Variety is the spice of life – so why settle for one design approach when you can mix two together? At first glance vintage and modern interior styling may not appear to be a match made in heaven, but with a bit of imagination they can pair perfectly. The results can make homely, individual, practical and stylish living spaces. Here are three tips for blending modern and vintage design to create a balanced and elegant look in any home.
Balance the styles
Since modern and vintage styles are in essence juxtaposed, balance is the key in pulling off a blend of the two. To decide how to effectively harmonise your space, consider the sizes of the various pieces you want to include. If the larger pieces fall more into the modern design side of the spectrum, use modern as your base design and vintage as the accent. If you have or plan to buy larger vintage pieces, then reverse the pattern. For instance, if you fall in love with a vintage sofa and coffee table, add modern cushions and a contemporary centrepiece.
This sense of balance can also be achieved by incorporating pattern, texture and colour. Choose accent colours that are apparent in both design approach schemes, and then mix and match patterns and textures. Contemporary modern, often associated with clean, sleek lines, can be beautifully balanced with a few of vintage’s frills and weathered materials.
Buy selectively
Especially applicable in spaces such as the kitchen, where you’ll be working with a lot of existing structural bones. The feel of the kitchen stems from the units, wall coverings and worktop material. Choose your accents carefully. Products like the iCook cookware found in the ‘Home and Living’ section of Amway are perfect in both vintage and modern surroundings. If your kitchen is vintage, introduce modern design into the room with cookware from VITALOK™ or OPTITEMP™. If your kitchen is modern, accessorise it with vintage items such as enamel food storage containers or wicker baskets.
Recycle what you can from your old décor. Update furniture by refinishing or painting it, adding a new set of handles or knobs to transform a tired piece into a stylish, one-of-a-kind item.
Take chances
Defy the rules, and don’t be afraid to take chances. If you come across a lovely vintage sofa, have it reupholstered with a bold, modern fabric. In a room with predominately cool colours and hard-edged furniture, consider displaying artwork with gold, copper and autumnal hues. Paintings such as ones that can be found on Ruby Lane, will create an interesting contrast and impart warmth into the room.
Mix and match sets – an eclectic selection of different chairs round a statement table can look amazing. Or perhaps pair up wildly different eras – a rustic, antique 19th century dining table with contemporary plastic or metal chairs in striking, colourful upholstery. Adorn each room with subtle accents of both schemes, such as sleek modern vases matched with vintage candle holders.
In interior design, it doesn’t have to be simply black or white, modern or vintage. Like a complex recipe using different ingredients, blend them to create perfection – home accessories like herbs & spices bringing the dish together.