It is pretty difficult nowadays to ignore the vintage wave which is currently extremely popular, especially among young people. It is an affordable style that leaves room for a good dose of fantasy. No matter your decorating style, there is no reason why you should not yield to this retro wave, particularly if you have a nostalgic fiber. Here are a few tips to help you get the best out of this vintage home decor trend.
1. Proceed with caution.
One should proceed by adding only small vintage details to his or her interior, like retro images, decor or some accessories (a stool, a lamp or some cushions pattern). If you like the result, you should then move to the next phase, by allowing yourself some more permanent items such as furniture, wallpaper or tiles.
2. Where to go vintage shopping?
Generally speaking, at garage sales, flea markets or antique shops. But if you don’t have the time or patience for that, and if money is not a problem for you, you should know that, as vintage style is currently pretty much in vogue, it is possible to find beautiful reproductions in most stores, or e-commerce websites, that sell contemporary furniture.
But I’d recommend you try your luck for a weekend or two at the flea market before that; in the end, it’s not only about the item itself, but also about the story that goes with this object (where it comes from, how you haggled to get it, etc). And how about dropping by at your grandparents to see if you can find something there? Who knows, you might even find some treasures in their attic!
3. A retro house, not a museum.
Obviously, it’s all about finding the right balance. If the current trend is about mixing styles and eras, and if you can’t afford totally revamping your home in a, let’s say, mid-century fashion, then you should seek a certain balance while keeping a modern touch to your decor.
Your vintage items will stand out more among a modern interior with straight and clean lines, than if they’re in a room swamped with too many styles and details. Our tip: A neutral paint color generally allows almost everything in terms of furnishing and decor. It also favors a certain épure – clean lines.
4. Patterns, colors, atmosphere
Quality teak furniture mixed with neutral colors and white will plant a sweet Scandinavian atmosphere within your home. Vintage objects made of steel, stainless steel, glass or raw wood will rather provide a framework for an industrial decor flavor. Last but not least, colorful geometric patterns and some furniture with a little kitschy vibe will add some fun to your decorating style.
By now you should have understood where we’re heading: with a good eye, inspiration, time and originality, it is possible to create a multitude of different decorating styles, each with a vintage flavor. Dare to be your own interior designer and choose which style is right for you.
