Monday, April 28, 2014

Vintage Design: What's Old Is New

northtryon.com

 Whether you prefer the warm patina of old wood or the industrial look of metal, the colorful array of old fabrics or the white gloss of modern chairs and lighting...you can have it all with Vintage Design.  What I love about this style is the eclectic mix of all things old and new with a nod
to eco-friendly ways of re-using existing items in a fresh approach to interior design.  As in the photo above, creating a vintage look can be as simple as highlighting a few family treasures or showcasing collectibles gathered over many years. In the photo below, the homeowner has artistically arranged
a pile of old suitcases that make a whimsical focal point in her entry.

interiordev.com
For those of us who lived with mid-century modern furniture in our youth, I think it's interesting
that so many people find this "vintage" style so appealing today.  The simple , clean lines and well-made pieces create a modern look with historical connotations. In the following photo,
I like the look of a contemporary sofa which blends beautifully with the iconic chairs and arched metallic floor lamp. The bold pops of color reference the 60's but also seem very up-to-date.

latricedesigns.com

gocadd.com

The same look is achieved in the photo above but in a more edited style.  This home office
is highly functional but also shows an almost museum quality in the timeless furnishings.

Mid-century modern furniture can be mixed very effectively with antiques.  I love the pairing of chairs and tables in the next two photos.  The white Saarinen tulip pedestal table contrasts beautifully with the darker wood dining room furniture, and his bright green upholstered office chair is the perfect partner to the rustic writing table.

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I always enjoy helping clients create an eclectic look that mirrors their interests, travels and lifestyle.
The photo below describes a room filled with the homeowner's personality.  Although the color scheme is neutral,  the mix of wooden antiques and industrial wrought-iron pieces tells me alot about the people who live here.  I know I would find them to be fun, discerning, adventurous and comfortable.

4homeinterior.com

The next photo portrays a client's preference for bold color and a penchant for decorating with unique items.  In this bedroom , I really like placement of re-used drums to make charming bedside tables.  I'm sure those drums could tell alot of stories...and they add a bright punch of color that blends well with the old textiles. 

housedressingredesign.com

Some of the the most common and recognizable uses of vintage design are seen in kitchens and baths.

timeinc.com
In the photo above, I love the look of the old farm table and chairs in an otherwise all-white modern kitchen.  This gathering place for the family resonates with warmth and nurturing activity.  The bathroom below is another all-white room that actually looks quite cozy and relaxing.  The vintage
mirrors add sparkle to the space and the old patina of the bench, hamper and scale are accents that
make the room uniquely personal.


andrearbaker.com

Another vintage style with broad appeal is Victorian decor.  Worn, but well-made furniture is appreciated for its' design and decorative details.  Many people love thrift store finds they can paint
to create a whole new aesthetic.  The bedroom below has a feminine flourish with many soft and hard edges in a beautiful justaposition.  Orchid is the Pantone Color of the Year and I think it is used very
effectively in the pillows and hand-painted peacock on the bedside table.


zunetop.com

gahzebo.com
Even new furniture can be used to create a Victorian look as in the luxurious living room above.
The reclining settee, pendant light and accent tables are examples of Victorian style in a modern home. I really appreciate how the soft colors of the furnishings and painted woodwork keep the room from feeling too crowded or heavy, as in many Victorian recreations.

The possibilities are endless in Vintage Design:  it helps the environment, the older pieces tend to be better made than today, and it inspires the budget conscious shopper to create one-of-a-kind visual feasts in a home setting.  I'm happy in a space where the "old" is always "new".

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