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vintage

Although vintage is getting more and more popular by the hour, some people are not that fond of introducing it in their homes. Their main argumentation is that they don’t want for their home to look like it is trapped in time. This doesn’t mean that they dislike the antique look in general. From time to time, you are bound to encounter an antique piece of furniture. At that moment, you will think it’s just perfect and when this happens you will need to know how to combine it with the rest of your home. Because of that, here are some tips and tricks on how to decorate with antiques.

Identifying Antiques

First thing you will need to know is a true antique. As we already mentioned, vintage as a style is extremely popular which means that antique looking furniture is everywhere. However, you are not interested in antique-looking but antique.

Decorating with antiques

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What you need here is usually a closer inspection and the texture of the wood cannot lie. First of all, the traces of aging should be all over the surface (even if they are covered up). Furthermore, these replicas are usually not handmade. On a true antique, you will be able to recognize a work of a true carpenter by the asymmetrical carving marks. Finally, the quality and diversity of wood you can find in true antiques will always be greater than that of even the best replica.

Epoch Is Not the Only Theme

One of the most important rules that you need to remember is that when it comes to decorating with antiques age is not the only theme out there. Even if you don’t sort your furniture pieces by the epoch they belong, this doesn’t mean that they must look out of place. You can also group these items by the same color, lookalike ornaments or some other physical similarity. A white vintage lamp is always going to look good, next to your contemporary blue sofa. Even though they are made almost half century apart.

Old and New Combo

A modern living room with vintage elements

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Next thing you can do is try and find a way not only for your old and new items to live together but to achieve a symbiosis. For example, there is no reason whatsoever why your brand new LCD TV wouldn’t look good on your antique stand.  The same is pretty much applicable to any other piece of technology as well. In fact, you can take this even one step further and get your home a decorative piece of vintage technology . This way, by pairing them up with the tech you currently use, you can reach a strong yet unique visual impression.

Room by Room

Although some people are in love with vintage, they simply hate the idea of their home looking like a museum. There is really no need for you to transform your entire house. You can make this transformation happen in a single room. The choice here is great since there are some great inspirations for both vintage kitchens and. This way, you can still enjoy all the benefits of having a contemporary home. Of course, with the addition of installing antique nightstand, vanity and shower-head in your bathroom. Some would call this getting the best of both worlds.

A vintage living room full of antique furniture pieces
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As you can see, decorating with antiques is not that difficult and it gives you a plethora of options you can decide to go with. Furthermore, seeing how there are no strict rules here but only guidelines (after all, it is interior design we are talking about) you will have a no small amount of customization in front of you. Because of all this, decorating with antiques can be both aesthetically rewarding and fun at the same time.

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Combining old and new in your décor might seem like an easy task, but, you will have to look into many a thing to be able to create an eclectic groove. Remember that eclectic design is all about creating harmony amidst chaos, which means that you have to plan every little detail to get the best results.

A Chance to Use Antique Elements

There are not a lot of interior designs which can include old-fashioned elements and make it look good. You will have to ensure that all your décor pieces have the perfect position, otherwise they will look out of place, and time. Combining the vintage look will take some careful planning, to be able to fit it into a modern overall design. Nevertheless, with an eclectic approach you can make it work, and in fact it will give your home a rustic and warm charm.

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Use Recycled Materials

One of the good things about mixing old thing in your home is that you can freely reuse recycled and reclaimed wood furniture pieces. Not only will it give your home a unique look, but you will be able to save some money while equipping your interior design. Be sure to stick to one overall design not to overburden your interior look and to make it possible for better design. On the other hand, you will be able to combine old furniture as well, which you might have lying around.

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Mind Your Color Choices

Creating a flow of colors which go from one into another will also create a feeling that your home is connected in more than just one way. However, the modern design is about soft and toned-down colors which do not attract too much attention. Try to keep your decorative items within the same color scheme as well because if they pop out too much, it could ruin the design you were working on.

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Go Wild With Lights

The lighting used in your home should be placed so that you get enough light to be able to see, without having to include additional lamps later on. You can install beautiful modern lighting to go with any room and which will fit perfectly into your eclectic design. Furthermore, it could become a focal point as its unique shape and look could bring the whole room together. Bear in mind to stick with eco-friendly solutions, as it will use less energy overall, and you will be able to save some money on the energy bill in the future.

