When it comes to decorating a home, there are a number of styles to choose from. Vintage or contemporary, art deco or minimalist, shabby chic or industrial; the choices never end. While some of these styles can be distinguished by trends, others are marked by the time periods they reflect. Styles such as antique, vintage, retro and contemporary fall into the latter category. Here, age is the key determinant with condition and quality being other factors to consider. The terms antique, vintage and retro are often misunderstood and used interchangeably. However, each term has a unique definition.
The dictionary defines the term antique as ’a relic or object of ancient times’. In home décor this refers to artefacts that are at least a hundred years old. Hence a style cannot be termed as antique and this can refer only to décor artefacts and furniture pieces. Though antiques are not modern, they are often considered to be collectibles. This makes antiques an expensive affair.
Vintage however is a term used to define both artefacts and interior styles. Almost all antiques can also be valued as vintage, but not everything that is vintage can be considered antique. For an artefact to be classified as vintage, it must firstly be over 20 years old. Along with its age it should also be a style that is definitive of the era it belongs to, and should display the best qualities of that era. A couch that is representative of the art deco era from the 1930’s can be said to be vintage though it will not be an antique.
The basic difference between retro and vintage is that, an item does not have to be old to be classified as retro. Retro is a term that does not relate directly to artefacts but is used to define a style as a whole. Retro style home interiors are a resurrection of interior styles that were popular a few decades ago. It includes furniture, colour schemes, lighting etc. When an outdated style becomes fashionable again it is termed as retro. For example, a lamp designed today in the style of the 1960s can be said to be retro even though it is brand new. Vintage on the other hand has no relationship with fashion, but is usually a classic style.
Vintage styles homes are warm, casual and inviting. This style can be incorporated in cottage style houses as well as lofts and apartments. Vintage décor is a result of binding together colours, patterns, fabrics, furniture and trims reminiscent of a particular design era. Fireplaces are the most well known signature of vintage style homes. For the living room, you could use a vintage furniture set or mix and match vintage furniture with more contemporary pieces. Enamel and chrome finished crockery act as beautiful highlights in a vintage kitchen. To accentuate this, consider chequered curtains and a farmhouse sink. Delicate wood or metal framed beds are perfect for vintage bedrooms. Along with furniture match your bedspread and throw cushions to the design era you want your home to represent. Flooring in vintage homes is usually dominated by ceramic tiles while almost all vintage style homes feature incandescent lights for an authentic look.
Vintage furniture can either be found at auctions, flea markets or in your grand parent’s garages. Vintage furniture pairs well with all styles of interior design. Every piece of vintage furniture has a story attached to it, and this makes such furniture an easy and effective way to add character to a space. Wing chairs, sideboards, ottomans, headboards and rocking chairs are common vintage furniture pieces. Giving the wood a patina or whitewashed finish and reupholstering furniture to make it stand out in your home, are good ways to update a vintage piece of furniture.
When choosing vintage furniture, understand the characteristics of each era of design and choose pieces that truly represent those characteristics. For example, furniture in the 1950s was low profiled, made in teak wood and featured tapered legs. Ideally stick to one time period when choosing a décor style. Take a clue from the stunning swing which is the garden highlight of a Mumbai residence designed by The Ashleys.
Accessorizing a home in vintage style is budget friendly, since most vintage accessories are a result of DIY projects. For example, vintage funnels can be easily transformed into candle stands. Wicker or wire baskets are old vintage accessories that can be used in kitchens, bathrooms or even dens. A vintage chandelier is a must have for every home designed in such a style. This chandelier can either be bought as it is, or crafted out of vintage wine barrels etc. Leather suitcases and vanity cases that belong to the bygone era make for interesting cabinets when mounted on a wall.
When decorating a house in a vintage style, choose a classic colour palette. The first step to choosing a vintage colour scheme for your home is to understand the different design eras and the colours associated with them. Old photographs, magazines, advertisements and movie posters are good sources of inspiration when choosing a vintage colour palette. Use these to determine a primary colour, and then build a story around it. A vintage colour scheme rarely includes bright colours and when they do, the shades are heavily de-saturated. Rose, teal, olive green and neutrals are common foundations for a vintage colour palette. Gold and antique silver also usually finds a place in vintage colour schemes.
Complete your vintage home décor with handmade accessories. Embroidered, knitted and crocheted throws, cushions and coasters are highly symbolic of vintage home decor. Glass or metal containers are a close second. Movie posters and advertisements make for ideal wall décor for vintage interiors. Don’t forget the table lamps and wall sconces. Lastly, look for off white or pastel lace curtains to complete the look. Here is another ideabook to inspire you further - Back to the 70’s! Fun vintage interior ideas.
