Vintage Interior Design - The Perfect Nostalgic Look For The Modern World

Vintage interior design is a really popular look -- and rightly so -- it is a really relaxed, traditional style -- warm and comfortable in feel, and very easy to achieve -- and to live with!

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In the loosest sense, a vintage interior design scheme is just a look that is old - traditional, classic styling.

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In a stricter sense, 'vintage' refers to the 1940's and 1950's - an era of hope and new beginnings!

In many ways, the 1940's and 1950's were a safer, simpler time - a slower, more relaxed pace of life ... you could leave your back door unlocked, while you popped down to the shops! Family and the home were a very important focus to life - and this led to a very comforting and welcoming feel to vintage home decor and interior design.

The vintage era is a period that most people can actually remember - either from their own childhood (or even adult life) or at least from the home of their grandparents. This is a very nostalgic look and feel. It will recreate comforting memories and emotions from childhood - feelings of comfort and safety.

This is an easy, relaxed feel - there are no strict rules to getting your vintage interior design look - only a few simple guidelines to follow:

After the War, people did have to 'make-do and mend'. They used old furniture, from all different eras - fine antiques and family heirlooms, handed down through the generations, and simpler pieces, that were made over and repaired. So, feel free to mix and match all kinds of traditional furniture pieces in your vintage decorating scheme.

Look out for loads of hand-made goodies too - such as patchwork quilts, made from pretty scraps and fabric remnants.

A vintage interior design style is definitely not an expensive look to try in your home. Scour antique stalls and flea markets for solid, quality items - the slightly worn look will enhance the 'pre-loved' charm of the unique pieces.

If you find furniture in different styles and different types of wood, why not try painting all your furniture pieces in white, or a colored paint. Try going for a deliberately distressed look, by applying wax to edges and corners that would wear naturally. Paint over the top, then rub down these areas, and create your own 'genuine,' distressed and worn look.

Choose muted and pastel tones for walls and fabric - any color will go, so long as you don't choose something that is too fresh, modern and bright. Add a little interest with accents of patterned wallpaper, and pretty fabrics for upholstery, slip-covers, throws, cushions and curtains. Look out for pretty, floral designs - particularly those typical 1940's and 1950's attractive rose patterns.

Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and fabrics - and pile on all the pretty layers - slip-covers, throws, patchwork quilts, crochets and lace will all give you that really warm and comforting, nostalgic feel.

Display period accessories and collections on open shelves, or in glass-fronted display cabinets - look out for pretty ornaments, porcelain figurines, and all types of pretty ceramics and pottery.

This is a really good style for anyone who loves knick-knacks and collections - indulge and display your hobby collection - or start one right now...!

I am sure that you will find vintage interior design really comforting and comfortable look - as well as really easy to live with, and really easy to achieve. Don't worry about any rules, and just include all your favourite bits and pieces and styles - regardless of era...

Create a home and style that is uniquely yours - stamp your personality on your space, and relax into a comforting, safe space - that makes you feel really good!

Vintage Interior Design - The Perfect Nostalgic Look For The Modern World

Do you want to see some Pictures, and further information to help you get the right look?

Check out http://www.interior-design-it-yourself.com for a website designed to help you use professional interior design tips and techniques, to bring that wow factor into your own home.

CHARLOTTE

Retro Decorating with a Modern Twist

No, it's definitely not old-fashioned! Retro decorating is back -- and in a big way! Bring your home to life with a cool swinging 60's or groovy 70's retro vibe.

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Retro really is the modern look right now. To get the look right, don't just go for a historically accurate replication -- go for a really modern twist - be retro inspired!

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What a great opportunity to scour eBay, charity shops and jumble sales -- or just rummage through your loft. You could find some really wonderful retro decorating treasures, and get a great bargain to boot! But don't worry, if you can't quite find that interesting family heirloom -- there are loads of retro-inspired goodies in stores right now.

A wonderful color to form the basis of any retro decorating scheme is brown. Choose any shade which you like, and which goes well in your room. Stick to the color rules -- paler colors for small rooms, and deep colors for larger spaces -- that is, unless you are after a really dramatic 70's look -- a deep chocolate brown is a gorgeously retro shade!

Paint is a great way to introduce a touch of brown into your color scheme -- wallpaper is even better! Look out for retro-inspired wallpapers -- choose bold, geometric patterns, such as lines, stripes, squares and circles. You want to make a really bold statement with your retro wallpaper -- it should be the main focal point of your retro decorating scheme.

While brown is a great basis for your retro decorating scheme, you really need to add an accent color -- to bring a real 'zing' of life into your room. Try orange, lime green, teal or turquoise, for a great retro feel.

You should try to keep your retro decorating quite simple -- definitely nothing too fussy! You want to make a bold, dramatic statement with vibrant colors and bold shapes.

This holds true for your choice of furniture design too -- the form and shape of your furniture should be kept simple -- but beautiful at the same time! Look out for retro design classics -- lovely, sweeping curves and a strong outline. Think classic, Scandinavian-inspired design, or the famous 'Egg' chair. Choose mid to dark toned, wood pieces for your furniture, a simple white, or go for a head-turning, retro, vibrant orange.

Your lighting is actually a very important factor to consider to get the retro feel right on trend. A pull-down pendant-light, in a retro-inspired shade would work really well.

Think carefully about your mood lighting too -- there are plenty of opportunities here, to get that retro feel just right. It is really important to create that relaxed, mellow vibe in your room -- creating a warm, orange glow is a great way to get the look. A simple orange plastic or acrylic shade, on a neutral lamp base would look great. Or, try rattan or basket weave lampshades.

You can't possibly do without that ultimate retro classic -- the lava lamp!

Your flooring should be kept nice and neutral, with so many bright colors around -- accessorize with a white, fluffy, sheepskin or flokati rug. Texture is a great retro trend, so make the most of it to get your retro look -- add plenty of fluffy, faux-fur throws and cushions. These will give your room a really warm, comfortable and cozy feel.

Choose some simple, retro-style accessories for that perfect finishing touch.

Wow!

So, what are you waiting for -- it's back to the future -- with a modern, retro look!

Be inspired by retro decorating for an ultra-modern trend. Make a retro statement, and you will soon see that wow factor in your own home.

Retro Decorating with a Modern Twist

Do you want to see some Pictures, and further information to help you get the right look?

Check out http://www.interior-design-it-yourself.com for a website designed to help you use professional interior design tips and techniques, to bring that wow factor into your own home.

CHARLOTTE