How to Mix Modern and Vintage Decor to Add Character to Your Space

I’ve always believed the most stunning homes are the ones that feel collected over time, not copied from a catalog. Mixing modern and vintage is my favorite way to achieve that balance of timeless and charm! There’s a way to add vintage decor and antiques into your home without disrupting the flow of your modern home design that adds character and depth, as opposed to feeling like a random, out-of-place item. Check out this East Texas interior designer’s guide to mixing modern and vintage decor in your home! 

Modern and Vintage Decor: The Overview

Before getting into why you should mix modern and vintage elements, let’s look at an overview of what modern and vintage decor are, and why there should be a place for both in your home. 

Vintage Decor for Your Home

Vintage decor tells stories. Every intricate detail and every worn-out surface reflect the craftsmanship that went into making that piece in a different era. Each antique is so unique from one another, each having its own time period and history behind it! With that being said, they make great conversation pieces when having guests over. There’s nothing like getting to tell the story of where a gorgeous statement piece in your home came from. 

The best part? There are so many kinds of vintage decorations for your home that will add this charm, no matter your style: a mid-century modern chair, a Victorian-era mirror, a rustic farmhouse table… The list goes on! 

Modern Decor for Your Home

If you love a more sleek look, keeping up with today’s era of interior design is probably more your speed! It’s definitely important to have modern elements in your home as well, to not make it outdated and to preserve functionality. Many modern elements make a home beautiful and charming as well, but nothing compares to when you find that perfect blend of vintage and modern decor. 

How to Mix Modern and Vintage Decor

Now, let’s go over how to actually blend the two decor styles. It’s a tricky balance, but once you figure out what works in your home, you get the result of a multi-layered space with depth and character. Your home feels both curated and lived-in simultaneously, which is always my goal as an East Texas interior designer! Here are some ideas I typically follow to create that perfect modern vintage look: 

• Add a Statement Piece

One singular vintage or antique piece that takes up room and demands attention as a statement piece is a great way to incorporate vintage decor. Think, an old piano, a striking piece of wall art, or a classic chandelier, and fit it to the color palette and style of your room. 

• Tie Old and New Furniture Together

There’s something special about having a harmonious mix of old and new furniture pieces in a room. A contemporary couch with mid-century modern accent chairs. A modern bed with vintage nightstands. As long as you’re keeping things under the same color palette, you can’t go wrong with mixing modern and vintage decor! Just keep in mind that the colors of your woods should complement each other well.

• Add in a Pop of Color 

One thing I love in a home, modern or vintage (or both!), is incorporating an accent color. Whether it’s color-drenching, a fun piece of art, or some bold accent chairs, this is a great way to keep things visually interesting in your quest to mix modern and vintage decor. 

• Create a Gallery Wall of Antique Art

If you want to keep things mostly modern but still want to incorporate the charm of the past somehow, an antique art gallery wall is a fantastic idea. Finding vintage art that fits the color palette of the room is such a score, and adds some interest to the walls without having to worry too much about hunting for the perfect antique furniture. 

• Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Textures

As an interior designer, this is one of my overarching rules for homes. Mixing textures and patterns is such a fun way to really make your home feel like you and to add depth in any space. Mixing things like leather, wood, and/or velvet makes a space so visually interesting! 

Shop Vintage Decor for your Home

I have a carefully curated collection of vintage decor available here, but see a few of my favorite pieces to incorporate in your modern vintage home!

- The Vintage Italian Crystal Decanter

A gorgeous crystal decanter, perfect as a standalone piece to add to bookshelf decor or a coffee table. 

- The Vintage Mid-Century Bronze Feather

A stunning vintage small home accent that adds charm and elegance to any space. 

- The Vintage Gilded Plaster Art

A gold piece of art that is sure to add luxury anywhere you decide to place it! 

Brittney Lane Interiors | East Texas Interior Designer 

The most important part of blending modern and vintage decor is that you create a space that tells your story. Everything about interior design should reflect your taste and your style, and that’s my main priority as your East Texas interior designer! 

I hope this guide helped you to create the modern vintage home of your dreams. If you’re looking for more home inspiration, head over to my Pinterest and check out my guides on interior design styles and maintaining cohesion in your interior design. If you’re ready for a home that feels timeless, curated, and uniquely yours, let’s design it together. Book a consultation here and let's bring your vision to life!