How to mix vintage with modern

yellow kitchen with retro accessories such as pendant lights and cabinets
Ikea adds retro accessories to a modern kitchen space
© IKEA

Mixing the old and the new is a delicate process. Follow our hot tips on how to bring antique, vintage and retro pieces into your contemporary home. Discover how to embrace classics whilst maintaining a modern edge.

1. Retro accessories

We love how Ikea has mixed retro accessories, such as a vintage–style clock, large pendant lights and chairs to a modern kitchen. The bright yellow walls make a vibrant contrast to the traditional wood floor. Vintage or retro pieces work well in a modern setting and they help add interest and personality to the space. Scour car boot sales, reclamation yards and other vintage hot spots to find quirky retro accessories for your home.

  • 2. Fifties style for vintage beginners!

    There is a real trend for collecting retro Fifties feature pieces among people who don’t ordinarily choose vintage for their homes. Highly innovative and forward–thinking, Fifties functionalism compliments the clean lines of modern design, and gives it new character’ says interiors consultant Suzie Jasper. Blast back to the Fifties with this Sputnik 24 light pendant (£149) from Dwell.

  • 3. Make a statement with an Art Deco mirror

    For any modern living space a large feature mirror is an absolute must. Vintage mirrors – especially Art Deco or Rococo – work particularly well with minimalist contemporary décor, as they add a loud statement to a neutral room,’ says antique dealer Michael Garber. Wind back time this large Art Deco style mirror from Graham and Green (£495) to add some eccentricity to your home.

  • 4. Roll top baths exude timeless glamour

    A vintage bathtub can instantly transform an unremarkable modern bathroom into a place of luxury and old–world glamour,’ says vintage collector Laurie Black. At mydeco, we can't get enough of roll top baths, like this freestanding Chesham cast iron bath (from £1,540) from Holloways of Ludlow.

  • 5. Inject Sixties fun into your home office

    To liven up a dull, practical office space in your home, try looking to the bold, space–age, retro designs of the Sixties. They will compliment functional furniture with flagrant colours and outrageous forms. This Artifort Oyster Lounge Chair from Nest (£1,574) will sit well among plain filing cabinets and pale wood shelves.

  • 6. Mix French shabby chic with Louis XIV

    If your home is more traditional modern, it’s likely you’ll go for a country cottage or shabby chic look. This modern homage to vintage style is particularly complimented by vintage Louis XIV style very popular in the Fifties,’ says vintage collector Joanna Tun. Add a modern touch to the shabby chic look with this pink Shabby Chic Fayence Chest of Drawers from Not on the High Street (£289.99).

  • 7. Re–discover design classics

    The Chesterfield, like this yellow sofa (£1,200) from John Lewis, is the most timeless of all sofa designs. Synonymous with stylish luxury and elegance, the classic design compliments both old and new decor. Have a look at our full range of beautiful Chesterfield sofas available at mydeco.

  • 8. Give old–fashioned warmth to a modern kitchen

    Modern kitchens designs are amazing, but can sometimes look a little futuristic and sparse. A vintage clock can bring back that feel of ‘joie de vivre’ and a place where cooking and entertaining is enjoyed,’ says Gerard Bendien managing director of clock makers Roger Lascelles. De–sterilise your modern kitchen with vintage country chic by adding this large, rustic French style wooden clock from Melody Maison (£34.95)

  • 9. Salvaged materials have history

    If you’re looking for a way to brighten up a contemporary home but don't want to anything to bold, try subtle accessories, such as this Thai Green Monza Table Lamp from Decolight Ltd (£446). The base is hand blown and has a vintage feel to it. We can't help lusting after its handmade silk shade in gorgeous olive green.

  • 10. Mix and match

    This Elvie 3 Drawer Unit (£220) from John Lewis combines traditional light-coloured Chinese ash veneers with modern white lacquer drawers. The combination of traditional and modern materials gives this drawer unit a sophisticated look that would work well in both a classic or contemporary space.

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lisa kate clayton

lisa kate clayton

Posted | 19th April 2010

Love the mix of vintage /key design pieces with contemporary design -really stunning!

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Cleberry

Cleberry

Posted | 15th May 2009

All of these items are divine! Big QueensofVintage.com fan here too :) x

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Miss Bee

Miss Bee

Posted | 12th May 2009

The vintage mixed with modern look is so cool. Loving the mirror.

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