Add antique home decor as an easy way to inject visual contrast and personality into modern spaces, but without careful curation of different styles it can easily overwhelm.
Finding common design elements to bring the look together is key to creating the perfect blend of vintage and modern home decor. Below are four tips to help you achieve this ideal balance in your decor.
Lighting Fixtures
No matter if it be an heirloom, thrift store find, or custom piece – mixing vintage and modern home decor can be an exciting way to showcase your individuality and showcase multiple styles and eras at once. Many homeowners tend to select one dominant style; by mixing multiple eras together you create an exciting, one-of-a-kind look.
Lighting is essential when creating an eclectic home. Your choice should complement both its furnishings and functional needs.
Example: Light fixtures used in the kitchen will differ significantly from those chosen for the bedroom or living area, so selecting lights that correspond in terms of era, style or finish/material will help keep each space feeling harmonious and cohesive.
Regarding metal finishes, we advise selecting only two to three metal colors; any more could prove distracting and confusing. When searching for light fixtures that share similar design elements – for instance the pointed framing on fixture #1 mirroring in its circular metal base in fixture #4 – is recommended.
Mirrors
Mirrors add depth and dimension to a room, brighten dim areas, highlight artwork and furniture and are hardworking pieces that help make spaces seem bigger and more visually appealing. Their various styles also add character, such as ornate gold-framed mirrors which add classic appeal or rustic farmhouse mirrors that complement rustic decor.
Mirrors come in various styles and materials; to keep them looking cohesive you should give each mirror something in common, like their shape or undertone. If you own an eclectic assortment of framed mirrors try arranging them like art gallery-style displays on walls.
Create a gallery-style display on your mantel or staircase by hanging a mirrored console table and vase of flowers as part of an entryway vignette to welcome visitors in style. Or frame furniture such as an ornate bombe chest with mirrors for extra visual interest.
Accent Pieces
One of the key rules when mixing furniture is keeping in mind texture. Modern elements, such as marble tables or velvety faux fur accent chairs can easily complement any era of design with ease.
Antique pieces add visual interest when combined with new sofas upholstered in vibrant fabrics or natural-fiber area rugs, creating a cohesive look without compromising your clients’ personal styles.
Modern and vintage home decor are great ways to add the finishing touches to a room, creating the ideal setting. A new white sideboard may be enhanced with antique vases that tie the room together – this way your client feels right at home in their newly designed space!
Furniture
Some of the most beautiful interiors cannot be defined by any specific time period or design style. By mixing modern and antique furniture together, homeowners can add depth and variety to their home by mixing modern with antique items from both eras. From family heirlooms and thrift store treasures to contemporary custom pieces – here are a few tips that can help you mix styles.
When merging new and old furniture together, start by visualizing a theme. This will allow you to curate a collection that reflects your individuality; for instance if you envision creating the feel of an atmospheric professor’s library by adding elements like green wingback chairs, tri-arm floor lamps, and hammered brass baskets into your decor scheme.
If an antique piece seems out of place with your modern furniture, consider reupholstering or staining it to match the colors in the room. Additionally, spread out different styles evenly so they don’t compete for attention.