If you have an older home, you’re in luck. It’s the perfect showcase for a vintage style that will bring out the best of your home’s beauty. Let your imagination take you back in time, and follow these tips to get the look you want.
Pick An Era
First of all, define your era. Do you want the angles and deep colors of the fifties or the curved lines and bright tones of the sixties? Are you drawn to the feminine florals and pastels of cottage style or the bright, jazzy blues of a retro beach house? You may prefer a French farmhouse’s elegance or an American farmhouse’s dark colors and fine furniture.
The choice will help you concentrate on your decorating efforts. Many vintage items are utterly charming, and it’s easy to get distracted by those that don’t fit your chosen style, so try to stay on track. Ask someone else to help determine if your selections match the décor and fit your theme.
Soften The Edges
The hallmark of a modern home is clean-edged surfaces. A vintage home should be comfortable and inviting. Think about fabrics that will soften the edges and evoke your chosen period. Fluffy white rugs will give your sixties home a fun touch, while handmade quilts add warmth to farmhouse decor. Slipcovers are a hallmark of country and seaside cottage styles, so look for them in white cotton, denim, or vintage fabrics.
Accessories Are All
One or two well-placed accent pieces are all you need. Try a bright red coffeepot in your fifties-diner kitchen or a framed wildflower print for your cottage. Souvenir pillows are a wonderful way to evoke another time and place.
Don’t forget the essential accessory. A front door in your chosen style will anchor the whole look of your home and make a powerful first impression. New doors are a good investment because they will repay you over time with the chosen style.
Let Light In
In earlier times, wide-open windows were used to cool, ventilate, and let light in. You can get windows that mimic the look of different eras and get a truly authentic look for your home. Places like RWC Windows, Doors & More can help you select from different styles that look like they came from your chosen era.
Styling your vintage house doesn’t require a complete overhaul, just a few small touches. Get the basics in place and have fun hunting for your furniture and accessories. Scour flea markets, yard sales, and online stores. It’s a chance to let your creativity out to play. The result will be a house you’ll be proud to call home.
