In the world of interior design, mixing modern and vintage decor is not only trendy but also offers a unique and personal touch to any space of your home. However, achieving this perfect balance between old and new can be overwhelming, especially if you are not sure where to start. That’s why I am sharing a few tips to help you mix modern pieces and vintage decor like a pro. In this post, I will explore tips, tricks, and ideas that will inspire your creativity and unleash your inner designer to create the perfect balance of modern vintage decor.
Start with a color palette
One of the easiest ways to mix modern and vintage decor is to start by planning a color scheme that will work in your own home. This will give you a cohesive look and help you choose decorative pieces that complement each other. I recommend choosing 3 colors in your palette. Use a neutral for the dominant color and the other 2 colors will be used in the accent and accessories.
For instance, you can choose a modern sofa in a neutral color such as white, gray, or black and pair it with an antique table in a bold color like emerald green or midnight blue. You can also play with different shades of the same color, such as combining pale gray walls with a deep gray armchair.
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The color palette above starts with the base color of cream and has accents with browns and greens. This living room has a balance of vintage furniture paired with other modern elements like the rug and accessories.
Need help painting? Check out how easy it was to paint this living room with a little help from my favorite wall painting tool.
Mix textures and materials
Another way to mix modern and vintage decor is to experiment with textures and materials. You can mix soft and plush fabrics such as velvet and faux fur with hard and rigid materials such as metal and wood. For example, you can pair a vintage wooden chair with a modern metal side table or an antique rug with a sleek glass coffee table. You can also mix and match patterns and prints such as floral, geometric, or stripes for a fun and eclectic look.
This entryway table was given an update by bleaching the wood (<- click on the link to see how) to give it a modern style. I used a mix of antique decor items and modern accessories to create a perfect balance between modern and vintage decor. Everything in this photo with the exception of the rug, greenery, and ceramic pot are thrift store finds.
Combine old and new accessories
Accessories are a great way to add personality and style to any space. You can mix antique items and new accessories, such as antique vases, vintage frames, and modern artwork, to create a cohesive and balanced gallery wall.
For instance, you can hang contemporary artwork on a wall decorated with vintage plates, or place a sleek table lamp on an antique wooden desk. You can also mix and match different styles of accessories, such as mid-century modern and Victorian, for a curated and chic look.
In my dining room, I paired an Arhaus trestle table with vintage and antique chairs. Painting the vintage pieces black helps to keep a modern feel in the space. The table accessories change from modern decor with clean lines, and at other times I have vintage brass candlesticks to give the room a vintage style.
Create a focal point
Creating a focal point is essential in any room as it draws the eye and adds visual interest. You can use modern furniture or vintage items, artwork, or lighting fixtures as a focal point and build the rest of the room around it.
For example, a vintage chandelier can be a stunning focal point in a modern room, or modern chairs can be a striking centerpiece in a vintage-inspired living room. You can also create a focal point with color, such as painting an accent wall or a piece of furniture in a bold hue.
This antique desk was painted in a bold deep green and paired with modern-style seating. The rest of the entryway has the right balance of antique pieces paired with modern-style window coverings and light fixtures. Antique furniture pieces can easily be painted to become statement pieces and added to any modern space.
Don’t forget the details
Incorporating small details such as pillows, throws, and cushions can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of a living space. Adding vintage or modern details can tie together the different design elements in a room. For example, you can add modern throw pillows to a vintage sofa or incorporate vintage-inspired lamps in a modern bedroom. These small details can add warmth and texture to your space.
In conclusion, mixing modern and vintage decor can be a fun and exciting project, whether you are a decorator or a DIY enthusiast. By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve a harmonious balance between old and new and create a unique space that reflects your personality and style. Remember to experiment, have fun, and trust your instincts. With a little bit of creativity, anything is possible!
DeDe Bailey
DeDe Bailey is the artistic mastermind behind Designed Décor and The Puzzle Table. With a rich background in home décor retail, she has transformed her website into a platform driven by a profound passion for helping individuals craft spaces they adore. As a self-taught furniture painting artist and thrift decorator, she loves sharing her knowledge and empowering others to beautify their homes through furniture painting and thrifting. When she isn’t sharing her wisdom on the Designed Décor blog, DeDe is occupied with showcasing her ingenious jigsaw puzzle table design and expanding her short-term rental located in NE Ohio.
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fairgreen ventures says
Great Read!