All that is old, is new again. Style often comes in cycles, with the designs of yesterday regaining in popularity. Mid-century modern has become one of the most popular design languages, featuring prevalently in magazines and on home design shows. Designers enjoy being able to draw inspiration from older designs and adapt it to their own tastes. Home owners enjoy a refreshing take on timeless designs that manage to feel both familiar and contemporary. Whether you’re looking to add something new to your home or entirely restyle it, look to these trends which blend the past and the present into a slick and stylish look.
How can you apply these popular design trends into your home? It can be easier than you think. One of the best ways is to repurpose antique and vintage furniture. Increasing in popularity, those once-dated designs are ready for the spotlight once again. The minimalist designs that were cutting edge at the turn of the century have given way to a warmer, more eclectic look. A beautiful antique chest that once belonged to your grandmother, or the dining room table you grew up with, have found a new spot in even the most stylish home. These items can be kept in original condition, upcycled and refinished, or even reimagined into entirely new pieces of furniture. An entire industry of artistic designers have come forward to take the old and make it new again. Inspiration is only a trip to Pinterest away!
Another easy way to capture some of this modern design is to follow one of the guiding principles- focus on one central element and repeat it throughout the space. Find a starting place for how you want your space to look and feel. Perhaps you want to use a desk or painting as a main focal point for the space. Analyze that object and decide what element could be taken and added elsewhere in the space. A warm wood tone could be an easy way to link vintage and modern furniture. A gold accent could add pop. Oriental rugs, paintings, and vases are all easy ways to add little details into a space. Even a neutral or industrial space can suddenly feel unique and cozy, with a blend of both old and new.
As you decorate your home, remember that the room should reflect you and your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and accents. Easy to replace items like cushion covers allow you to make non-permanent changes to a space. Adapt your favorite designs of both today and yesterday and see what you can come up with! Embrace the past and use it as a way to accent the positives of the modern world.