Blending Vintage with Modern for an Eclectic Boho Style Home
Photo Credit: Angela Newton Roy, Time & Place Interiors
Someone or something considered boho or bohemian is usually defined as socially unconventional, artistic, unusual or eclectic, that usual breaks from the “norm”. In other words…UNIQUE. And we are all about that. Boho Blue was created out of the desire for uniqueness, individuality and the encouragement to embrace life on your own terms.
And we believe that should be no different when it comes to your home. After all, for most, this is where you spend the majority of your time and should be a place of refuge and comfort. A place where you feel the most and peace and is a true reflection of who you are as a person. For our readers, that has nothing to do with trends, pantone colors or the latest celebrity crib. This style, characterized by its eclectic mix of colors, textures, and cultures, embraces individuality and creativity.
Boho style has been defined as a free-spirited aesthetic that mixes different cultures and artistic expressions into an eclectic style with an emphasis on organic elements and nature, as seen in this HGTV article, Bohemian Design Style 101. The blending of different patterns, textures and other materials, that resonate with you, from your travels and just items that bring you joy, is key in putting together a boho style all your own.
One of the those key elements for a bohemian style is incorporating vintage items. From thrifting finds, your grandma’s collectables or the items that transport you into an era past, blending these items into modern design can transform your living space into a bohemian paradise. Incorporating vintage elements with contemporary design not only adds charm and character, but also tells a unique story, making your home a true reflection of your personal taste. Whether it's a mid-century modern chair, an antique rug, or repurposed art pieces, the fusion of old and new creates a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. In this guide, we'll explore how to seamlessly integrate vintage treasures into your modern bohemian home, turning it into a sanctuary of style and comfort.
“Mixing vintage and modern is one of the most rewarding interior design challenges”, says Ksenya Malina, principal interior designer and founder of Time & Place Interiors in New York. “Don’t be afraid to mix and match older and newer pieces, even if something doesn’t fit into a specific style category. If you see an object you love, buy it! When everything you own has a story or evokes a feeling for you, the commonality will be the expression of your taste and personality.”
Even if you don’t consider yourself a boho babe or strive for the ambiance of that style, vintage items are in almost every home, as a form of nostalgia tapping into childhood memories or having those special items passed down through generations. And some accidently stumble on this eclectic home style, like David Ciccarelli, founder and CEO of Lake, an online vacation rental platform for cabins, cottages, and lakeside retreats.
“A few years ago we purchased a vacation home in the middle of winter.” tells Ciccarelli. “The home owner didn't want to move anything out, likely because it was in a remote part of the country. As such, they left everything behind, including the kitchen dishes, utensils and glassware. Some odd items have now become family favorites; most notably the Coca-cola glasses. They are likely collectors items, but the kids drink out of them all the time.”
Ciccarelli goes on to say that, “this experience has led to a thrifting fad with the girls in our family. When ever we're out of town, they want to visit the local thrift shop ‘just to see what they have’.”
So where do you start to ensure your home looks comfortable, welcoming, and a reflection of you…that is not a mish-mosh of garage sale finds and clutter?
We asked some experts to give us their best advice on seamlessly blending all the trinkets that make you happy into a cohesive, unique design, just like you.
Evelina Juzenaite, Principal Interior Designer at Planner 5D encourages people to evaluate your space/room, first. “Look at the interior you have, the decor, and other elements, and think about where you can integrate vintage. This way you will appreciate the style you have and understand where and with what it can be combined.” Juzenaite suggests that to make it even simpler, “you can do this: you choose the accent of the room, which is now there. For example, with a modern design, it can be surrounded by vintage, for example, a coffee table, or decor on the wall. Then create an inspiration board with pictures from Pinterest, social media, etc. Lay out the items you already have and "try on" the new ones. You'll see if it goes together or not.”
Jennifer L. Prince, reseller and owner of It’s FOUND Vintage in Lynchburg, VA suggests, “ when you're ready to add vintage pieces to your home, look at home decor sites and magazines—I know that's old school, but there's just something about flipping through them—along with adding ideas to your Pinterest boards. See what your eye gravitates towards. Do you love the look of antique light fixtures, or are you obsessing over curated gallery walls?” She says to “start by adding what catches your eye to make over these spaces.”
