People love to say “in with the new and out with the old”, but does it really have to be that way? Can’t these two styles cohabitate in harmony? Well, according to a lot of famous interior designers, including Marcel Wanders, Jean-Louis Deniot and David Collins, it is possible. Not only that it is possible, but by mixing these two styles, you can create a cozy, yet elegant home, where one style enhances the best features of the other. You don’t need to hire a professional to create this blend in your home; you just need to follow these useful tips.
Choose a prevailing style
If you decide to create a blend of modern and vintage, you should never use both of these styles in equal proportion. Instead, decide on the prevailing style (in most cases modern) and then complement it with pieces from another era. The best proportion for mixing these two is 80:20.
Set an appropriate backdrop
If you don’t want to create a chaotic room, neutral backdrop is the smartest solution and it goes well with every style regardless of its era and characteristics. Colors like white, beige, light grey, cream and similar shades will provide you with a canvas you can paint on without fear of turning harmony into anarchy.
Make it minimal
If you are planning on including some really conspicuous design elements, you should keep the rest of the décor minimal, to make those pieces truly pop. Besides the inconspicuous overall color palette, this also means that you need to use fewer details and textures.
Introduce accent pieces
If the majority of your room is decorated with modern pieces, all you need to do is introduce one or more statement pieces which will draw attention to the vintage side of your design. For example, antique armoires can make any living room more elegant and warmer. Vintage dressers or traditional desks can have a similar effect.
Use color as a unifying element
Obviously the two styles are very different, and if you don’t mix them properly they will not blend, but stand out. One way to make them more coherent is to use color as a unifying element. You know that vintage coffee table from your attic? It can look amazing alongside your modern black shelves if you paint it black too.
Say it with patterns
If you want to add an interesting element to your décor you can always use patterns. Modern style is usually defined by simple geometric patterns, while the vintage décor includes more colorful, rich and elaborate prints. Pieces that can really make a difference in any space are heavy drapes, upholstery, interesting round rugs and throw pillows.
Accessorize
The simplest and most inexpensive way to introduce a contrasting style into your home is through accessories. They can come in the form of elegant vintage chandeliers, old-world charm photo frames, modern metallic additions, old cameras, figurines, flower pots, etc.
Regroup
Speaking of accessories, if you scatter them around recklessly, you will only create design anarchy. Instead of just placing them anywhere, you should group them in specific areas of your home. To make it even more interesting, use pieces of different heights, finishes (matte vs. glossy) and textures. That way you’ll add more fun and depth to the space.
Make it worn-out
Worn-out pieces have a unique charm which can instantly cozy up the entire room, regardless whether we are talking about the kitchen, the living room or the bedroom. Just imagine how vintage cabinets can enrich a super-modern kitchen and provide you with more space; or how old worn-out chairs can add some interest to a sleek shiny dining room table.
As you can see creating a blend of vintage and modern in your home is not at all difficult, but it does require some sensibility, following some rules and not going overboard with either of the two styles.
About the author:
Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home décor and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”
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