Interior design in vintage style

What is vintage?

Today the phrase "vintage style" is used mainly as a designation of something ancient, but at the same time of high quality and beautiful. In fact, the original meanings did not concern beauty or decor at all.

Vintage (from French vintage) is a good vintage wine of a certain age. The British call the process of grape harvesting by the same word.

In the context of fashion, style, design, old, well-preserved things are called vintage (however, a reference to aged drinks has also been preserved here).

It is the "exposure", or rather the age of vintage-style items, that distinguishes them from retro... The second word is called modern antique imitation. By the way, the era is another difference between vintage and retro style. In a general sense, vintage is older, covering the pre-war period (late XIX-early XX), retro - post-war, i.e. second half of XX. They also look different: vintage is still more classic style, while retro evolved along with bright art deco and modern modernity.

Style features

Vintage interiors have special differences that together form this direction.

Antique details

Vintage furniture and other furnishings from the past always have an interesting history behind them, which they convey to the surrounding space. Perhaps that is why vintage interiors in houses seem more lively, cozy, elegant, in contrast to the plastic fashion of the 2000s.

Natural materials

Since there were no artificial plastic and other analogues before the war, the interiors were filled with a real tree or vine, forged metal, natural textiles.

Aged items

A deliberate transformation of the elements to match the vintage style is not required, but antique worn things are necessary. At the same time, a shabby look is given not to a new, but initially to an old object - often during restoration, furniture or decor, functionality returns, after which the artist adds a "touch of time" with the help of paint and brush.

Take a look a selection of ideas for reworking Soviet furniture.

Color palette

Vintage cannot be called "flashy": calm, neutral colors are used in the interior design. White, beige, gray, colored light pastels.

Delicate shades in the decoration must be diluted with floral motifs: fabrics with a floral print are used for upholstery or decorative textiles (pillows, bedspreads, curtains), wallpaper is glued to the walls.

There should not be many colors, their task is to place accents.

What finishing materials are better to use?

To understand how a vintage interior should look like, it is enough to carefully consider the photographs of the rooms.

Ceiling

Standard white - whitewashed or dyed. Used for decoration stucco: cornices, rosettes, moldings, bas-reliefs.

Walls

For decoration, paint is used or wallpaper is glued. Monochromatic palette of colors prevails. Often decorated with horizontal moldings at a level of 100-120 cm from the floor.Wallpaper is acceptable with a simple print - horizontal (stripes), floral.

Floor

Oddly enough, but it is he who creates the vintage atmosphere. It is lucky if the apartment has old parquet - it is enough to cycle it, re-coat it with a protective agent and you can use it. If imitation is required, look for tiles or laminate with traces of scuffs.

In the photo there is a light decoration of the ceiling and moldings on the walls

Recommendations for the selection of vintage furniture, appliances and plumbing?

In order for the vintage in the interior of the apartment to turn out to be authentic, you will have to go around all flea markets, flea markets in the city, spend a lot of time looking for the necessary details on ad sites and in groups of like-minded people. But it's worth it!

Furniture

Characteristics common to all vintage style furniture:

1. Strength... Wooden cabinets, dressers made from an array.
2. Decorativeness... The products were decorated with carved details.
3. Epoch... If you are in doubt whether individual elements will fit each other, see the production date. Things made at the same time harmonize perfectly.

To prevent the apartment from looking like a museum, choose 1 main detail in each room, and select the rest for it:

• vintage bedroom guarantees wrought iron bed;
• wooden is appropriate in the kitchen buffet, sideboard;
• the living room in vintage style will be complemented by a massive chest or rocking chair.

Pictured is a vintage desktop

Technics

Since the main modern technique originated after the middle of the 20th century, vintage items are not provided in principle. So instead of styling a modern refrigerator or stovetop, just make sure it doesn't catch your eye.

In the kitchen, an installation is appropriate, in the living room the TV can also be hidden behind the doors - otherwise the plasma panel can destroy all the perception of style.

Santhenica

Fortunately, furnishing your bathroom and toilet is easy. Manufacturers have separate "vintage" lines, which include:

• foot baths;
• metal enameled sinks or porcelain on figured stands;
• toilets with high hanging cisterns;
• carved figured mixers.

A mirror in a beautiful copper frame and suitable accessories (holders for brushes, papers, shelves) will help to complement the atmosphere.

What decor and textiles can I use?

Adherents of vintage-style interiors should not neglect trifles like decor. Decorations transform the space and set the mood.

Great optionssuitable for the direction:

• porcelain tea set;
• napkins, tablecloths with delicate embroidery;
• family photos in beautiful frames;
• metal figurines;
• wall or table clock with Roman numerals;
• black and white cityscapes;
• curtains with frills, hooks;
• antique candlesticks.

Lighting options

During the inception of the style, artificial lighting was just coming into homes. The light was dim, incandescent lamps were interspersed with candles - so the overall picture can be called shaded.

If the goal is absolute compliance, focus on a soft, warm, diffused glow. No white spotlights.

Pictured are vintage lamps

Chandeliers are either with fabric shades with a print, or chic forged, with "cup holders" resembling candlesticks. One point per room will definitely not be enough, therefore, floor (floor lamp with ruffles), tabletop or wall (sconces for candelabra) is added to the ceiling lighting.

How does vintage look in the interior?

The living room in vintage style resembles a hall, or rather, a room in a rich house, intended for receiving guests. If possible, put fireplace and lots of seating: sofas, couches, armchairs, ottomans.

A vintage bedroom should evoke a feeling of softness from the doorway: a high feather bed with beautiful linen, canopy around the perimeter, a bench at the foot.

Pictured is aged bedroom furniture

The vintage kitchen resembles a classic one: light (white, cream) furniture with carved decor, beautiful dishes, delicate floral textiles.

Children's rooms deserve special attention: the rooms can look solemn and resemble the bedroom of a royal person, or they can be restrained - with wooden furniture, light walls, toys in muted colors.

Pictured is a nursery with vintage details

Vintage in a modern apartment is a controversial choice. But if you really like the atmosphere of the pre-war era - embody it!