FUSION FURNITURE

Vintage vibe at home

Nostalgic and whimsical, the vintage aesthetic can bring fresh charm and elegance to your interiors. Of course, it’s crucial to strike a balance between the bygone and contemporary – an overdose of the former will make the room look fussy and old-fashioned.

Here are some tips to give your home that vintage vibe.

FOCAL FURNITURE Choose a traditional piece of furniture as the focal point – for instance, a dining table, desk or accent chair. Distressed furniture is a good option, as it adds plenty of character to the ambience. Thanks to artificial

When it comes to antiques, quality scores over quantity and it’s better to buy one stunning decorative piece than a number of knockoffs. If you’re on a limited budget, scour your grandparents’ attics or secondhand furniture markets for hidden gems.

PASTEL PALETTES For a traditional vin

look, inspired by French and English homes, opt for a subdued pastel palette.

Think beige, ivory and grey complemented by pale blues, lilacs, mint greens and baby pinks. Delicate patterns – butterflies, florals, dragonflies, birds etc. – are the order of the day.

Balance the nostalgia with a cool or unexpected twist. For example, the patterns

ageing techniques, you can now buy beautifully distressed pieces without breaking the bank.

Keep in mind that only one or two items of furniture should reflect the vintage look; this will allow them to stand out without being too hard on the eye. You could also consider a blended piece, combining clean contemporary lines with a weathered finish.

AUTHENTIC ITEMS Genuine antiques bring authenticity to the space. Simply being old doesn’t make an item vintage

– for that, it needs to be well-made and capture the essence of a particular style. Look for impactful pieces that clearly represent an era or a design movement. could be drawn in a futuristic Japanese style or used in contrast with a modern item such as a television.

If you’re trying to evoke a different time period, choose the appropriate colour scheme. For instance, conjure up Victorian decadence with bold reds, deep greens and a rich golden-brown.

INSPIRED ACCENT Once the colours, furniture and antiques are in place, use vintage inspired accents to tie the room together into a coherent whole. Cushion covers and lampshades add a vintage splash to your sofa and side tables while a selection of artwork evokes your favoured era. Even Mason jars used as vases or pen holders can exude a touch of the past.