Vintage, high quality items can have just as much appeal as their more modern, sleeker counterparts. However, you do not necessarily have to choose between the two, as the most stylish homes and wardrobes often successfully mix both of these styles together. Combining these two styles can be a good way to contrast the fleeting trends often seen on social media and through digital marketing, as they can look timeless when used effectively. For example, this could be something as simple as finishing off an outfit with a vintage handbag, or installing a bespoke kitchen in your home.
The Appeal Of Old World Charm
The meaning of old world charm goes beyond the age of an item or trend, as it also encompasses craftsmanship, the quality of materials used and the history or story behind something. This can be seen in bespoke manufactured kitchens, as this requires a lot of skill and care throughout the creation process to ensure that you are left with something timeless that will last. Similarly, when looking in your wardrobe you will see that the enduring quality and classic silhouettes or shapes of accessories and clothing stand the test of time more than others.
The Appeal Of Contemporary Style
Compared to old world charm, contemporary style incorporates a more modern approach through the use of clean lines, open spaces, smart functionality and an aesthetic that is free of clutter. This is popular as it makes a space feel fresh and organised, and it is also reflective of modern life. However, despite how this style may feel different to old world charm, a clean, modern backdrop can be the perfect canvas for any vintage or old-world elements.
Blending Styles in Your Wardrobe
Somewhere you can easily combine old world charm and contemporary styles is within your wardrobe. For example, a vintage inspired handbag can be the perfect statement piece to complement a modern, minimalist outfit. This is because a single accessory has the power to transform a look, as it adds a focal point, helps to express your personal style, introduces colour and it can be used to bring an outfit together. Other ways in which you can combine vintage and contemporary in your outfits include pairing a vintage bag with a simple, modern suit, or using a classic, timeless leather satchel with a casual pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Some items in your wardrobe, such as rugby boots, may be purely functional, but other items, like boutique handbags, can be turned into statement pieces to blend old world style with a modern life.
If you are unsure where to start when pairing vintage pieces with modern items, begin by selecting one vintage item to pair with basic modern items, such as a vintage blouse with contemporary jeans. For people new to vintage clothing, beginning with a single item or accessories like a scarf or sunglasses are a good way to get a feel for the style and explore how you can combine it with contemporary fashion.
Blending Styles in Your Home
Old world charm and modern styles can be easily mixed together in your home. A good way of doing this is through bespoke kitchen units, as they can be designed to have a vintage appearance while incorporating contemporary functionality. This could be using classic cabinets to hide modern appliances when they are not in use, or utilising smart storage solutions to keep your home free of clutter, which is a large aspect of modern style.
Another place where you can blend styles is the bedroom. For example, a beautifully crafted, vintage inspired bed frame can be dressed with modern textiles and mixed with other modern accents like a minimalist pendant lamp or flush mount ceiling lights. Having solid wood flooring throughout your home can help to blend traditional and contemporary styles together, whilst also creating a balanced and harmonious space.
Top Tips for Blending Styles
If you are struggling with ways to blend old world and contemporary styles together, there are several tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a statement piece– when looking to combine styles, choose one key item as your starting point. This could be a vintage handbag or a bespoke kitchen island, and you can then build around this piece.
- Use a cohesive colour palette– when trying to tie together styles that can seem disparate, try to stick to a colour scheme so that the room or your outfit does not become visually overwhelming or use too many contrasting colours and patterns.
- Mix textures– combine different textures together for visual interest, whether this is in your home or your wardrobe. Good pairings can include smooth leather with rougher linen, or polished metal alongside natural wood.
- Use the 80/20 method– the 80/20 method involves choosing a main style that will be reflected in 80% of the room, with the other 20% introducing accents from a secondary style. This can help you to mix the styles together so that they are cohesive, instead of them being stuck in separate sections.
Wherever you are trying to blend old world charm and contemporary, mixing styles is about creating a look and space that feels unique and showcases your personality. You can try this in both your home and wardrobe, or focus on one of these at a time until you feel as though you have mastered the art of incorporating styles together.