We all want to keep up with current interior trends, but we also want our homes to have some personality. Successfully injecting character into your freshly updated, modern décor takes some thought, but can be easily achieved when you open your mind to the wonderful world of vintage.
Combining new and old is an approach to home styling that means you can get the best of both worlds. It’s all about picking your pieces wisely and getting the right balance. Read on for Homebirds’ top tips on mixing vintage and modern décor.
Raid Your Nan’s Loft
Yep, this really is the best place to start. Whether it’s some old family photos you can use to create a gallery wall for your living room or a retro alarm clock for your bedside table, I can guarantee there will be something of interest up there.
Your new-found treasures can be worked into your home styling, alongside more up-to-the-minute furnishings to give your space soul, as well as style.
@victoriaemes achieves this beautifully in her bedroom, combining a retro clock and bedside table with trendy dark décor and contemporary wall-mounted lighting.
Credit: @victoriaemes
Visit a Flea Market
Don’t go to one of these with something specific in mind, just allow yourself to be led by what you find there. It’s also a good idea to try to think outside the box in terms of uses for your discoveries.
Credit: @kerryvillers and @homewiththehound
You might stumble upon an old picnic basket for example, great for housing magazines. Or what better way to use an aged, stencilled crate than as a bedside table? Repurposing is the hip, new way to refurnish so try to keep an open mind.
If you can’t make it to a flea market, Facebook Marketplace can be a gold mind of bargain trinkets. I’m in love with @homewiththehound Siobhan’s vintage green and gold Lloyd Loom bedside cabinets which she found for sale locally via the app.
Consider Vintage Styles When Buying New
If second-hand pieces just aren’t for you, then why not cheat a little and shop for furniture or accessories that aren’t actually old, but traditional in style. This vintage cot, for example, is brand new but has a beautiful vintage shape and would add unique style to any modern nursery.
Upcycle
Combining retro, antique and modern furniture together doesn’t have to be scary, or mismatched.
If you find a great quality piece of vintage furniture but it doesn’t quite fit in with your current décor, why not consider upcycling? A lick of paint and some new knobs can transform an old chest of drawers into something seriously swoon-worthy.
@fj_interiors made a subtle change to this drawer set by simply painting the outer edge dark grey. It still maintains its vintage character but the two-tone look, along with the modern styling, brings the overall aesthetic right up-to-date.
Credit: @fj_interiors
Whereas @melaniejadedesign completely transformed this charity shop find with pink paint and stencils. Doesn’t it look amazing combined with the graphic wall print and our Florence Stone White Metal Bed?
Credit: @melaniejadedesign
Though, Don’t Get Too Carried Away!
Be aware that if you go too far with this, you might end up with a home that looks and smells more like your local charity shop, so be selective and try to find a balance.
Vintage trinkets and hard furniture are great for adding a personal touch and some history to your décor, but it's wise to opt for brand new soft furnishings for a fresh and modern feel overall. It is especially important to purchase a new mattress. This will ensure it is clean and hygienic and will provide all the comfort and support you need for a good night’s sleep.
Go On, Go Vintage!
So, what are you waiting for? Modern vintage style interior design is a much more fun and money saving way to update your home. In the midst of lockdown a few little changes to your interiors could be just the mood boost you need.
