Decorating with Vintage and Modern Oh My!

Do you ever find yourself wanting an item in a store but you tell yourself, “That won’t go with my style.” Are you sure? Did you know there isn’t a hard fast rule that all items in your home must be from the same decade, time period or style? You can mix vintage with modern and so much more.

Some great bloggers are discussing the topic of mixing Vintage and Modern. Since this is near and dear to my style, I had to jump on board.

The best compliment I get is when people say, “I love your style.” The hardest question I get is, “What’s your style?” 🙂 My style is a mix of Vintage, Industrial, Farmhouse, Rustic, a bit of Boho and Mid Century Modern as of late. I even have a room with lots of Victorian going on. I think what makes a room interesting is when you DO mix styles, time periods and pieces together.

I have never been one to walk into a store and buy the “whole room.” I have very few matching lamps or chairs, but I try to make them all work in the same space. I try to work with the same color palette. In this space, I’ve mixed a new and modern lantern with a vintage scale, antique frames and industrial lights that look “old” but are “new”.

If you find a piece you like, think about if it goes with the color scheme…does it fall in line with the colors you have? Even if it stands out, will it compliment the colors you already have in the space? If so, then try it. If you truly love it and it will make you happy, then it’s worth making it work. This corner is full of things I love, a vintage frame, large metal clock, mohair and gold stool and a huge basket from HomeGoods. Because they are all in the same color palette, they get along. I love the look, the textures and the variety of styles.

I even have an extremely heavy Antique Cash Register in our home. I seem to be drawn to the “unusual” and it was gold…I mean do you blame me? So it was love at first sight and it was an incredible deal. I got it not knowing where it would go, but I had to go with my gut and get it. I think it looks great where it ended up. It’s always a conversation piece and I’m so glad I didn’t leave it behind.

Our loft has a Bohemian/Moroccan flair. I have a muted gold color on the walls, with denim couches. Alone, these colors may be considered bold but I have layered the room with metallics and whites. While I have denim couches and a gunmetal coffee table, I also have a collection of vintage trunks and suitcases, as well as antique birdcages scattered throughout the room. Giving the space an eclectic feel and character you just can’t get from new and modern decor.

 

 

A group of old glass bottles in a rustic crate sits atop a galvanized shelving unit. Everywhere you look there is something of interest. Again, layering is the key.

 

Even adding small touches can create a cozy feel to a corner. Over the years I’ve collected old silver salt and pepper shakers. I grouped them under a cloche type piece and placed them near a “modern” concrete planter. I think the combo works really well!

So next time you wonder if you can mix Vintage with Modern…ask yourself “Why Not”? 🙂 I hope this has inspired you to try something a little different. I’d love to see what you do. Follow me on Instagram and tag me so I can see it, or leave a comment below!
Have a good one!

~Holli