Mixing modern and vintage design styles is a great way to inject character and personality into your home. With the right balance, you can create a curated look that feels fresh and unique. But where do you start? In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks for combining modern and vintage design styles in a way that feels cohesive and intentional.
Strike a Balance between Modern and Vintage Decor
When combining modern and vintage design styles, balance is key. When incorporating vintage decor, it can easily go from curated to cramped if you add too much, so the goal is to find that perfect balance between modern and vintage decor. For example, that vintage chair you found will look great with a modern throw pillow or placed next to a modern lamp. Instead of filling your shelves with vintage decor, try pairing a vintage object with some modern books and a candle.
Look to create some cohesion among elements without being repetitive. For your vintage finds, look for items that have similar textures or materials to incorporate throughout your space.
One of our favorite ways to add vintage elements is with textiles. Vintage rugs are a great way to warm up a modern space without overwhelming the space.
The key to creating the curated look is finding the perfect balance between modern and vintage decor.
How to Incorporate Modern and Vintage Decor
Vintage Furniture
One way to make a statement is to incorporate a few pieces of vintage furniture alongside your modern furnishings. Larger vintage items, such as a vintage dining table or a vintage console, will add depth and character to a room while remaining functional. When doing this, let that item be the eye-catching focal point for the space. Pair that vintage element with modern furnishings. For example, a vintage dining table paired with modern dining chairs and a modern chandelier. For a vintage console, consider styling it with a modern vase, books, and a modern mirror.
Vintage Rugs
Vintage rugs are a great way to add warmth and texture to modern spaces. They can help to soften sleek lines and bring in some color and pattern. If you’re working with a neutral color palette, a vintage rug can help to add visual interest and depth to your space. A vintage rug can be a great addition to a modern living room, bedroom, or even dining room.
Vintage Artwork
Vintage artwork, whether it's a painting or a photograph, can make a big impact in a room. It can add character and a story to a modern space. A carefully curated collection of vintage artwork can also become a conversation starter and add personality to your home. When selecting artwork, consider the colors, style, and theme of your space. Mix and match different styles and genres for a more eclectic look.
Vintage Bowls, Vases, and Objects
Vintage bowls, vases, and objects can add character to shelves, coffee tables, and consoles. They're perfect to include for styling. When shopping for vintage accessories, consider different materials but look to have some cohesion among these elements and style them alongside modern elements so that the vintage element is the focal point.
A Final Note on Mixing Modern and Vintage Decor
Mixing vintage and modern decor will help you achieve that layered, lived-in, and curated look. Remember, the key is to find a balance between these two styles. Look to incorporate one larger piece of vintage furniture alongside modern furnishings, add vintage rugs in a space that feels too modern, hang vintage artwork throughout your home, and style vintage objects with modern accessories on your shelves.
Curious if Modern Vintage is your design style? Take our design style quiz to find out!
