With the recent trend for all things retro, I thought IÂ’d share my thoughts on this quick and easy guide to creating a picture-perfect vintage chic home interior:
1. Planning
Think grannyÂ’s home in the 60s and 70s with floral motifs and lace tablecloths.
There are no hard and fast rules on what makes for a vintage look. Generally, the furnishing includes antiques, second-hand furniture or new pieces deliberately ‘distressed’ to look used. This means reinventing vintage items and giving them new life.
2. Key Pieces
Whimsical designs ranging from crystal chandeliers, floral fabrics, old-fashioned lampshades, wrought-iron furniture, comfortable armchairs, candles, recycled accessories and offbeat ideas like using an old teapot to hold fresh flowers. ThereÂ’s no running away from wallpaper, furs and curtains if youÂ’re going for the European vintage look.
3. Color: Light vs Dark
Personally, I like to opt for light colors like white and cream as they evoke a more breezy and casual touch. ItÂ’s also the classic base palette of the vintage look. This color is also easy to work on since you donÂ’t have to worry about clashing color. Alternatively, rich and darker color like burgundy, purple, black with gold accents can also character to the room.
4. Cheap & Chic
The key to a bona fide vintage look is, well, vintage pieces. As such, youÂ’ll need to include second-hand pieces which do not break the bank.
5. Coordination Rules
There are practically no rules on putting the pieces together. However, it is important to visualize the impact of all your mismatched bits and pieces when placed together. While we are not talking Stepford Wives perfection, it helps to create a theme or motif that recurs throughout the space. For instance, pick a family of colors and vary them subtly. Using white as an example, weÂ’d be looking at egg shell, cream, caramel etc.
6. Where to Shop
Anywhere! From ebay to antique malls and flea markets, the important rule is to know what you want but be flexible to adapt when necessary. If doubt sets in, do not commit to a purchase.
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Whimsical Pink Tea Party Chandelier Teapot/Teacups $300.00 |
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Brand New Lighting One 5 Light Hanging Teapot Chandelier Shades Included! $199.99 |
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WHIMSICAL TEAPOT, CUP AND SAUCER THREE LIGHT CHANDELIER $139.99 |
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Pink Chandelier Teapot So Shabby $9.99 |
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Rosanna Platinum Chandeliers Teapot, Gift-boxed $34.95 Shimmering with sophistication, these Platinum Chandelier Silver Dessert Plates and Tea Service are sure to set your table aglow with its platinum-colored chandelier design. Each piece of this set is sold separately: plates (in a set of 4 in assorted designs, 8 diameter), teacups and saucers (in a set of 4 each, 6oz.) and teapot (single, 60oz.). Comes packaged in a gift box. Not microwaveable.... |
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Rosanna Platinum Chandeliers Gift-boxed Teacups and Saucers, Set of 4 $40.00 Shimmering with sophistication, these Platinum Chandelier Silver Dessert Plates and Tea Service are sure to set your table aglow with its platinum-colored chandelier design. Each piece of this set is sold separately: plates (in a set of 4 in assorted designs, 8 diameter), teacups and saucers (in a set of 4 each, 6oz.) and teapot (single, 60oz.). Comes packaged in a gift box. Not microwaveable.... |
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Rosanna Chandeliers Tea Pot Includes 1 teapot. Let the hottest trend in porcelain design lighten up your table. High quality porcelain, microwave and dishwasher safe. Comes packed in beautiful gift box.... |
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Thistle Silouette Table Lamp Iron Ne Switch Rubbed Br $47.99 Product Summary: Lamps.... |
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Four Arm Table Lamp With Pleated Shade Steel Ife 16 X 12 X 7 Set Of 2 $225.99 Product Summary: Lamps.... |
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Buffet Lamp Ea 1 Flying Star/Horse Shoe Base 5/3 X 11/8 X 11 Rect Bell Gray Shade B Set Of 2 $76.99 Product Summary: Lamps.... |
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My Little Pony Ponyville Pinkie Pie's Balloon House $19.99 BALLON HOUSE playset features a light-up chandelier and three levels of fun pony play! Playset comes with PINKIE PIE and BLOSSOMFORTH pony Figureures, bed, table, seesaw, frog, vase, flower, 2 perfume bottles, bath brush, 2 sandwiches on plates, 2 cups and mail. Includes 2 AAA batteries. Ages 4 and up.Welcome to Pinkie Pie's Balloon House playset! This pretty pink balloon, right in the heart of Po... |