“One way that I believe homes become much more interesting and inviting is by adding a piece from the past,” says Willow Wright, owner of Urban Redeux. “Whether it be in the form of art, furniture, or a fantastic lamp, it will set your home apart from others and create conversations around it.”
Wright goes on to say that, “an easy place to start incorporating vintage is in the living room. “She suggests that, “bookcases are prime real estate for show off piece of vintage. Perhaps it's a beautiful swung vase, a decorative piece of pottery, or a set of decorative bookends. Coffee tables are also easy places to incorporate a stack of vintage books, which you can find in almost any topic. Top them off with a new candle, and a small dish with vintage matchbooks and you've got a perfect vignette.”
“If the overall vibe of your space is contemporary, throw in a vintage or antique piece to create depth, encourages Malina. “Examples could be a vintage chandelier above a modern dining table, an ornate antique mirror above a minimal bathroom sink, or a vintage Persian rug beneath a modern coffee table in your living room.”
Photo Credit: photographee.eu
She goes on to say that, “some simple ways to inject vintage character in your design include introducing a shapely small side stool, an interesting lamp, or an end table. Vintage tabletop decor like vases or bowls also give depth to your home. Even textiles like crisp vintage tea towels with embroidered initials are a creative way to add personality.”
Juzenaite believes that, “it’s important to create a balance between modern and vintage, this way everything will look better and you will avoid cluttering the space. Combine modern textures and materials, also colors.” She says that you want to strive for a balanced combination of vintage and modern things, so that the interior does not look too outdated or too modern. For example, Juzenaite suggests you, “choose one item more modern and the next with vintage, for example: a modern coffee table and a vintage chair. She says you can also create balance with textiles, carpets, cushions, curtains, plaids, etc. and that adding them will create depth and layering.
And important reminder to note, is vintage does not necessarily mean old or outdated. In fact many home and fashion styles today incorporate vintage stylings of the past giving it a refreshed retro feel. For me, blending vintage items with modern elements gives it more character and charm and can add pops of color and interest.
Wright agrees. “I think people misunderstand 'vintage'. It simply means more than 20 years old. Just because something is vintage doesn't mean that it's going to look old, shabby or out of date. Many dealers like myself, take care to curate items that are relevant to current styles/trends or have some element of timelessness. Vintage can be chic, stylish, on-trend & flawless.”
The best part of decorating with vintage is the hunt. Whether you are looking for that perfect mid-century modern chair to go in your living room or just out thrifting with your girlfriend, the thrill of the “hunt” is probably the most fun. It’s also addicting!
Prince agrees. “ Sourcing pieces can be a lot of fun if you know where to look. While I enjoy thrift stores because of the price point, I also like scouring flea markets, estate sales, antique stores, and vintage markets for home decor items. You never know what you'll find to add to your collection.”
Our favorite place, clearly, is the local thrift shop, especially in small towns under 100,000 people,” says Ciccarelli. “While the inventory might be smaller, the items likely haven't been picked over by the crowds in bigger cities.”
Malina suggests “visiting vintage shops and antique stores makes for a fun way to explore new places during your travels. You're bound to bring home a special find that will remind you of your trip!”
That said, it is easy to get carried away buying all the things…and it is important to know what your needs are, your style is and what truly brings you joy.
Wright suggests, “when exploring places like thrift stores, antique malls, and estate sales for these items, the key is answering the question of whether or not this fits your home. The same principles that apply when shopping at a big box store apply here: Is it the right shape, color, texture, and do you love it? If the answer is yes, you can probably find a way to make a vintage piece work the same way.”
Juzenaite agrees. “Don't buy just for fun, buy wisely so that you can actually reuse it. Before you search, decide what you are looking for, such as a painting.” She also gave us her list of the best things to source while looking for that vintage pop of style. Here are some of her suggestions on what to look for:
Furniture: Vintage chairs, coffee table or work table, sideboard, dressers, chests of drawers, shelving. Such furniture can become either the accent of the room or a great addition to it.
