Design Mixology: How to Mix Vintage & Coastal Styles
Drawing inspiration from the sand, surf and sky, coastal style is synonymous with the Florida lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean
you can’t infuse your beachy home with a few well-thought-out vintage pieces, like that thrift-store crush you’ve been eyeing in
the shop window or the flea-market find that would look fabulous on the entryway console.
Through the years, the term “vintage” has been loosely interpreted to mean anything old. However, the consensus is the item in
question is between 20 and 99 years of age. Anything 100 years and older is deemed to be an antique.
Being that the most livable interiors are often a wonderful mix of old and new, there’s absolutely no reason why pieces from
different eras can’t peacefully coexist in the same room. Blending aesthetics allows you to be creative – and the results
may surprise you.
Fill your home with furniture and decor that make you happy rather than a catalog of coordinated pieces. So whether you’re
going for all-out eclectic or trying to present a more united front, here are six easy ways to create a cohesive look that show off
your personality.
1. Stay Neutral
To offset bold colors and patterns, stick with furniture in shades of cream, gray, brown, black or white. Neutral hues
are masters at blending beautifully with primary and secondary colors. And they work hard at keeping your space looking
open and airy rather than cramped and cluttered.
Our Organic Modern 2-Piece Sectional executes on all points, with creamy ivory upholstery and a conversation-conducive
crescent shape that opens up the room. A bonus: The fabric is made from recycled water bottles for luxurious comfort with
a sustainable spin.
2. Color Inside the Lines
One of the easiest ways to mix in vintage pieces with your coastal home is to tie them together with complementary colors.
For instance, match the hues of an heirloom rug passed down from your grandmother to the upholstery on your sofa.
Or add some throw pillows to pick up some of the shades on that painted chest you uncovered at an estate sale.
Our Malibu Slipcovered Sofa offers the perfect canvas for piling on the color. The epitome of comfort, it features a three-seat frame
draped in performance fabric for easy care and wear.
3. Balancing Act
It’s important to think about scale so that the juxtaposition of old and new feels fresh and inspired rather than
disorderly and shabby. Place petite pieces next to something more substantial, so they don’t get lost in a room.
Conversely, dark, heavy pieces, like a sideboard, would be more comfortable up against a wall, so they don’t overpower
your space.
4. Center of Attention
For maximum impact, introduce a large-scale statement piece like an art deco-inspired mirror, with geometric
beveled glass held inside a soft gold metal frame. Adding a focal point works exceptionally well in a neutral
space because it creates a bit of contrast.
5. Mix Things Up
Don’t be afraid to pair furniture styles from different decades, especially design trends that are making
a considerable comeback, like this mid-century modern sofa.
Distinguished by a three-over-three cushion alignment, track arms and flared legs, it has an excellent transitional
style that works in traditional and modern spaces alike. Flank each side with a pair of contemporary lounge chairs
that bring in tons of texture with abaca rope along the sides and back.
6. In the Best Light
Lighting offers another simple way to infuse your coastal home with a touch of vintage style. Hang a sparkling
chandelier in your beachy bathroom or prop a Tiffany lamp on a minimalistic side table, like this one-of-a-kind artistic piece
that features a slab of gypsum balanced atop a slim metal base with a bronze patina.
Looking for more ideas on how to pick furniture and decorative items that are easy to mix and match? We’d be happy to help.
Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
