Vintage aesthetic 101: 6 tips for timeless elegance

It's clear that the vintage aesthetic is making a comeback! Indeed, many contemporary interior trends are embracing the practical timber shapes, crisp curving lines, and subdued tones that are hallmarks of mid-century design. And though sourcing vintage décor might become a great adventure, it's not just about cramming historic elements into a recent architectural design. It's essential to reinterpret, rejuvenate, and elegantly merge the contemporary elements in order to fit a vintage aesthetic home.

What is a Vintage Aesthetic?

Vintage design takes décor aesthetic, elements and styling cues from the past, often in styles that were popular in the 18th, late 19th, or middle of the 20th century. Typically, a piece of furniture is only deemed vintage if it’s at least 20 years old. As a key benefit to choosing this as your design aesthetic – vintage style means that you can easily achieve a cohesive décor theme, whether it's the instantly recognisable hues and patterns of the 1960s and 1970s, a Gatby-esque 1920s glitz, or the intricate architectural details of an Indian palace.

Key to the Retro Vintage Aesthetic

Remember that because natural materials are a staple of a true vintage aesthetic, décor or furniture pieces should boast wear, patina, and other signs of a history and a life lived.

Achieving the Vintage Aesthetic in your Home
 

• Vintage Aesthetic Home Tip #1: Determine your Area

  Choosing which rooms and to what extent you will be decorating is the first step. One way to achieve a vintage aesthetic in the living room design is to incorporate décor elements such as antique furnishings, vintage artwork, and period-specific plaster or wallpaper accents. If you're not prepared to undertake actual architectural remodelling in order to fit the desired aesthetic, vintage décor elements such as accents made of plaster, wallpaper, antique furnishings and artwork can give your space a vintage appearance with minimal trouble.
  
  

• Vintage Aesthetic Home Tip #2: Pick your Era

  While the online portrayal of vintage concepts tend to be quite Euro-centric, remember that design is far broader in scope. When picking an era, make sure to broaden your horizons and consider vintage aesthetic décor from different parts of the world and periods of history. Don't be afraid to layer vintage items from various eras, places, and styles.