Home Décor Goes Vintage

From clothing and jewelry to artwork and prints to furniture, there has been an explosion in interest in all things vintage.  There are technical differences between antiques and vintage items, but in general, vintage is about digging through the past and pulling out the gems.  It could be an art deco couch from the 1930s or retro lounge chair from the 1970s.  Jane Hall, premiere designer and owner of Jane Hall: Voice of Style, says, “I love the concept of homeowners using vintage furniture for a number of reasons.  It’s green design and quite frankly built to last.”

AGBeat, a leading real estate industry news site, recently asked Hall for some tips that will allow homeowners to create a welcoming, comfortable, and chic vintage look in their homes.  Virtually any home can incorporate vintage elements.  “There are many decorating styles that lend themselves to vintage furniture,” Hall says.  “I would recommend readers to do some research about what era they are trying to achieve before going out and throwing anything in the back of their car.”  Developing some sort of plan about the look you want to accomplish will help keep you on task when you are shopping, saving you both time and money.

When searching for pieces in vintage stores and at yard sales, don’t look at the color or fabric as much as the shape and style of the piece itself.  Say, for instance, you find a great set of dining chairs from the 1950s.  They have an elegant, retro silhouette but the woodwork is marred and the upholstery is ripped, ugly, or faded.  No problem.  The chairs are the foundation, and you can always update it with new fabric and finishes.  (You may want to make sure they are not very valuable chairs before you attack them with a paint brush!)

One easily accomplished vintage style is shabby chic.  Country and cottage style pieces are painted white and distressed.  If you wanted to create this look in the bedroom, for instance, you might select white distressed furniture or distress some yourself!  You then follow the look up with a creamy country-inspired comforter set, such as the Larissa Set from Southern Textiles.  The French vanilla color adds to the airy quality, while pops of red and gold accent colors, give you excellent contrast.

People are warming to vintage looks because they represent quality, durability, and lasting beauty.  Will it work in your home?  Absolutely!