Credit: The Beauty Revival
Old and new décor is a great way to create a unique and inviting space. It can be used to bring the past into the present, while still creating a modern atmosphere.
When mixing old and new, there are no rules. You have all the freedom to play with contrasting colors, textures, and artifacts from different decades. But it is also important to choose pieces that complement each other and are the right size for the space.
Additionally, you should consider how the pieces will be used and choose pieces that are both functional and stylish.
With these tips and ideas, you can create a look that is both timeless and modern.
1. Mix Different Eras, Colors, And Styles in Modern Retro Style
Credit: Lookandkilin
Celebrating a home’s history while firmly rooted in the now is a skill not everyone can master. Look to create a balance between vintage and contemporary, for example: incorporating vintage pieces in modern seating.
Decorating with vintage furniture and pieces that have been passed down or sourced each tells a story of their era, and pairing them with contemporary detailing offers a fresh take.
Interior schemes that nod to the past by referencing design classics, such as mid-century furniture, combined with modern aesthetics, including simple lighting and block color, offer an appealing sense of visual interest.
2. Don’t be afraid to play with colors
Mixing vintage and modern designs is all about contrast and colors. So do not be afraid to go bold with your color palette. Either add colors to your walls by adding artwork or by painting them in bold colors. And if you have any antique furniture piece, be it a table or a chair, paint it in a bold color for a modern twist. Vintage wood is perfect to play around with bright shades.
3. Find the Right Function and Scale
While designing such interior spaces where you amalgamate modern and vintage decor, you should always consider the size and function of your pieces. Choose pieces that are functional and will be used often. Another important aspect is to make sure that your pieces are of the right size for the space.
Too many large pieces can make a room feel crowded and cluttered, while too many small pieces can make the room feel empty.
These points will help create a look that is stylish and practical.
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4. Blend Contemporary Curves with Straight Lines
Credit: One Kindesign
Well-built pieces, made to stand the test of time and that lead the way with iconic good looks are key factors for mid-century modern décor. But, at times, it is easy to see why this cold, streamlined style has been left in the past. So bring a classic mid-century look into the 21st century by pairing it with contemporary curves_ a furniture trend that is both soft and inviting.
Full-on voluptuous or gently rounded, curves will elevate the layout of your interior spaces and soften the overall look of your room, adding a bold design focus or a subtle touch of shaping to your décor.
5. Create a Balance
One of the challenges of mixing old and new pieces is figuring out how to make the mix of periods and styles work together while retaining an overall sense of cohesion.
Even the most eclectic interiors need balance and harmony. While mixing wood finishes and metals is an art in itself, sometimes the easiest way to integrate different elements is to unite them using the same color palette. This will make it simple to marry styles and periods by keeping the focus on form.
For example, if you are opting for farmhouse or shabby chic style in the interior, you can create coherence by painting thrift store furniture like nightstands, dining room chairs, tables, and dressers in a creamy white, and add white upholstered armchairs and sofas.
6. Introduce Softness with Textile
Credit: Miranda Schreoder
Pair soft textures with heavy vintage pieces to soften the space. Pillows, blankets, and throws can be used to add color and texture to a room. The more ornate or vintage your furniture, the more it can benefit from some soft elements. Plush pillows, cashmere throws, and wool blankets are great pieces to add to your living room and bedroom.
7. Add a Focal Point with a Statement Piece
If you are looking to create maximum impact in a modern interior space with antique decor, introduce a large-scale statement piece like an armoire, a Baroque-style or Art-Deco headboard, or a massive vintage farm table.
Make these pieces functional and appropriate for modern lifestyles by painting, refinishing, refurbishing interiors, or adding upholstery to an antique bed frame or armchair to bring it a sense of modern comfort.
This strategy works particularly well in a neutral space that needs a focal point or a sense of drama that is achieved by introducing contrast.
This same formula can work for large-scale decorative pieces, like a giant French gilded mirror or a massive vintage rug to anchor an otherwise contemporary living room.