior space. Not only do such vintage pieces bring a sense of nostalgia, but they also hold sentimental value. And a vintage decor trick that can never go wrong - old books to add character to little nooks and shelves.
Credits: Studio Duggan
Credits: Studio Duggan
Mix and match on your gallery wall
If you're looking to incorporate antiques and vintage items into your modern space without overwhelming it, why not start by creating a gallery wall? Gallery walls are a great way to showcase your thrift store treasures and can instantly transform any room without the need for additional changes. Discover antique frames, mirrors, and vintage artwork that can be effortlessly restored to their former glory. You can even frame antique wallpaper panels or vintage fabric and hang them alongside contemporary frames on your gallery wall.
Credits: Studio Shan
Old and new lighting
Experimenting with different lighting options is another great way to incorporate vintage character. Creating the perfect lighting ambiance requires thought and attention, and the most inviting spaces incorporate a combination of hanging lights, table lamps, and wall and floor fixtures. While functional lighting is crucial, the visual appeal will assist in seamlessly transitioning from day to night. Bronze light fixtures offer a seamless blend of vintage and contemporary styles. With their industrial charm and sleek metal designs, you can effortlessly achieve your desired look by choosing from a variety of floor, ceiling, or lamp lighting options. And don't be afraid to mix old lamp bases with handcrafted lampshades, or blend decorative vintage lights with modern classics – the possibilities are endless. The key is to avoid overthinking and to embrace a wide range of materials, finishes, and shapes. Lighting has the power to transform the atmosphere, so it's essential to allocate a sufficient budget to achieve the desired effect.
Credits: Studio Duggan
Credits: Studio Duggan
Shades for a cosy home
Achieving a cohesive look when combining modern and vintage styles can be challenging. However, selecting a colour palette for your space can make it easier to maintain a consistent theme. Neutral tones work best for modern vintage decor, allowing the furniture and decor to take centre stage. If you prefer to add some colour, opt for a bold and deep shade to ensure it stands out. The cool neutrals that were popular in the past decade have now given way to the beloved beige, which brings a nostalgic comfort to today's interiors. Additionally, deep and earthy shades of green have become a surfacing shade, particularly in kitchens as cabinet colours and in bathroom designs. Warm antique whites evoke the charm of old farmhouses and cosy country cottages. These softer shades have gained popularity over the bright and pure whites that were prominent is recent trends. Look for white paint colours with subtle undertones of yellow to create warm and inviting atmospheres.
Credits: Studio Duggan
Vintage textile styling
Whenever you want to add some depth and character to a space, mixing vintage textiles is a fantastic option. Many people tend to focus on vintage objects when it comes to styling, but textiles can play a grounding role without overwhelming the eye. We absolutely adore using vintage rugs in various areas, such as entryways and kitchens, to infuse a sense of warmth into new constructions or remodels. Antique fabrics have an inherent uniqueness that adds incredible depth to any design scheme, whether it's used in a cushion, blinds or curtains. Don't hesitate to use old fabric on contemporary sofas and chairs, as well as on antique discoveries. To strike the right balance, try incorporating contrasting textures side by side as well. For instance, you can combine mid-century wooden chairs with a glass-topped table and a vintage brass light. Mixing vintage pieces with smooth surfaces and silky textures creates the perfect harmony. Feel free to adapt this approach to suit your own style. Remember, there are no strict rules – simply stick to your preferred colour palette and enjoy the process, regardless of whether the material is new or old.
Credits: Retrouvious Design Studio
Credits: Studio Shan
Embody the charm of the past through patterns
Vintage-inspired patterns have the power to bring life into modern spaces, effortlessly blending the charm of the past with the coolness of the present. By incorporating these patterns into your room, you can instantly transform it. Choose patterns that embody your desired era, such as the bold and geometric Art Deco, the delicate floral motifs of the 1950s, or the sleek and abstract prints of the 1960s. Once you've settled on a theme, you can explore patterns that perfectly capture its essence. Experiment with colours and think about how you can infuse the room with a vintage touch. Soft fabrics are an excellent choice for achieving this effect. Consider using vintage-inspired patterns on blinds, curtains, cushions, or lamp shades to add that desired nostalgic flair to your space.
Credits: Studio Shan
Embrace your choices
Mixing old and new isn't always straight forward, but beyond all else its important to make sure your home reflects your own style. In this way, your space will come together in the most natural manner and will also be translated in your design. Incorporating hints of vintage decor allows for moments of character and charm in an oh-so-effortless way, easily transforming your house into a home.
Credits: Studio Shan
The Vintage Collection
Discover our first vintage drop filled with pieces that have been individually sourced and hand-picked, just for you. With these pieces we celebrate our love for vintage, a way to personalise your home with rare treasures and everlasting stories.
