Vintage Modern Mix – Five months ago I packed up my life in Minneapolis with vague plans to head west. I needed a change and had a rare life opportunity to focus on myself and my career which led me to the sunny city of LA after a month and a half at Airbnb. given a set of keys, and just like that, I had my own first planted-upsolo apartment.
After the celebratory champagne pop, it dawned on me that I have to decorate the place. My past two apartments were basically giant rectangular lofts and this one had rooms. Four large, empty, incredibly charming rooms for sure. And I had to figure out how to provide it, and for the first time in my adult life, I just had to remember in the process.
Vintage Modern Mix
Decorating my new LA home has been a journey of self-discovery. I learned that the minimalist Scandi style of the past is actually more of my former sense than me. I actually like the color and the eccentricity. I embrace the challenge of mixing and matching pieces to create a style that feels like my own.
How To Decorate Your Home By Mixing Modern, Classic, And Vintage Pieces
But how does one actually do it? How can you design a home that feels eclectic and unique but still feels upscale and, well, elegant? That is my mission, and I am very excited to share with you all how I approach the design process of self-discovery.
When you get a new home, there are some important pieces that you need right away. Sofas, tables, and beds, to name a few. For these pieces, it is often easiest to shop at modern and designer stores. One, because the West Elms and CB2s world is fast so when you are handed a set of keys and realize you don’t have a bed, the problem can be solved in less than a day. And two, these simple, modern pieces help create a basic background so that when you start mixing in pieces with more personality (ie vintage) you don’t end up in a home that looks straight out of the 60s. It’s all about balance friends.
Right after getting the keys to that apartment, I browsed Articles to find the perfect sofa for my new space. While I already have one leather sofa, I really like the Cube Quartz Sofa and have to have it. In my opinion, it is the perfect no-fuss, gorgeous yet comfortable couch. Not to mention that it has all these design details that actually make it feel special in any space.
I also took a risk on their green daybed for my bedroom, because honestly, who doesn’t want a green velvet daybed? After managing to have three couches (this girl loves her chair) I added a dining table from CB2 and a bed from IKEA to the collection and I then created a basic canvas.
Antique Modern Mix
Now that you have your essentials, it’s time to mix in some eclectic pieces with lots of personality. Lucky for me, LA is full of flea markets to shop for some amazing vintage items. However, I also developed a mild addiction to shopping at Chairish for pieces. Two of my favorite purchases came out of Chairish: my large 80s resin coffee table and a small rattan bench, both of which are happily residing in my living room.
Chairs are also a great way to add personality to any space, and many vintage sets are great. I found my dining chair on Craigslist for $100 (!!!) and recovered the chair in black canvas to make it a bit more elevated and modern looking. Often, vintage shopping is all about seeing the potential in a piece. It’s also just about a little elbow grease (a.k.a. paint). I found an old table in the alley behind my apartment and after a fresh coat of black paint, it is now a small bar in my dining room.
My dining room (slash office, let’s be honest) got the boost of color it needed with a gorgeous Frances Loom rug. I will totally admit here that Kate turned me on to Frances Loom rugs. Apparently her love for them is contagious!
A great way to add personality to your space is with lighting. This is often something that we all forget, especially when renting, but it is a total game changer! When I first moved into this apartment there was a huge gaudy chandelier hanging in the dining room. As soon as I replaced it with my Workstead lamp, the room instantly changed and was instantly more “me”.
Living Room Design Vintage And Modern Mix With Plenty Of Plants In Sunny Atmosphere Stock Photo
This is the part that I, I have to admit, was really bad at. How to make a space feel cozy and live in? Beat me. But with a little help from the W&D team, I learned that the key here is three things: art, plants, and textiles.
I want all textiles to add a comfortable yet luxurious feel to any room. And I was lucky enough to find a handful of amazing pieces by some amazing brands. I added color and velvet to the living room with these gorgeous throw pillows by Heidi Merrick. I love being able to use it in front of the fire in the evening (yes, I have a fire, even in L.A.) with a good book and a glass of wine.
Last but not least, the bedroom got a big textile makeover thanks to The Citizenry. The rug and all the throw pillows from the store are gorgeous. I want my bedroom to feel relaxed while maintaining as much personality as the rest of the house, so I stuck with neutral colors in this more intimate space, but I love how much pattern and texture all these extra pieces add to the room.
I once read an interview with an artist talking about the process of decorating her home and personal living space. I remember him using a wooden crate as a nightstand and the interviewer asked him about it. He simply replied, “I use a crate out of necessity. I haven’t found the right nightstand that I like and refuse to buy one until I do.
Inside A 1959 Vintage Mid Century Modern Utopia
It’s 1000% okay to take your time and process and get comfortable with that empty space in your home. I still have a bit more to do with my place, but I’m just going to wait until I find the right piece for sure. I have found that the hunt is worth it.
That, in essence, is my home decor motto. It’s 1000% okay to take your time and process and get comfortable with that empty space in your home. I still have a bit more to do with my place, but I’m just going to wait until I find the right piece for sure. I have found that the hunt is worth it. Because in the end, making a home and sanctuary for yourself makes it worth while.
Madelynn is a Creative based in Los Angeles, California. She started her blog Wide Eyed Legless in 2010 with the intention of building a simpler, smarter wardrobe, home, and life. Through WEL, a full-time career in art direction, and her own personal experiences she has developed an insatiable urge to discover, create, and inspire.
Thank you for being here. To be open to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and fellow human beings! I look forward to talking with you. Combining different design styles can make your home truly unique and personal. You can give it a bit more character by combining vintage and modern elements to add an otherworldly charm to a bland room. Here are some tips to get you started.
How To Mix Vintage Decor Into A Modern Home
Another home doesn’t have to be a museum of the past or have a sterile futuristic vibe. It should maintain its function as you and your family’s living room. Avoid going overboard by filling every corner with collections and memorabilia, which can interfere with the comfort and functionality of your home.
The key is to strike a balance. A room can have vintage wallpaper or reclaimed wood floors paired with modern lighting and furniture. Reusing this floor is very trendy – with a market value of $49.27 billion in 2020 – and is the perfect material to add a historic touch.
Let the elements speak to one another by putting them together. Place a sleek modern sofa next to a vintage coffee table or brighten up a classic portrait with a contemporary light fixture.
Maintaining a cohesive color palette will ensure harmony when blending designs. Neutral tones are a safe bet, allowing vintage and modern pieces to shine without clashing.
Home Decor Ideas
Add elements that bridge the gap between old and new, like vintage chairs reupholstered in modern fabrics. Find a centerpiece for the room and keep the rest low-key so it stands out more and makes your home look more cohesive.
Combine modern technology subtly, but do