It’s in with the old, and out with the new! That’s kind of how the saying goes, right? It may be the modern age, but older styles are anything but outdated. In the interior design industry, it seems that past trends may be trendier than ever these days. Period pieces, vintage textiles, and renovated furniture deck the halls of carefully styled homes. If you’re wondering how people are turning their grandma’s 1970s décor into a display of immaculate taste, we’d like to introduce you to vintage eclectic interior design.
Vintage eclectic style refers to combining furniture and artwork of different eras, textures, patterns, and colors to create a uniquely modern aesthetic. This mix of contemporary and antique creates a comforting, eye-catching home that many people have come to adore. If you’re looking to refresh your living space, take a step into the past and enjoy these six tips to crafting the perfect vintage eclectic style in your home.
Get Thrifty
It’s no secret that renovations can come with a hefty price tag. Shopping for furniture, art, and interior décor can quickly get expensive. Our recommended approach? Start slow and opt for pre-loved pieces. Thrift stores, antique shops, and vintage markets have tons of great finds at an often discounted price. Pay attention to the quality and condition of the item before making your purchase. What is it made of? Does it require renovation? If so, is it worth the investment? Asking these questions can help you find items that look great and last longer.
Mix and Match
Don’t be afraid to play with pairings that you normally wouldn’t put together. Clashing colors? Patterns on patterns? Rustic chairs paired with a polished table? Achieving a true vintage eclectic style will most likely require you to get a little uncomfortable as you experiment with what works and what doesn’t. Go ahead and put the velvet sofa right on top of the '70s style rug, right next to that bright yellow ottoman you love for some reason. See what happens. The great thing about trying something new with home décor? It’s all reversible. Unless you’re painting the walls or tearing up the floors, anything you put down that you don’t like can simply be picked up and moved elsewhere. Just like magic. Have fun and take risks. It can lead you to styles that you’ve never known you love!
Think Timeless
The key to achieving an eclectic but cohesive style is paying attention to pieces that won’t go out of style. Think about furniture that looks just as impressive now as it did when it first became popular. Consider tuxedo or Chesterfield sofas, leather lounge chairs, classic wooden dressers, and sleek side tables. The benefit of collecting timeless furniture is exactly what one would imagine – you won’t have to renovate your house as often, and you’ll feel satisfied with the modernity of your space for longer. Once you’ve gotten the basics, feel free to play around with trendy patterns, colors, and statement pieces throughout the space. Style is all relative. Fill your home with furniture that you won’t get tired of.
Go Neutral
To create a room that is eye-grabbing without being overwhelming, consider starting with a neutral base. Neutral colors are those that are not too monotone but not too intense. Colors such as ivory, blush, light blue, cognac, camel, heather gray, and beige allow pops of color to stand out without disrupting the pleasant, cohesive look you’re aiming for. Try to keep the major focal points of your room (couches, tables, dressers) within this color scheme. Once the neutral base is set, it’s time to play around. Start adding colorful throw pillows, patterned rugs and blankets, bright curtains, and textured armchairs to liven up the space. You can always include colorful rugs, throw pillows, blankets, and curtains to add depth and a pop of color to the room. This is where the eclectic personality of your home will really shine. Add funky accents, vases, statues, and paintings to bring your décor to life.
Remember The Modern
Remember that vintage eclectic interior style is a mix between the old and the new. It can be easy to get excited about all the cool vintage finds, but don’t forget to add the personal modern touch that makes the space your own. Add in sleek designs and metal accents. Consider lamps with built in USB ports for easy device charging. Let Alexa have her place on the kitchen island. Your mid-century coffee table and fluted nightstands don’t take away from the vintage vibe – they make it totally yours. Ultimately, interior design is about making it what you love! A house you're proud of never goes out of style.
