A Walkthrough of Combining Vintage and Modern Styling

If you love it in your soul, it can never be out of style.

The quote above is something I featured on my instagram page not too long ago. It's my own personal quote, and I promise you, if you hold true to it, your home will always feel happy for you.

My favorite past time; combining vintage and modern styles in interior design. The juxtaposition of old and new adds a unique character to a room, giving it a sense of history and contemporary style at the same time. Successfully integrating these two styles requires careful planning, and here are some of my tips on how to create a harmonious blend of vintage and modern elements in any space.

The first step is to define which vintage elements you want to incorporate into your interior design. Retro furniture, antique décor pieces, and vintage art are only a few examples. However, too much of a good thing can be overwhelming, and adding too many vintage elements risks making your space look like a museum. Instead, consider choosing a few special vintage pieces that stand out and mix them with modern furniture, lighting, and accessories for a balanced look.  Yesssss.

When it comes to combining vintage and modern styles, color palettes are essential. I tend to opt for neutral backgrounds, such as beige or white, and then I add pops of vintage colors, like mustard yellows or emerald greens, throughout the space. This creates a harmonious balance between the old and new materials. Pay attention to texture and pattern as well. Mixing a vintage rug with a streamlined modern sofa can create a cozy and contemporary vibe at the same time!

Another way to harmoniously blend vintage and modern styles is by emphasizing contrasts in your design.  I love contrast, as we know.  A vintage chandelier can look fantastic when paired with sleek modern furniture. This contrast can make each element stand out in its way, creating a unique and eye-catching look that is both vintage and modern. A modern lamp could also be paired with an antique floor mirror or vintage artwork to create a similar contrast.

When you combine these elements, remember that lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting the vintage and modern mix. Good lighting can create an ambiance in the room and highlight different elements of your design. For instance, modern pendant lighting can be used with a vintage table setting to create a timeless and modern space. Good lighting should also showcase texture and detail while creating a warm ambiance in the room.

Mixing vintage and modern pieces can be united through cohesive styling. Add finishing touches, such as art, textiles, or accessories, that work together to create a harmonious style. Strive for a mix of design elements that show the beauty of vintage and modern design combined, and avoid too much clutter that will make the space appear overloaded.  Find common veins like a colour that presents itself in both your vintage and modern pieces.  That is a good tie to bind them.

I really believe that combining vintage and modern styles in interior design consists of carefully selecting and balancing various design elements. Consider the vintage pieces you want to add, opt for a neutral base, highlight contrasts, use good lighting, and create cohesive styling. This combination creates a unique and stylish space that blends today's and yesterday's aesthetics. Mixing up both styles makes for an interior space that is both comfortable, enigmatic, and elegant. Triple win!

xo

K

Hiring a Designer for Just One Day Can Help!

Interior design is an important aspect of how we live and work. We know that the spaces we occupy affect us profoundly, and we strive to make our surroundings as pleasing and functional as possible. However, many people might not think of hiring an interior designer as a one-time consultant, and it’s SO beneficial!

One of the main benefits of hiring me for just one day is the expert advice that I can provide. Interior designers are trained professionals who have extensive knowledge about the field of design. They understand colour theory, spatial layouts, furniture placement, lighting, and more. By hiring an interior designer for just one day, you can get access to this knowledge and also learn along the way.

Bringing in a designer for a day can be a great way to get quick solutions to design problems. Whether you need help choosing a paint colour, rearranging furniture, or creating a new layout, an interior designer can provide you with the guidance you need. They can offer suggestions and ideas that you may not have considered, and they can help you make decisions quickly and efficiently.

So many people assume that hiring an interior designer is expensive, but that's not necessarily true. By hiring an interior designer for a day, you can get the help you need without committing to a long-term contract or paying high fees. This can be a cost-effective way to get expert advice.

Hiring an interior designer for just one day can be a great way to get expert advice, quick solutions, and cost-effective assistance. By hiring a professional to help with your interior design needs, you can create a more functional and appealing living environment, as well as increase the value of your home. So, if you're in need of some design assistance, I’m available to help!

xo

K

Five No-Fail Vintage or Antique Pieces to Invest In.

To add visual interest to your home, be sure to add vintage and antique elements to your decor. Here's how!

It's always important to remember that if you're decorating your home, visual interest is gained when you use contrast and when you add the unexpected into your decor. I'm including five suggestions for items that you may not consider using from the vintage or antique era of design, but give them a second thought.

As a Niagara-based interior designer, it is not at all difficult for me to find and source vintage and antique items, and I can help you, too. You can also read my blog post here on for some helpful tips on what to look for.

Art.

If you love it, and it’s an original, buy it. Art never steers you wrong. Whether it’s a pencil sketch, an acrylic or oil, or even quilting or hand carving, you’ve hit the lottery with your purchase and you’ll have a lifetime of enjoyment displaying your find.

Lamps.

Solid metal, solid wood, artistic, floor standing, tabletop, sconces; the sky is the limit. As long as the electrical is intact and working, a substantial vintage or antique lamp will give any room just the right amount of boost and interest without being overwhelming. Further? It’s a necessary piece in most rooms. Especially your living rooms and bedrooms.

An Accessory Chair

Yes. Finding one sturdy and beautiful chair that has either intact original upholstery, or well done updated upholstery gives your space a fresh and interesting feel without overwhelming your room with the Grama’s Parlor vibes. One key vintage armchair sprinkled into your modern sectional sofa’s domain makes for an excellent bit of contrast. (Featuring my recently reupholstered Yeti chair)

Area rugs.

Purely said, vintage/antique rugs are simply an amazing piece of art that you feature in your room. They’re deceptively hardy, shockingly handy when made from natural materials, and they’re gorgeous. Hundreds of hours go into making handmade rugs, and they anchor your space and create your foundation of decor. You can read more about rugs in my blog post here.

Kitchenware.

Yes of course you want to have a nice set of silverware and plates and amazing kitchen appliances… but can I TELL you how nice a vintage nutmeg grinder is? Or maybe a couple of nice pieces of Pyrex? Cast iron pans, bake ware, you just cannot go wrong. There are reasons that vintage and antique kitchen items are still around. It’s because they were quality and built to last. Treat yourself to something old for your kitchen. You won’t regret it.

Most of all, have fun with your choices. Pick what "feels like you" and use your things wisely and prominently. Do you already have great vintage or antique pieces? I'd love to hear about it.

Talk soon,

xo

K