Written By: Lavanya Chopra
Real homes are seldom defined by a single and strict design language. Spaces usually blend versatile styles, coming together to create an ambience that expresses the inhabitant’s aspirations.
Bedrooms are personal havens considered the most intimate parts of one’s home. While modern and minimal design has ruled the roost, there is an evident impact that antiques and vintage elements have on a space.
Though on opposite ends of the spectrum, modern and antique facets can unite seamlessly to create sheer magic! If a bedroom update is on the cards and these styles have your attention, read on to learn how they can be melded.
1. Colour as a Unifying Denominator
Colour is known to have a pared-down presence in modern bedroom interior design schemes. However, the infusion of antique and vintage elements allows colour to play a more prominent role!
Cohesion is key! Plan the overarching colour scheme of your bedroom, inclining toward a muted palette layered with accents of hues belonging to a similar family. Colour can debut across ornate furnishings, curated art, antique decor, or intricate drapery, building a visual thread of unity.
2. The 80-20 Ratio
While there is no hard and fast rule about seamlessly blending modern and antique pieces in a space, the aim is to achieve a well-balanced aesthetic. The general rule of thumb is to let your room be predominantly modern in its composition (80%) while layering the design scheme with curated doses of antique or vintage elements (20%).
Reversing this ratio will give rise to an extremely dated and rustic space that may differ from your intent. Instead, create a minimally-designed canvas upon which antique additions can be layered.
3. Cue the Statement Pieces
When mixing these styles, it is important to let individual elements have their moment in the spotlight! It is essential to recognise which pieces in your bedroom will pose as the muse in different parts of the space while maintaining a harmonious visual flow.
Luckily, with antique design, the options are umpteen: a solo armoire, a distressed headboard, vintage nightstands, thrifted rugs, opulent mirrors, or dated lighting fixtures.
If you have heirloom or sourced pieces, don’t hesitate to paint, refurbish, or upholster them to lease them a new life!
4. Textures as a Tool
With modern and antique design styles, an undeniable mishmash of contrasting yet complementary finishes can make a bedroom warm yet functional!
Wood, glass, concrete, and high-end natural stones are synonymous with modern interior design schemes. However, materials like distressed wood, faux leather, linens, silks, and patina-clad metals can introduce a lived-in and cosy feel through antique elements.
Furniture, lighting, multimedia art, and decor are great options to bring in a generous dose of texture while maintaining a streamlined, modern ethos.
5. The Play of Patterns
One of the most notable aspects of antique design sensibilities is the role of patterns! Mixing old and new patterns can become bold and distinctive additions in modern bedrooms, endowing them with a wow factor that starkly modern spaces can lack.
Heritage patterns can be worked into modern spaces, adding an undeniable layer of character. Some popular picks include Damask, Chintz, Tartan, Gingham, Paisley, Ikat, Silk Brocade, and Mina-Khani. Drawing inspiration from these varieties, selecting surfaces in one’s bedroom can create a focal point. Examples include wallpapers, mural art, drapery, and rugs to highlight surfaces inventively.
Celebrating the Union of the Old and New
Bringing together modern and antique interior design principles is a fitting way to breathe new life into your bedroom! The routes are abundant, and the outcomes of this design marriage are uncountable.
Have these styles got you inspired and craving a bedroom makeover? Reach our team of interior design experts at Hipcouch and begin by booking a free consultation service with a few simple clicks.
Contact us to manifest that design vision into reality!