Mixing Vintage with Modern: A Guide for Interior Designers

Vintage pieces hold history. They tell stories, whispering of past lives and craftsmanship that’s rare today. Modern design, on the other hand, champions simplicity, functionality, and innovation. The key to combining the two is tension—letting one style offset the other in a way that feels curated rather than chaotic.

Colour Palette: What Colours Work Best for Combining Vintage and Modern Styles?

A neutral backdrop lets both vintage and modern elements shine. But don’t shy away from drama—deep greens, moody blues, and rich burgundies work beautifully across eras. Take cues from iconic spaces like The Ritz Paris, where classic gold detailing meets sleek contemporary silhouettes.

Textures and Materials: How Can Textures Elevate the Look?

A smooth marble tabletop against the grainy imperfection of reclaimed wood. A plush velvet armchair beside a sleek, steel-frame shelving unit. Mixing textures creates richness—an effortless tension between past and present.

Lighting: How Can Lighting Bridge the Gap Between Vintage and Modern?

Lighting is where vintage and modern styles truly meet. A grand antique chandelier instantly elevates a contemporary space, while minimalist wall sconces prevent an ornate vintage room from feeling stuffy. The trick? Layering. Mix ambient, task, and statement lighting for depth and contrast.

Absolutely. A clean-lined sofa paired with vintage club chairs creates a balanced living room, while a modern platform bed softened by embroidered antique linens brings warmth to the bedroom. In the kitchen, sleek, handleless cabinetry contrasts beautifully with rustic, vintage wooden barstools. Each room is a canvas, and blending styles should feel effortless and intuitive rather than forced.