Decor: It can be mirrors, a vintage bar cart, dishes, candle holders or art such as pictures on the walls or vintage frames.
Lighting: There are a variety of options for lighting, such as a floor lamp, wall lamp or a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
Textiles: To create softness and layering in the interior, choose handmade rugs, vintage blankets, interesting textiles on the furniture, pillows with unusual and unique embroidery and so on.
Prince has her own list of favorites. “One of my favorite things to source are original paintings, which are often a fraction of the cost of mass-produced art pieces at big box stores. Genuine art is one way to elevate a space and make it feel more luxe without spending a fortune. My home is filled with original art, most of which I've paid less than $20 for (one of my favorites was just $1!).”
”Vintage books are readily available and often reasonably priced, Prince advises. “To decorate with them, look for a colorway that goes with your home decor. Sometimes, you have to take covers off of the books, which will often reveal art or interesting fonts underneath that add character.” She also enjoys collecting anything interesting that catches her eye to add to bookshelves. “Small brass animal figurines, vintage clocks (they don't have to work), and interesting architectural pieces all rank high in my book, says Prince.
As with anything…with the good, there is bad. You will also need to be selective in what NOT to buy second hand.
Wright advises, “when contemplating buying a piece that may need some TLC, consider the time, effort, and cost that will go into it and be realistic. We all have too little time these days and you don't want something taking up space in your garage that you may never get to.”
Wright also says to use caution with items that have come from a home with pets. “Dog and cat hair and urine can wreak havoc on furniture and often these odors cannot be removed easily. The same goes for cigarette smoke.” She also advises to stay away from upholstered items that are stained or have strong odors, furniture with structural issues and instability and any items that are suspected of being moldy or have signs of water damage.
“Besides your mattress, there isn't really any type of item that you categorically should NOT shop vintage, Malina says. She stresses that, “what's important is to know what you're getting into if the condition of a piece requires major effort or costs for refurbishment, reupholstery, or repair.”
“Don’t buy anything that you’re not sure suits your style, says Judenaite. “Be sure the item is still of good quality and will remain so after using it.” She also goes on to say “it’s important to be creative, and don't forget about DIY projects. You can buy furniture or decor, but a little change could transform an item and give it a second life. For example, buy a cabinet and make shelves out of it, buy a chair, and change the upholstery to a different color textile. In this way, your interior will be even more unique and you will make all the items that will exactly fit your interior and your character.”
The most important thing is to have fun, be somewhat practical in your approach and purchase items that hold meaning or just make you happy. I have several vintage items in every room in my home, each that make me smile every time I look at them. Some I bought with the sole intention of a specific use or place in my home. Others I bought because I loved them and would find a place to incorporate them. And all of them are a true reflection of who I am, what I love and the unique individual I am.
Your home is the fingerprint of your sole. It’s the place you want to feel the most at peace when you walk through the door. Its a place where you can kick your feet up and relax, curl up with a good book, cook amazing new recipes or or have friends over for movie night. But it should always be a reflection of you and your individuality. Happy hunting!
BBB - BOHO BLUE BEST
Need your fix of vintage treasure hunting with out spending a dime? There is a whole Youtube community of content creators that just got to thrift stores, garage and estate sales, antique markets, etc. and post them on their page. With millions of followers, it is safe to say people love to treasure hunt!
One of our favorites at Boho Blue, is Left Coast Revivals. Not only does Lauren Caldwell take you on all her thrifting journeys in the US, but she takes you along on her travels around the world for vintage finds. In fact, she arranges trips for others to join her! She also sells a lot of those vintage goodies in her store that is live the first Friday of every month.
AND COMING SOON!
Boho Blue will be launching our e-commerce platform where you can shop our stories for all of the fantastic vintage items we include in our stories and photos. No more tracking down that vase you saw in a story. It will be here for purchase and can be yours if you are the first one to grab it!
More on that later….
