Imagine stepping into a world of timeless elegance and nostalgic charm right within the comfort of your own home. If you find yourself yearning to create a space that exudes classic appeal and transports you to bygone eras, I can guide you in the right direction. Here are five easy ways to infuse your living space with vintage charm, creating historical character that will delight both you and your guests.
Colour Your World
Nothing can transform a space more than colour—and instantly. When selecting your colour palette look no further than Farrow and Ball. With their collection of historic hues you can’t go wrong, especially if you love English Country House style. Benjamin Moore also has an extensive historic colour collection that designers use religiously. Moody blues and greens, buttery yellow to ochres and peachy pinks to cranberry crimsons will definitely deliver vintage appeal in a big way.
Wrap Your Walls
Wallpaper is definitely back and today’s market is flooded with unbelievable new designs. There are plenty of traditional motifs to choose from, along with a grand scale florals and highly texturized papers that offer a contemporary vibe. Exotic murals that transport you to far away lands are also wildly popular. Don’t forget the ceiling—we designers consider it the fifth wall!
Breathe New Life Into It
Take what’s old and make it new again. Yes, take your grandma’s sofa and give it new life by reupholstering it in a fabulous (and unexpected) contemporary fabric! You still get the vintage silhouette but now it is “traditional with a twist” and is interesting and unique. Have fun shopping secondhand at flea markets and consignment stores. You never know what you’ll find. Keep in mind that period furniture often has superior craftsmanship to the newer furniture of today. Last but not least, we all know that recycling is good for the planet, so find an old piece that is looking for a new home and let’s keep it out of the landfill.
Switch It Out
Time to get rid of your old lights? Consider replacing them with fixtures that evoke old work elegance. Add some some drama with a sparkling antique crystal chandelier or buy some vintage table lamps and recover the shades with your favourite fabric. Slip some mini shades over the bulbs on your existing wall sconces for a charming detail. In general, select fixtures with finishes like un-lacquered brass or bronze and opt for metals that have an aged look or beautiful patina from over the years.
Just Layer It
Embrace your inner maximalist—don’t hold back! It’s all about the layering of patterns and prints, colours and textures. So go ahead and layer those pillows on the sofa and don’t forget the tassels. Another great idea is to collect some vintage paintings and create your own art gallery wall. You can mix and match subject matters, mediums and frame styles. A home that is layered and carefully collected is always a good idea.
Incorporating vintage charm into your home is a gratifying journey that marries nostalgia with contemporary comfort. By utilizing these five accessible methods, you can turn your living spaces into time capsules of beauty and character, offering an embrace of the past while living fully in the present.
Vanessa Ferro is the Principal of Vanessa Ferro Design, a boutique interior design firm based in the Toronto area. She is one of the only designers in the region who specializes in the restoration, design and reimagination of century homes, while infusing new homes with old world originality.
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