Hello Friends! Let’s talk about how to mix vintage with modern decor in your home to help you create a home with personality. For a long time, I was afraid to mix vintage with modern design. I did not want my house to look like a hot mess, and honestly, I needed more confidence to style vintage and antiques to make it look like a curated space of my own. I slowly built my confidence by going to antique markets and buying things I liked. During this journey, I became more knowledgeable and felt confident styling items in my home. And the more I did it, the more I fell in love with vintage and antique home decor.
If you are thinking about mixing vintage items into your home, consider how you want your home to feel and how you plan to use the item in your home. For example, a sofa table can be used as a nightstand, and a dresser can be used as an entry table by your front door. The beauty of vintage decor is that you can use it for a different purpose than intended. Another way to consider using vintage with your existing decor is to mix and match. You can add vintage dining chairs to your modern dining table. I want you to feel confident about layering vintage clay vessels with a vintage lamp on your current console table. Sometimes, defining how you want your space to feel and look is trial and error. But you got this.
Believe me, I've been in your shoes. My style has evolved significantly over the years as I've honed my design aesthetic and how I want my home to feel and look. But the more you trust your designer gut, the more confident you'll become at creating a curated home that is uniquely yours. So, don't be afraid to trust your instincts and experiment with different styles. You've got this.
To help you on your journey, here are three tips for mixing vintage with modern decor to help you create a space that reflects your unique style.
Lola Earl’s guide: 3 tips to help you mix Vintage with your Modern Decor
Tip No.1: Start with a Plan
Create a Mood Board: Create a mood board with images, colors, and textures you love. This helps visualize how different pieces will work together. You will probably see a theme and start to realize your style or what you like based on the items you pin. This will help you start to find the items you love and start to feel more confident about how to style your home.
Room Functionality: Consider how each room will be used. This can guide your choices in mixing styles that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I think it is a crucial step to take before you start bringing items into your space. Think about how you want to feel in the space and how you plan to use it. This will also help you design over time a space that brings you joy every time you use it.
Tip No. 2: Balance is Key
Scale and Proportion: Ensure that the vintage and modern pieces are in harmony with each other. A large antique armoire can be balanced with a sleek, minimalist sofa. Ensure that the vintage and modern pieces are in harmony. For example, add a vintage wood stool next to your favorite reading chair. This is a great way to experiment with what might work well in your space. Don’t be afraid to try a few things until you find a combination that works well.
Color Palette : Stick to a cohesive color scheme to tie everything together. Neutrals can help blend different styles seamlessly. This is a great way to start your design journey. Neutrals are an incredible backdrop and coordinate well with earth tones (think greys, blacks, olive green, and browns). They also pair well with jewel tones (think blues, burgundy, and green tones).
Tip No. 3: Focal Points
Statement Pieces: Choose one or two statement vintage pieces per room and build around them with modern elements. This is were you can create your own magic. You can build a room using all vintage or a few pieces that make you smile. There’s no wrong answer here. I would suggest starting off with something simple like a vintage rug or dresser. This will help you determine how you want to continue to build the story you want to tell in your space.
Art and Accessories: Use art and accessories to bridge the gap between styles. A modern painting can complement a vintage dresser. I love collection art and mixing new and vintage art and accessories to create a unique look in my home. The beautiful thing about this is that it will allow you to source things that truly speak to you. Whether finding items from your travels, sourcing on Etsy, or your favorite vintage shop. You can’t go wrong when you find the perfect piece that speaks to you and can add it to your home story.
Conclusion
Embracing the mix of vintage and modern can create a home that's full of personality and charm. Keep experimenting, trust your instincts, and enjoy the process of making your space truly yours!
Remember, vintage decor can add character and charm to your home. Choose pieces that align with your style, mix materials and styles thoughtfully, create a cohesive color palette, and distribute vintage and modern pieces evenly throughout your home. With these strategies in mind, you can create a harmonious balance that showcases the best of both worlds. So, embark on your design journey, explore the world of vintage furniture, and let your creativity shine as you artfully blend the old with the new in your modern home.
Thank you for Reading!
We have compiled some of our favorite items to help you create a collected home. Visit Lolaearl.com to shop vintage home decor to help you create this look.
Please join our newsletter to receive alerts on new content. Plus, gain access to new releases, promotions, and more. Join here.
Are you ready to refresh your space?
Work with a Lola Earl Interior Stylist to personalize your home with one-of-a-kind objects, cultivating a home that feels perfectly curated and uniquely yours. Learn more here.