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Vintage Meets Modern
BLEND RETRO-INSPIRED AND CONTEMPORARY DECOR FOR TIMELESS ELEGANCE .
By TANYA A . YACINA
M ixing modern design pieces with retro or vintage-inspired items can create a unique aesthetic in a home . Michael Fullen , founding principal of Fullen Enany Design Group , says spaces should reflect the owner ’ s style and , at the same time , have a soul . Mixing old with new adds character and a bit of history , regardless of overall style .
“ Most of us have treasured items from our past . I like to use those items as part of the home ’ s interior design ,” Fullen says . “ This could be anything from a kid ’ s baseball glove , a collection of vintage items or an heirloom piece of furniture . [ Incorporating ] items from someone ’ s past [ helps to ] personalize … the spaces .”
According to Fullen , experts in the design world have been mixing traditional decor with
Vintage and modern pieces can be used together within the same room .
Spaces that mix old and new pieces should reflect the owners ' style and personality .
contemporary items for many years , but the idea has more recently caught the eye of mainstream retailers . Now , reproduction architectural etchings , aged rugs , Roman statue fragments , distressed leathers and even French garden plans are just some of the examples of trending items that can help you achieve this aesthetic .
“ Since we all retreated back to our own homes in early 2020 , I think we all wanted our home to not only function properly for us , but also make us feel comfortable and relaxed ,” he notes . “ Adding a little bit of character and warmth helps to achieve that feeling and sense of comfort .”
Fullen says that when his team works on a project , they get to know a lot about the owners and their families , try to uncover personal interests and assess the client ’ s current decor . Along the way , he “ collects ” items that play to those interests and can be used as decorative accessories or furnishings .
“ It is very easy to make a home feel collected over time if we delve into the interests of those that … live there ,” Fullen says . “ Consider using a vintage rug in a contemporary room setting . Pull out old blackand-white photos and create a collection , or mix art from different periods and styles and
hang salon style .”
He also recommends visiting vintage stores or antique shops to see what catches your eye ; it doesn ’ t have to be a major investment to make a statement . Pair a contemporary house designed using glass and steel with an antique console in the entryway , and it would not look out of place . Meanwhile , he adds , a Spanish Revival home could be completely outfitted in contemporary furnishings .
“ Mixing old and new has no specific rules — use what you love ,” Fullen says . “ It ’ s your personal space and it should reflect each of the family members [ in its design and decor ].”
LEFT : BRETT GUM ; MIDDLE AND RIGHT : KARYN MILLET
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