The name of the style, oddly enough, comes from winemaking. From French, “vintage” literally translates as “exquisite aged wine.” Vintage style in the interior is a harmonious combination of modernity and elements of a bygone century. Maximum cozy and decorated with things from the past. Interestingly, the style is suitable for items no older than 50 years and no younger than 20, which convey the fashion trends of that time.
Vintage: history of style
As an interior style, vintage first appeared in America at the end of the last century. Its founder was Patrick Willis, an ambitious and talented architect.
He built an original house according to his own design, and was already preparing for the presentation of his creation. But, as often happens with creative people, at the last moment he realized that there was not enough finances... Then the resourceful young man went to the nearest sale, where he bought outdated furniture and decorative trinkets for next to nothing. He furnished the room with them. The journalists and critics who arrived at the event were announced the name of the new design concept - vintage . I liked the idea and the reception took place. Currently, the vintage trend, both in interior design and in clothing, is at the peak of fashion and enjoys maximum popularity.
The main idea of the style
The main idea of the vintage style is the unobtrusive introduction of antique objects and decorative elements into the everyday interior. In fact, it is not far from classicism, with some shades of retro and Provence. But the influence of modernity cannot be ignored. Therefore, in the vintage design of space there is always a place for new, practical designs and materials. The main thing is their external correspondence to a certain era, causing slight nostalgia for the past.
Features of vintage style in the interior
Irreplaceable attributes of vintage style are real antiques or antique-style items. They give the interior a special coziness, romance and at the same time serve as a kind of indicator of taste and elegance.
Another important feature that prevents the vintage style from being confused with the retro or Provence style is its belonging to a specific era. This is exclusively the 19th-20th century. Anything older is a completely different story. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a reasonable balance between the past and the present.
Why designs from the 50s, 60s and 70s are so interesting
The main reason is probably that it was the post-war period, which was characterized by euphoria, fresh ideas, the emergence of young designers and new artistic movements. Of course, all these innovations did not even make it through the interior design.
During these years, new materials, shapes and colors, as well as distinctive patterns, were used.
Typical retro style of the 50s and 60s
In this design direction, the distinctive features of the interior are:
- rounded shapes of devices with chrome elements;
- lamps of various shapes;
- curtains and blinds instead of curtains;
- glossy leatherette on square furniture;
- combination of wood and chrome on furniture;
- bold colors and geometric patterns on fabrics;
- posters printed instead of classic paintings and much more.
Typical retro style of the 70s
The 70s trend is characterized by designs that combine symmetry, compactness and slim shapes:
- small plastic furniture;
- hanging chairs;
- various side tables;
- furniture made of white and colored laminate;
- open shelves;
- modular sofas, corner sofas and much more.
Interior decoration in vintage style
When decorating a room in vintage style, due attention should be paid to materials and finishing. For the ceiling, the ideal solution would be white paint, whitewash or light plaster. The most authentic solution for wall decoration would be wallpaper (plain, striped or floral), plaster or paint. It all depends on the placement of accents. If the key element in the design of the room will be rare furniture, a neutral finish is preferable. In the case of a modest setting, brightly patterned walls and corresponding decorative elements should attract attention. The floors can be covered with large tiles with a worn effect, parquet or parquet boards.
What finishing materials are best to use?
To understand what a vintage interior should look like, just look carefully at the photographs of the rooms.
Ceiling
Standard white – whitewashed or painted. For decoration, stucco molding is used: cornices, rosettes, moldings, bas-reliefs.
Walls
For finishing, paint is used or wallpaper is glued. A monochromatic color scheme in light colors predominates. Often decorated with horizontal moldings at a level of 100-120 cm from the floor. Wallpaper is acceptable with a simple print - horizontal (stripes), floral.
Floor
Oddly enough, it is he who creates the vintage atmosphere. You're lucky if the apartment has old parquet - all you have to do is peel it off, re-coat it with a protective agent and you can use it. If imitation is required, look for tiles or laminate with signs of wear.
The photo shows a light ceiling finish and moldings on the walls
Color palette
To create a vintage style in a room, calm, unobtrusive colors are preferred: white, beige, ash pink, pale blue, greenish, light brown.
The presence of floral motifs is mandatory. They can be anywhere: on curtains, wallpaper, bedspreads, napkins or tablecloths.
Vintage style furniture
Regardless of the basic decoration, style cannot be created without furniture. To match the vintage trend, it must be antique or antique-style. It’s not bad if there are traces of abrasions or small cracks indicating the past. But at the same time, the furniture must remain durable and aesthetically pleasing.
The most prominent representatives of vintage style furniture are:
- carved wooden dressing table;
- "grandmother's" chest;
- "country" buffet;
- sideboard with an exquisite pattern;
- rare chest of drawers;
- rocking chair.
Another important point is that all pieces of furniture must, to a certain extent, be in harmony with each other and belong to the same era, but museum-like appearance is unacceptable.
Lighting options
At the time of the birth of the style, artificial lighting was just coming into homes. The light was dim, incandescent lamps interspersed with candles - so the overall picture can be called shaded.
If the task is absolute compliance, focus on a soft, warm, diffused glow. No white spotlights.
The photo shows vintage lamps
Chandeliers either have lampshades made of fabric with a print, or chic wrought iron ones, with “cup holders” reminiscent of candlesticks. One point per room will definitely not be enough, so in addition to the ceiling lighting, add floor lighting (floor lamp with frills), table or wall lighting (sconces for candelabra).
Decorative elements in vintage style
Decorating a room in vintage style will be incomplete without the use of decorative elements. They must be carefully selected to prevent the space from feeling like an exhibition or simply cluttered. The most common items that match the vintage style: ▫ antique watches; ▫ carved boxes; ▫ porcelain dishes; ▫ original candlesticks; ▫ embroidered tablecloths; ▫ knitted napkins; ▫ delicate curtains with cutwork embroidery; ▫ rag dolls; ▫ copper figurines; ▫ black and white photographs in frames.
A mandatory attribute of vintage style is a bouquet of dried flowers in winter and fresh flowers in summer. The most popular materials are copper, ceramics and wood.
Furnishings
When decorating the inside of a house in vintage country style, the main emphasis is on the furniture. The country interior is no stranger to those things that live in closets and closets. A sideboard, a mirrored dressing table, a chest or box, a dining table, screens and other similar things will come in very handy here. Suitable decor can be carved wood or brass overlays.
When decorating the interior, you need to try to avoid a “museum-like” appearance, when all the furniture is selected in the spirit of the times before last. It is important not so much to recreate a single style, but to create an interior that would give off a feeling of comfort and warmth. This does not require much effort, since the style is multifaceted. Using vintage furnishings, both from the attic and from a thrift store, and newly made ones, but with the addition of signs of wear, the interior will look somewhat chaotic. The harmonious arrangement of furniture elements will eliminate this nuance.
