Monday, September 10

Vintage, meet Modern.

The line between vintage and modern gets more blurry everyday. What's old is new, and what's new...well, it's old. Nothing new under the sun, is what they say. But some history should and will always repeat itself, and I think most of us like an eclectic mix of both modern classics and a splash of a fashionable trends. I think what makes a modernist mid century interior more interesting is when it's partnered with an unexpected dash of fun. Maybe an ironic portrait painting, a baroque chandelier, or perhaps a really boldly painted wall or some fantastic wallpaper. I like surprises, and ones that don't take themselves too seriously. I guess I'm not a dogmatist for rules of decor, or a card-carrying member of any specific style.


And in turn, what makes vintage more exciting could be an upholstery update with fresh modern fabric, or placement of a retro piece in a room juxtaposed with a sleek modern piece. Opposites attract. Sameness is boring and character is good. Adhering to just one certain stylistic principle gets dull. It's kind of like when you see an eccentric, older woman stylishly pulled together and looking effortlessly polished - charming, simple and elegant, no? I've looked through some of my design inspiration journals and flickr photographs for some hopefully inspiring examples of mixing it up, and personal stylistic expression. Be creative, have fun...go nutty! The only rule that matters is to remember, it's your house, so make it about you.









*Some of my journal pages include tearsheets from Domino, photos from Amy Butler and Wary Meyers Design, as well as photos of my own.

15 comments:

blushing apples said...

i adore this post. i'm always left wondering about how to mix vintag with new. obviously i am not a designer :D

Anonymous said...

Me as well.

May I ask: How does one hide all the clothes, books, paper (i.e., clutte, I guess) in a modern/vintage design? Is the key simply to showcase basic vintage pieces, or is there a way to make modern feel more homey?

Apologies that this question is ultrabasic...

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post!

Anonymous said...

Great combination of photos!

RowHouse said...

I really love this - thank you!

Chic and Charming said...

I love the look of the vintage/modern mix, especially if there is a little arts and crafts thrown into the mix. For anonymous who asked about successfully mixing these styles and dealing with clutter: There was a recent article in Elle Decor featuring Betsy Johnson's loft and she does a really great job of mixing vintage and modern designs, but her house is still a little cluttered!

Unknown said...

Your blog is darling and you have some very cute ideas! I will definitely keep visiting.

sulu-design said...

This post is perfection - I am obsessed with both the sleekness and starkness of a lot of modern pieces, but am also nutty for heavy, worn, vintage industrial pieces (that I often rescue from the trash). I think the mix of the two is fabulous.

Michelle said...

that last desk/workspace is great. nice size.

sfgirlbybay said...

thanks guys!

anon - regarding clutter: i think trying to keep 'like-things' together helps (ie. magazines, accessories, books, mail). if they're not spread out all willy-nilly it keeps things neater, and less scattered looking, and maybe even like you meant to have a big old pile of magazines sitting there!

also, having things in specific containers helps - like the tin baskets i keep all my art supplies in - the boxes are full of 'stuff', but they're full of things that i use together - paints, brushes etc. in one; sewing in another.

even cool ceramic dishes and pottery are a great place to throw your keys, change. a basket, or vintage metal tray is a good spot to toss your mail. if it's all kind of together in a mess, somehow it looks less messy.

i also think collections look much better when keep together with 'ile things' - all your white pottery together, or all your eiffel towers - instead of mixing and matching collections it looks less cluttered and more cohesive. hope that helps!

Anonymous said...

Can you tell me the source of the second picture down on the right, the one with the black & white picture of eggs? I love that paint color. Maybe there's a paint color / source in your tearsheets?

Stephanie said...

Hi there,

I saw something tonight that i know you'll love. Check out the link below..."stephmodo"

http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/3264

sfgirlbybay said...

hi laurie - i am certain that's a photo from domino from quite a few months back - it's a pretty midnight black wall - anyone recognize the issue?

thanks stephanie - really cute. i'd like sheets out of that fabric!

Anonymous said...

Hi there,

I was wondering if you could tell me where the white sideboard in the second picture from the top (left hand side) is from. I love it!

Hope your headache goes away soon!

sfgirlbybay said...

hi jodie - thanks!

it's the Ikea Tordsby sideboard - $299