Interior Designers Reveal 6 Surprising Things That Make Your Home Look Vintage

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Some things are timeless. A little black dress. A recipe for a delicious juicy roast chicken. Beautiful jewelry. On the other hand, there are many methods that come and go. The same is true about home design. Unlike these 11 types of antiques that will gain value over timecertain design elements can make your home feel old—not in a fancy, antique-inspired way.

You can never go wrong with choosing vintage—and rare—pieces right now, Bugg adds. Below, we present furniture, decorations, and design options that make your home look vintage, according to designers.

Red, Orange, or Very Dark Wood

a living room in a luxury home

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Trends move fast in the TikTok era, but ’90s style Wooden cabinets and floors with red, orange or very dark colors have a modern feel, Leah Harmatzfounder of Field Theory Designer San Francisco and the developer of Hotel Lilien Tannersville, New York, details.

“Many people today are looking to brighten up spaces, to add warmth and natural light,” says Harmatz.

These styles celebrate surfaces such as bamboo, light beech trees, white oak, or light walnut, and rely heavily on white elements to add a more airy and open aura.

“Even in dark natural woods, natural wood cabinets and millwork can feel modern and stylish as long as they don’t hang red or orange,” Harmatz adds.

Oak 3/4 in. Thick x 2-1/4 in. Wide Solid Hardwood Flooring

Oak 3/4 in. Thick x 2-1/4 in. Wide Solid Hardwood Flooring

All New—or All Old—

gidiere kitchen alabama

BRIAN FOKOKO

Harmatz says: “The line between old in a fun way or old and not old depends on the architectural style and personal taste. However, there are general guidelines that separate antique from old (after all, you don’t want your house to look like a museum!).

Mixing your vintage and antique pieces with modern art and lighting can help a space feel more present, according to Adrianne Bugg, lead designer of Pillar & Peacock interior design in Florence, Alabama (which he co-founded with Brandeis Short). “Something new” helps “something old” feel new and part of the fashion family.

How well a piece is integrated into the space can also make the difference between a fun classic or a classic and a boring classic, adds Kellie Sirna, owner and principal. Design Studio 11 in Dallas, Texas. If the touch feels intentional and complements the modern elements, they can add character. Vintage art in a modern frame? Hence the style. A well-maintained antique end table with a small collection of current coffee table books? Tres chic.

“However, if an object dominates the space or clashes with the overall vibe, it can feel out of place and create an old aesthetic,” Sirna says. (We’re looking at you, popcorn ceiling.)

List of Mid-Century Wheels and Wheels, Italy, 19th Century

List of Mid-Century Wheels and Wheels, Italy, 19th Century

Stark, Small Buildings

modern living room with tv, sofa, armchair, floor lamp and coffee table

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Although they may appear clean, “these places often seem cold and unwelcoming,” says Sirna, and far from home.

In recent years, homeowners have been moving away from the industrial look and relying on another Scandinavian concept: hygge. This aesthetic approach focuses on creating comforting spaces that are warm and inviting to live in, Sirna explains.

The 10 principles of hygge can help inspire your interior design: atmosphere, presence, joy, balance, gratitude, harmony, comfort, peace, unity, and finally, shelter. Rugs, soft lighting, candles, art, throw blankets, and natural objects all hit the hygge target and say, “come in and relax.”

SFERRA Celine Herringbone, 100% Cotton Throw Blanket

SFERRA Celine Herringbone, 100% Cotton Throw Blanket

Boucle fabric

Fashion bag for women on the catwalk and a white chair in the house concept of shops selling clothes and accessories

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When it comes to fabric choices for sofas, pillows and window treatments, Sirna says it’s time to ditch the bouclé. Although it adds visual interest and character to the area and as recently as last year it was pegged as quiet comfort In fact, the curls of braided lines and tight lines can fray and fray over time.

“This fabric is definitely losing its appeal compared to recent years, mainly because it is difficult to keep it looking new, especially in areas with high traffic and heavy use,” Sirna says.

In its place, many people gravitate to smooth, easy-care fabrics that still bring a pleasant atmosphere without all the maintenance, notes Sirna. Cotton, wool blends, and other structured fabrics feel timeless, and come in a variety of solid colors and prints.

Jillien Harbor 20″ Throw Pillow Cover

Jillian Harbor 20" Throw Pillow Cover

Similar Assets

refined caribbean bedroom

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It might be tempting to click a simple button and invest in connected assets, but Harmatz believes it’s difficult to lock in a single click.

“Extreme matching, especially like fancy furniture, can feel dated because people have moved to creating homes that feel simple and comfortable,” says Harmatz.

For a timeless and well-organized home, choose a mix of antiques, travel finds, collections, and furniture from different styles and eras.

Billy Baldwin Style Line Upholstered Slipper Chair

Billy Baldwin Style Line Upholstered Slipper Chair

Granite countertops

Close up granite kitchen counter

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Although granite has not yet “come out” like laminate and tile countertops, its era has passed. (Especially if we are talking about the very light brown or beige type.)

Granted, granite is durable and affordable, but you have timeless, solid, and stylish options at the same price. Quartz, marble, porcelain, wood and other natural stone countertops are all becoming popular.

As for Harmatz, he guides buyers to consider granite over “natural stones that have interesting veins and movement, like marble or soapstone.”

Silestone Quartz Countertop Sample in Ethereal Indigo

Quartz Countertop Sample in Ethereal Indigo


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