Decorating Guides
10 Ways to Bring the Vintage Look Into Your Home
Who says old-school is boring? These timeless accessories bring just the right amount of contrast and drama into a space
With a few minor tweaks, you can now revel in the old-fashioned look for your home. These makeovers and remodelling ideas with the help of bygone accessories are all inspired from modern-day design practices. From vintage clocks and phones to bedazzling chandeliers, it’s all here!
1. Antique clocks on your walls accentuate the vintage feel. This rustic brick wall from the home designed by Aamir and Hameeda Associates features multiple clocks placed together and is an eye-catcher. The clock-face or dial is beautifully dated and creates a good contrast to the industrial look of the room. If multiple clocks seem a bit much, you can consider adding a longcase (grandfather) clock to a strategic place in the room.
2. And why restrict yourself to just the antique clock? Decorate that corner or a side table with a classic typewriter! Unlike burly ones, this miniature typewriter is a quirky piece that adds loads of style to the vintage look.
3. This colonial period bedside table is crafted from fine wood and features etched tulips. The embossed colours are subtle and yet prominent in the dark wood. The pedestal design focusses on little details like brass knobs on the drawers and etching on the legs. A practical piece of furniture for storing your television remotes or your favourite books.
4. For spacious and roomier homes like this one by Dipen Gada and Associates, a wooden swing or a jhoola evokes the vintage feel perfectly.
The highlight of this living room is the swing, which is placed indoors rather than on the porch or the veranda. It hangs from the ceiling supported by decorative iron support. The Aztec paint motif adds a dash of colour and is complemented by a similar style of carving on the backrest. Cushions and a comfy mat are added to assure body support.
The highlight of this living room is the swing, which is placed indoors rather than on the porch or the veranda. It hangs from the ceiling supported by decorative iron support. The Aztec paint motif adds a dash of colour and is complemented by a similar style of carving on the backrest. Cushions and a comfy mat are added to assure body support.
5. Here is another way to use wall space to don your passion for everything retro.
This modern bedroom by Moriq Interiors utilises the wall behind the bed to underscore the vintage feel. The iron and distressed wood photo-frames of all shapes and sizes are cleverly put together to create a unique accent wall.
Tip: Why leave them blank? Take a drive down the memory lane by adding pictures of family and friends.
This modern bedroom by Moriq Interiors utilises the wall behind the bed to underscore the vintage feel. The iron and distressed wood photo-frames of all shapes and sizes are cleverly put together to create a unique accent wall.
Tip: Why leave them blank? Take a drive down the memory lane by adding pictures of family and friends.
6. One of the most versatile furniture pieces that has been passed down from the vintage era to the modern times is the chest. Also referred to as the ark, cassone or even coffer, this humble box was a compact-warehouse cum locker box for most traditional homes.
As seen in this Goan home by The Orange Lane, it can be used for storing your sheets, cushion covers, and if placed cleverly it doubles as the coffee table too. The Indian-vintage inspired chest usually features exquisite carvings along with metal handles that add drama (and makes it easily portable too).
See more of this Goa home
As seen in this Goan home by The Orange Lane, it can be used for storing your sheets, cushion covers, and if placed cleverly it doubles as the coffee table too. The Indian-vintage inspired chest usually features exquisite carvings along with metal handles that add drama (and makes it easily portable too).
See more of this Goa home
The metal-inspired, embellished chest makes a style-statement as the vintage centrepiece for this room designed by Spasm Architects.
See more of this Ahmedabad home
See more of this Ahmedabad home
7. Replace modern chandeliers with period lights like it’s done in this living room. The designer has cleverly spaced out two dark-brown iron fixtures at different heights – the high-low placement is eye-catching and adds depth to the space.
See more of this Hyderabad home
See more of this Hyderabad home
This space is picture perfect with its contemporary staircase and steel balustrade, in the backdrop of a chic dining table. But the vintage chandelier clearly is the eye-catcher.
The designer uses not one but three chandeliers with brass finish of varying size. They are cleverly placed high on the ceiling so they add a decorative touch to not only the dining area, but they illuminate the staircase too. The flower-like motif that stems from the faceted arms exudes a classic charm.
The designer uses not one but three chandeliers with brass finish of varying size. They are cleverly placed high on the ceiling so they add a decorative touch to not only the dining area, but they illuminate the staircase too. The flower-like motif that stems from the faceted arms exudes a classic charm.
8. Pedestal fans today are sleek, light and swift. The vintage ones were rather heavy and supported by iron legs sometimes.
A cozy porch space is created indoors by Aamir and Hameeda Associates here by using rustic wooden tables and chairs. The pedestal fan sits in the corner and as you may have guessed from the wire attached – it is functional and working perfectly!
A cozy porch space is created indoors by Aamir and Hameeda Associates here by using rustic wooden tables and chairs. The pedestal fan sits in the corner and as you may have guessed from the wire attached – it is functional and working perfectly!
9. You cannot think vintage without having a rocking chair in the house. Like in this room by Purple Backyard, they add a sense of sometimes play, sometimes seriousness and is ideal for relaxing with a book or a kindle!
The lightly cushioned rocking chair can be placed in your study, living room or even at your veranda.
The lightly cushioned rocking chair can be placed in your study, living room or even at your veranda.
10. Who says vintage is all about dark wood and stable shades? This living room is all about vibrant hues that somehow evoke a yesteryear feel. The new blends with the vintage accessories and patterns. The dark-wood centre table and cream couch give a break from the colour symphony. The vintage styled cushions jazz up the floor space and sofa.
Bonus tip: Make your own DIY vintage area in the hallway. The antique clock, old-style luggage, and classical light fixture say it all. The quaint wooden bench tops off the look.
Read more:
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements to Your Contemporary Home
Houzz Tour: Minimalism Meets Vintage in This Bangalore Holiday Home
Tell us: Do you have any doubts about bringing vintage items into your home? Share in Comments below.
Read more:
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements to Your Contemporary Home
Houzz Tour: Minimalism Meets Vintage in This Bangalore Holiday Home
Tell us: Do you have any doubts about bringing vintage items into your home? Share in Comments below.