Everyone has their own style preferences when it comes to interior design. Some people enjoy the nostalgia of retro designs, with fun colors and patterns you just can’t find anymore. Others prefer the sleek metal of modern schemes. Blending Vintage and Retro Styles for an Eclectic Interior is the trending design for today’s contemporary living.
There are some who like to blend the two. It can be tricky combining different design styles, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be done.
Modern or retro, first you need to look at that you want. This is a pretty obvious first step, but it can be an overwhelming one. There are a lot of options. Retro materials aren’t as rare as people sometimes think, and can be found online, at estate sales, yard sales, and antique shops at often reasonable or even bargain prices.
Modern styling are also readily available, either direct from the source or via similar secondary markets. With so much to look at, discovering what really tickles your fancy will help narrow down your options so your place doesn’t grow too cluttered and crowded.
Having looked over all your potential options and selected your ideal items and furniture, whether modern chairs or handcrafted loveseats or sofas, you need to find the common themes amongst your choices.
Both new and old can blend together, but it takes some coordination. For example, if you’re a fan of old cookie tins for decoration, these can be used as accessories to a dining room featuring modern metal furniture.
The same holds true for color coordination. Modern styles tend towards black and other cool colors, whereas vintage styles are usually brighter and warmer. These are not absolutes, however, and finding the right mix of both in your preferred colors is possible thanks to all that research you did earlier. Besides, a little contrast in accessories can make for some very nice and attention-grabbing accents.
While retro styles can be bright and colorful, and modern styles cooler in coloration, there are more neutral options. These sorts of colors and designs can make for a good base to build from, especially if you prefer a more neutral look in your room.
Colors in the beige and warm white wheel might look boring at first, but they can make for a great start to expand on, especially when mixing styles of normally contrasting colors and looks. Finding accessories and furniture in more muted colors and designs isn’t difficult, and you probably ran across some while looking for new accessories when first setting out to mix your styles.
Having acquired your coordinated pieces in both retro and modern, from older lamps to a bed from AmishFurnitureFactory.com, it’s time to get mixing. How you decide to blend the two styles is up to you, and will depend a lot on what items you have in which style.
For example, a set of retro style chairs with a modern dining room table can work if the two styles are somewhat similar in materials and coloration. You might need to play around with your accessories and furniture to find the right mix, that’s part of the fun of blending styles.
Even when mixing up older styles with new, some stuff has a timeless look that never falls out of fashion. Older furniture with a simple build or sleek pieces with metal accents are good examples. These sorts of furniture and accessories are easier to mix and match up to suit your tastes.
A good example is the rising trend of hanging old records or record artwork on the wall. The black vinyl can match well with older furniture in darker colors, or can contrast lightly colored modern pieces. The trick is to make sure nothing draws the eye in a bad way, as that means you overdid it.
When mixing different styles, you need to consider how mixed the two will be. Will retro be dominant, modern, or, will the two be carefully blended into an even mix? Any one of these options is valid, and generally depends on how much stuff of which style you have and are willing to put to use or display.
It also depends on what the items are. Even mixing of furniture can work very well, but too much modern or retro accessories in contrast might create a cluttered look that strains the eye. With such design schemes, some trial and error is to be expected. That will make the process a little more involved, but can also make for a lot of fun. Besides, you might get inspired for future design styles in other rooms.
Blending styles can be a lot of fun, but if done poorly can create a cluttered look that can be painful to look at for too long. A strong foundation and careful layout will help the old and new coexist in ways that won’t strain the eye or look out of place.
Luxury used to be all about flashing big logos and bold statements. But lately, the game’s changed. Quiet luxury is all about subtlety: investing in quality, craftsmanship, and classic pieces that don’t cry out for attention but quietly elevate your space. It’s that feeling you get walking into a room where everything just feels right, without needing […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Buying a mini excavator isn’t something you do on a whim. Whether you’re expanding your fleet or picking up your first machine, you need to know it’s the right fit, not just for today’s jobs, but for what you’ll be tackling a year or two down the line. These machines might be smaller than full-size […]
“Dream kitchens don’t just happen — they’re designed with care and style.” Walking into the same old and outdated kitchen in your home? It’s time to change the design and get that wow factor, according to your needs and wise design choices. Seems like a challenging task, right? But let’s be clear here, the kitchen […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]