Friday 28 October 2011

Taking a Peek at Vintage Chic..


Elle Decor - www.elledecor.com

Vintage Style sure has a magical way of making most people feel nostalgic. It can stir up memories in your mind, from your childhood, your grandparent's house, or the tire swing you had on the towering maple tree in the front lawn. Vintage style is crafty and unique.
Vintage is retro.. specifically, dating back to the styles of the 1940's &1950's. A time when DIY meant a lot more than the "Assemble Your Own" furniture of today. A time when families could simply not afford the luxury of materials, so their houses, furniture, and decor were simple. Simple, yes, but also colourful, patterned, welcoming, and pretty.
Nowadays, Vintage is in. Vintage with a drop of modern delivers a Vintage Chic style that is very achievable in any home. Follow these easy tips to create a Vintage Chic style of your own:


Mix & Match - Vintage Chic is a mash-up of styles of yesterday and styles of today. By incorporating antique, retro, or rustic items into your space, you add a touch of Vintage. Fleamarkets, thrift stores, auctions, and other such places are the manufacturers of vintage style. Finding those hidden gems are what will bring your vintage chic style to life! Look for the potential in objects, for instance: an old solid teak hutch, looks beat up and has ugly hardware? By sanding it down, either staining it dark or painting it white and installing glass knobs or satin nickel handles, you've got yourself a unique, one-of-a-kind, hutch/buffet/dresser that is Vintage Chic!

To find stunning, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, check out Quantum in Downtown London. The experts there can help you discover the dream furniture that will fit right into your home!


Below Top: Absolutely LOVE this child's vintage chic room; the exposed painted brick walls, the two tones of grey, the mauve drapery, the army green + pink cross pillow, the iron bed frame, even the cute salmon luggage sitting on the floor by her bed. 

Below Bottom: A loft bedroom turned Vintage Chic: the retro lamp, the burnished edge antique side tables, the muted mauve pillowcases,  the slatted wood and beamed ceiling, the industrial metal railing, and the retro steel pendant lights... gorgeous!   

These images are from:




 


The Colours of Old - In the 1940's, paint colours tended to be very vibrant and vivid jewel-tones, whereas in the 1950's, colours were dulled down and more muted with pastels. Incorporate these types of colours into pretty fabrics, patterns, and florals either in drapery, cushions, pillows, or on an accent chair. Accent wallpapers are also a great way to bring in the muted pastel colours and patterns of the 50's.


NOW - Vintage Chic 1950's Floral Wallpaper



THEN - Actual 1950's Floral Wallpaper