Vintage Modern: What Does It Mean?
Objects With History Warm Up Clean Lines in Fresh, Eclectic Interiors
Becky Harris
18 January 2011
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
The phrase "Vintage Modern" has been floating around for at least five years, but what is it exactly? The fact that catalog companies have started using the phrase willy-nilly is not helping. I may not be able to clearly define it, but I know it when I see it. However, let's take a look at designers who have mastered the look and figure it out together.
For me, Victoria, a.k.a. sfgirlbybay, was the first design blogger to define this style. As she constantly shopped, scouted, rearranged her place and documented it all for our benefit, the style became ingrained in our brains. Here she pairs vintage tulip-style chairs a reader helped her find on Craigslist with some vintage schoolhouse pieces. Her polished wood floors and crisp white walls keep the look modern.
To put it simply, vintage modern mixes old and new. But the devil is in the details. As for old, patina plays a big role. These rusty industrial pendant lights as well as the metal counter stools and wood ladder bring the vintage; the crisp contemporary kitchen amenities bring the modern.
Work with an interior designer to create a vintage modern home of your own
Work with an interior designer to create a vintage modern home of your own
Another factor is color palette. A cheery green wallpaper, crisp white desk and clear glass keep things modern, while the cafe chair and the telephone bring on the vintage.
Scandanavian lands bring us lots of vintage modern style, and they have been since the Mid-Century Modern era. These wishbone chairs, tulip table and patterned drapes arranged in a clean fresh way make them vintage and modern at once.
Freshening up old furniture makes it modern. New fabric and a new coat of paint, combined with gray walls and a groovy ceramic lamp result in the look.
Repurposing industrial pieces is another way to mix elements. These pendant lights combined with a wood farm table and modern chairs in this contemporary space achieve the balance.
Illuminate your space with a contemporary pendant light
Illuminate your space with a contemporary pendant light
Many pieces can be vintage and modern at once. These pieces are icons from the eras of International Style and Mid-Century Modern.
Metal pieces used in a spare way can create the look. The vintage modern piece de resistance in this room is the use of the wire baskets on the wall.
Fresh shiny industrial pendants, a mix of chairs that include Bertioa wire side chairs, a farm table, Arts and Crafts wood trim and loads of natural light creates a vintage modern look.
Here the brick wall itself is vintage modern: It's an old material with a fresh coat of paint. The swing arm lamp and the print reinforce the vintage in this fresh space.
Iconic pieces can help bring the look. Here warm wood Cherner Chairs are arranged with a metal cabinet that looks like it came from a laboratory and modern artwork.
A modern-day Logico Lamp combined with vintage wood and metal counter stools, white walls and lots of natural light is vintage modern at its finest.
What does vintage modern mean to you? Which designers and design bloggers do you think exemplify the look?
What does vintage modern mean to you? Which designers and design bloggers do you think exemplify the look?
Related Stories
Kitchen Guides
10 Key Kitchen Dimensions You Need to Know
Here are key kitchen dimensions that will help you design like a pro
Full Story
More Room Guides
35 Serene Puja Room Designs
Take a leaf out of these elegantly designed, beautiful prayer rooms on Houzz
Full Story
Decorating Guides
What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer?
From furnishing working drawings to beautifying the home, find out how an interior designer plays multifunctional roles
Full Story
More Room Guides
Turn One Room Into Two With These Genius Ideas
Carve out an extra room within your home with these fab room-splitting tips and tricks
Full Story
Bedroom Guides
What Are the Ideal Wardrobe Measurements?
Here are dimensions for different types of wardrobe designs that ensure maximum functionality and storage
Full Story
Architecture
These Indian Homes Know How To Combat Harsh Climate
See how these homes by SPASM, Kumar Moorthy & Associates and JPLUSDARCHITECTS mitigate the ramifications of harsh climate ahead of time
Full Story
Architecture
How to Find an Architect That's Right for You
Make the construction and renovation of your home a pleasant and memorable journey by selecting the right architect
Full Story
Bathroom Guides
Step-by-Step: A Guide to Renovating Your Bathroom
Planning to renovate your bathroom? Learn about the different stages involved in the remodelling process
Full Story
Living Rooms
30 Best Sofa Designs
This guide gives a rundown of sofa types that will leave you spoilt for choices
Full Story
Small Spaces
7 Stylish Ways to Dry Your Laundry In a Small Apartment
Has your drying rack become a perpetual eyesore in your home? These dapper laundry drying solutions have you covered
Full Story
Take a look at some of my amazing finds!! https://www.etsy.com/shop/LillyQueenVintage