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