The most enjoyable interior design is the one that is not attached to a time or a decade, but it has managed to incorporate elements and objects through the history of design.
What does Vintage, Modern and Antique mean?
The common definition of antique is: objects dating to over 100 years.
Anything over 20 years of age but less than 100, we call it vintage.
In this sense, Modern is referring to the midcentry style that started in the mid -20th century or the new, current trends.
The reason many people decide to combine the modern style with the older one is because they may have an heirloom, or because it fits the architecture of their home, or because they just bought an old object of value and at some point and they want to incorporate it into their home.
In any case, the mix of the old with the new is directly related to personal aesthetics, provides flexibility elegance in your home, and can make your home look unique.
Let's look at some ways to successfully combine the old style with the modern one.
Focus the decoration of the room around a central antique or vintage piece, creating good visual balance in the space
This is in case you have a large piece, such as a table, a sofa or a buffet. Consider that in a room, it is always a good idea to start by placing the larger furniture and design your space based on them. So you will have the right size scale for the rest of the furniture and ornaments. Remember that a large antique furniture in a small space can make it look bigger and very impressive.
Use symmetry and repetition
Symmetry and repetition is something we have linked to our minds more to modern decoration, but if also applied to the vintage aesthetic, it can give it a contemporary twist. If you have many different objects and styles then the space will lose its coherent appearance.
I have talked in the past about how vintage carpets and how they have returned to fashion. This is definitely an easy and safe way to bring a vintage element to modern decoration. You can use them in special ways such as in a minimal kitchen or in the bathroom, or adopt the layered look and put two or more carpets on top of each other.
Use vintage artwork.
If you find a truly unique piece of vintage art, you can leave it alone as a focal point, without any additional decoration around it, for a modern, minimalist approach. Alternatively you can incorporate an antique work of art into contemporary prints and create a very impressive and interesting wall composition.
Hang vintage lamps and mirrors
An easy way to mix vintage and antique pieces are the lamps and mirrors. It is very easy to hang an elaborate vintage chandelier or a French gold plated mirror in a modern space and play with reflections and light.
Integrate trending & modern colors
You can make a space look modern and at the same time vintage by choosing a bold color palette on furniture, such as yellow, gray, purple, pink etc. For a more dramatic result you can paint some of your antiques in one of these colors.
The whole meaning of mixing vintage and modern decoration is to achieve a unique result that no one else has at home. Do not be afraid to experiment with colors, materials and pieces that look different.
Hint: Remember, the golden rule of 80/20 that can save you from many mistakes and difficulties. If you are not a collector and don't have many vintage pieces in your possession, then the 80% modern furniture and decor items and 20% vintage details will allow you to create a good aesthetic effect.
An impressive grandfather's watch, a vintage vase, an antique office lamp, an old book stack or a vintage map with a frame, is enough to give a unique mix and much style to your decoration.
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