Vintage Design: What's Old Is New

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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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

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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.

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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.

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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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Blue and White

 newportcoastinteriordesign.com

One of my favorite color combinations is Blue and White.  It's a color scheme that never goes out of fashion, and I'm happy to report that it's one of the latest trends in interior design today.  Whether used in china and tile patterns, toile and floral fabrics or a wide variety of carpet designs, it represents age-old design elements from many centuries and cultures.

 interiordev.com

In the photo above, I love to see how the collection of Canton china was used as inspiration for the 

stunning fabric on the upholstered chairs.  Without the blue  accessories in the photo below,

the all-white living room wouldn't be nearly as interesting.  I think the pillows, lamps and pots add such sparkle to the design.

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Blue and White can be used in many different settings.  Maybe you like the comfortable look of denim slipcovers in the family room or prefer crisp blue tiles in a  bathroom.

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Do you prefer the look of a traditional bedroom with deep blue walls, warm antique furniture and the historic patterns of a woven coverlet?

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Or ,  do you like the way the intense teal color in the bedroom below shows a modern approach to the classical style of the furnishings?

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I especially like to work on kitchen renovations and the next two photos highlight the impact of the color blue used in these next two very different spaces.

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A Blue and White color scheme is enlivened in this charming dining area with a mixture of fabric patterns on the chairs and pillows.

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In the living room below, the soft blue colors of the sofas, chair and carpet convey a neutral scheme

with almost no pattern.

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A friend of mine has decorated her entire house in Blue and White. In each room, she has used

different color variations of blue fabrics and accessories against walls and cabinetry of pure white.

It's comfortable and elegant, traditional and modern at the same time...everything I like in a home.

Geometrics

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Geometrics are here to stay.  Circles, squares, zigzags and stripes appear in every facet of today's

home design.  From sumptuous custom carpets to boldly patterned wallpaper and from window 

treatments to decorative accessories, these patterns add pizzaz to every space.  I think the carpet in the room below gives it the WOW factor.

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Do you like the stripe and plaid walls in the next two photos?  They make a bold statement but still

create cozy and inviting rooms.

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I have used geometric shapes effectively in a serious office setting but they can also be fun and whimsical in a youthful bedroom.  One room is all blue circles and the other is yellow straight lines and triangles.  Which one strikes your fancy?

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I like the way geometrics can act as a counterpoint to floral patterns in window treatments  and upholstered furniture. In the next photo,  you can see how the contrasting patterns in the drapes and the chairs provide balance to the room.

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They can also offer elements of surprise and delight when used as patterns on floors , sculptural details on tables and cabinets,  and bold accents in a room like pillows and ottomans.

I have included the following photos to highlight these elements.

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I really love the repetition of the octagon in the photo below.  It appears both in the ceiling design and the shape of the table in this luxurious dining room.

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When the summer weather arrives,  wouldn't you love to spend time on this cheery patio?  The bright

red fretwork of the furniture gives a feeling of vibrant energy to the garden setting.

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Geometrics are lively and add movement to your home's design.  Enjoy using these patterns but keep in mind...a little goes a long way.

LIfe is a Beach

Life is a Beach

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I have noticed that a current trend in home furnishing stores is beach style design.  Always soothing to the senses, the look and feel of beach style is especially appealing in the cold climate of a New England winter.   Warm tones and textures of the beach complement cool colors of sea and sky, as in the photo above.  I think the harmonious blend of blue and brown colors in the living room below are very beautiful.  The feeling is rich and elegant, but very comfortable, too.

onekindesign.com

This cheery dining room makes me think of a blue sky on a sunny day at the beach.

austininterior.us

When used in soft furnishings and on walls and cabinetry, white creates a unifying background to a colorful palette often displayed in decorative accents and artwork...think turquoise and coral.  Driftwood, seashells, baskets and sisal rugs provide natural elements and add whimsy to the design scheme.  You can see below how the sisal rug grounds a family room and warms up the white upholstered sectional and chairs.

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I love how the turquoise color perks up this white display area and highlights the nautical accessories.

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Beach style design is not unique to relaxed and cozy settings.  It is also very effective and striking in contemporary interiors.  And, it satisfies clients who prefer a bold and bright decor, as well as

those who are more comfortable with a neutral color scheme. I want to curl up on a chair in this charming sitting area and spend the afternoon reading a good book.

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This modern interior reflects a more sophisticated design. I think the neutral , warm colors create

an sumptuous space for entertaining.

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How do you like the bold colors and patterns in this happy bedroom?

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Even though this bedroom retreat is designed with no patterns and colors limited

to white and brown, I think it's very inviting.

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Do you like this fun dining room?  I'm drawn to the bright, beachy colors in a space that is equally relaxing and contemporary.  Next time you want to freshen up the look of your home,  add some beach style design motifs .  It's like going on vacation.

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