Everything Old is New Again

When it comes to interior décor, balance and proportion is key. This also applies to style, texture, color, and shape. However, sometimes you don’t have the budget to spend on elegant furniture or fancy frames. The good news is that you can make something antique look and feel brand new. Although this may sound too good to be true, you’ll be surprised to learn that it’s all about how you style it.

Mixing your vintage pieces with modern furnishings is an excellent way to keep your room looking fresh, add depth and contrast, and eventually create balance.  While some propel would rather go for a specific style such as mid-century modern, French Country, Shabby Chic, and the likes,  combing different looks creates a unique space, not to forget showcase your style.

Here are some great tips on styling old with the new in a way that they easily blend and not clash.

Start with Your Room’s Architecture

The first thing you should consider before you try to mix modern with vintage is to evaluate your room’s architecture. If you live in a modern apartment, include an antique mirror, a Persian rug, or an antique chandelier to create a sense of warmth and add in some history. If you live in a house built in the last century, incorporate modern accessories, rugs, and lighting to bring in a modern touch.

Add Vintage Items as Focal Points

If your living room has a modern look, add a few antique elements as conversation pieces. This could be an old trunk that becomes a side table or a vintage lamp. However, if your home has a traditional look, you could add in modern decorations as focal elements.

Accentuate with White

White on doors, linens, molding and trim is a perfect way to give an outdated room a modern balance.  Dark wood floors with white accents or blending the soft wood tones of older furniture will make any room pop. You can also add stainless steel finishes to your kitchen to achieve a similar effect.

Repurpose Old Items

You can mix old chairs with modern ones around your dining table, use wood from the barn as fireplace mantel, or use an old paned window as a frame for your family photos. These small changes incorporate two distinctive styles that seamlessly blend in together.

Avoid Using Too Much Color

A neutral or white backdrop is a great way to showcase your key pieces of accessories and furniture.  Combing old and new items can sometimes cause a busy feeling. To prevent this, avoid using too many colors.  You could add a vintage rabble next to neutral tiles and white walls to make the table a focal point. If you love colors and you’d rather combine contemporary pieces with modern items, go for pieces that have contemporary colors.

Old doesn’t Always Mean Antique

Sometimes you may like to believe that old pieces automatically mean antique. Nevertheless, certain items are too old and need to be refurbished.  You can update rusted handles, reupholster faded fabric, or remove old chipped paint. This will give your old pieces a fresh look and will fit in better in a modern setting.

Layers and Texture Mix your aged pieces with silky textures and unblemished surfaces. You could also add a new silk cushion to an old leather chair. Framed pictures on a colored wall can help contrast antique style furnishing.

When a room has too much vintage décor, it looks outdates. On the flipside, too much new décor, and you end up with a sterile look. For this reason, it’s essential to strike a balance between the old and new. The above tips will help you achieve the right balance.