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Bringing the Living Room Together

A living room will be a large open space with many challenges to overcome if you want to achieve good design. Instead of thinking up a completely new look, try to find inspiration in existing incredible eclectic looks. It will be a good starting point, and you can make sure to add your own charm into the mix, to make sure that you end up with an amazing look in the end. However, try to avoid adding in too many elements as you will only create chaos where you want to achieve a harmonious design.

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Try to avoid mixing together elements which clearly do not go together as it will only end up with a disaster and your home will seem like someone rampaged through. Your aim is to create a sense of coherence and serenity. Your décor design in the end should be able to relax you and to get your mind of the everyday struggles. Nevertheless, a few daring pieces will be able to enhance your eclectic design even more.

An interior design trend gaining popularity fast, Shabby Chic is characterized by vintage and antique furniture, accessories and extras arranged to create an opulent, yet comfy ambiance. Sometimes marked by an intentionally affected note to distinguish it from the genuine era décor, the shabby chic style plays well with most classic designs and decorative touches, such as floral details, pastel tones and wooden elements. To achieve a shabby chic feel in your home, consider one of these design ideas– we guarantee you’ll fall in love with your new home groove!

Antique-looking art frames: Chic shows in outlines too

Lavish frames and mirrors with ornate frame details and elements occupy an imposing place on shabby chic walls and add a dash of opulence to the room. For best visual impressions, you can pick up a stylish frame at the antique store or even local flea market, sand it, repaint it and hang it over a group of chairs, sofas or the mantelpiece.

Image Credits: Rachel Ashwell

Drop formal seating. A shabby chic lounging area

If you’re looking to transform your dining or living room into a piece of shabby chic bliss, consider regrouping your seating area and swapping mainstream formal chairs and sofas for style reproductions and replicas evocative of the bygone eras. If you can’t afford a major investment in new classy furnishings, you can always grab some fancy pieces at a garage sale or antiques store, or find items in your attic or basement which you’ll be able to overhaul with vintage-looking touches like rich fabrics in neutral tones and fresh paint coats.

Chase away darkness: Add a chic chandelier to the room

Every room needs decent lighting to be comfortable, cozy and pleasing to all senses, and in shabby chic, illumination options go hand in hand with style and elegance. For the vital touch of light to ward off the darkness, get a modern chandelier reproduction or find a true blue vintage piece in your attic, basement or local store with used or overhauled furnishings. A carefully selected chandelier may as well make up the visual class for other slight oversights in terms of accessories and colors of your furniture.

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Tableware in retro style: Linen napkins for neatness

Linen napkins and similar fine dining accessories will perfectly supplement your shabby chic tableware and bring back the spirit of classy candlelit dinners. If you don’t have linen napkins, you can always redo old tablecloths into a matching napkin set – these will go perfectly with vintage silverware.

The trademark airs of chic: Airy, graceful bedroom ambiance

Make your bedroom a place of shabby chic comfort with the help of some white linens, pastel or white furnishing accessories like framed needlework and tapestries. Also, add soft cushions with floral designs, vintage patterns and a touch of color to liven up the atmosphere and make it gracefully chic.

Image Credits: Melina Divani

Shabby chic outdoors: Garden furniture with a retro feel

In case your outdoor furnishings have gone faded and worn-out due to exposure to the elements, they will be excellent supplements to a shabby chic garden. For a snug yet chic feel in your garden, try using wicker pieces and furniture in white and pastel tones. Iron also fits the shabby chic bill well, so consider getting some elegant iron chairs for your modish backyard.

Image Credits:Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture

Storage a la shabby chic: Elegance and functionality meet

For a fresh decorative touch, try using worn-out dressers and similar storage furnishings to pack your gear around your home or office. From bedrooms and living rooms to halls and dining areas, old dressers and chests with sanded-out surface will prove both functional and charmingly stylish.

A vintage kitchen: Shabby chic china and kitchenware

Retro china teacups and trays go well with the shabby chic style. For a seamless stylistic impression, go with mismatched cups and saucers placed next to bonbon trays and cute tea candles – your guests will just love the idea!