Style Me Vintage: Home

Lighting
Practical and functional, a vintage look is completed by period lighting as it can establish the right atmosphere. Look for a range of lighting, for example, table lamps, ceiling lights and floor lamps which will provide different sources of illumination. It does not all need to be vintage, there is a good choice of vintage-style lights on the market. If you go for autentic vintage, have it checked by an electrician to make sure it is safe.
Appliances and Technology
The latest gadgets and labour-saving devices of the period bring authenticity to your look as well as something to talk about when you invite your friends around. Look out for a clock, radio, record player or kitchen appliance that was typical of the era. These may not always work, but they give a great look and dotted around the house give a nostalgic feel.
Artwork
Vintage prints and artwork can pull a room together. You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a big impact with this. There were lots of iconic mass-produced posters that can be found at fairs and markets. A low budget but effective idea is to frame vintage magazine covers and adverts depicting fashion, cars or home items of the time, which give a flavour of a certain decade. Also look out for reasonably priced sheet music, maps and education posters which highlight the artistic style of the time and provide a talking point. For framed examples to buy, check out www.vintageinprint.co.uk and www.thenostalgiashop.co.uk.
Kitchenalia
The word kitchenalia is a broad term for miscellaneous kitchen utensils, cooking and baking equipment and other items that you would typically find in kitchens. A great place to start when creating a vintage-themed kitchen, items such as jars, jugs and pots are great for the look and they can still be used. Plus items don’t always have to be used in the kitchen; decorated plates can be displayed on the walls in any room, and items such as enamel can look effective in the bathroom too. There is a massive array of items that you can pick up from every era and many specialist dealers are available online and at fairs.
Storage
Including enough storage is important as we all have so many possessions and it’s a good way to hide any clutter. There are lots of vintage storage solutions that can almost be a feature in the room or that can be less obvious as a place to store things. Look for the ever-popular vintage luggage, trunks, baskets, tins, wooden cupboards and sideboards as they are all great storage solutions. Style will be dependent on the era, but searching for things like this on auction sites like eBay will give you inspiration.
TOP TIP
Avoid buying too much. If you get carried away buying everything you see you will end up with a room packed to the rafters and it will start to look too cluttered. Don’t forget that less is more.

WHERE TO START
MAKE A CHECKLIST OF WHAT TO BUY
Taking the first steps to creating your vintage home is easier than you think. Whether you are going for a specific decade that you love or want to mix it up a bit with items that stand out, it’s clear a vintage home takes some time to build. Focusing your mind on what you want to get your hands on will make the whole experience at lot more straightforward.
It’s not essential to decide on a decade or vintage style instantly; this may develop when you start looking around for pieces. On the other hand, if you are already a vintage enthusiast you might have a good idea of the eras you love and the pieces you want. You might decide to build up your look by using things you have already. Often an item you fall in love with and buy on a whim will be the centrepiece that the whole room will revolve around.
Start out by compiling a wishlist for each room you want to style and highlight the items you need against those you really want.
Furniture
The style of your furniture is a key indicator of an era or vintage style — seating, display units and tables are investment pieces that set the scene. Items need to be practical, useable and durable; make sure you assess the condition of wooden furniture very carefully. Check for sturdiness, that seats are strong and that tables don’t wobble. Word of warning, when looking for wooden furniture keep an eye out for woodworm!
Decorative Objects
Ornaments are the details and finishing touches that make a room. Items don’t always have to have a use; they just need to look good. They are still important to pull your whole style together. Make sure that items such as mirrors, vases and ceramics are definitely on your list and do some research into what was popular for the time. Decide on the colour scheme of your room. You might work around a major object you have picked up and that dictates what you go searching for. Either way, choose colours that work well together.
Textiles
Useable in every room, textiles are easy to find and will make a big impact, giving your room the wow factor. It’s probably the first thing people will comment on, so getting it right is important. Try not to use too many different patterns in one space, but use tones that complement each other. Curtains, cushions, throws, wall hangings and rugs all give that homely feeling. You can even use fabrics to re-cover and to bring a new lease of life to chairs or footstools. This is a very versatile option for your home. Make sure that textiles can be cleaned and that there are no signs of moths or deterioration that might get worse with use.

A collection of original 1950s fabric off-cuts, perfect for a mid-century-styled home.

Chairs come in all shapes and sizes, choose something that fits your home as well as being typical of your favourite era. Here is a 1920s bentwood chair with cane inserts.
Lighting
Practical and functional, a vintage look is completed by period lighting as it can establish the right atmosphere. Look for a range of lighting, for example, table lamps, ceiling lights and floor lamps which will provide different sources of illumination. It does not all need to be vintage, there is a good choice of vintage-style lights on the market. If you go for autentic vintage, have it checked by an electrician to make sure it is safe.
Appliances and Technology
The latest gadgets and labour-saving devices of the period bring authenticity to your look as well as something to talk about when you invite your friends around. Look out for a clock, radio, record player or kitchen appliance that was typical of the era. These may not always work, but they give a great look and dotted around the house give a nostalgic feel.
Artwork
Vintage prints and artwork can pull a room together. You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a big impact with this. There were lots of iconic mass-produced posters that can be found at fairs and markets. A low budget but effective idea is to frame vintage magazine covers and adverts depicting fashion, cars or home items of the time, which give a flavour of a certain decade. Also look out for reasonably priced sheet music, maps and education posters which highlight the artistic style of the time and provide a talking point. For framed examples to buy, check out www.vintageinprint.co.uk and www.thenostalgiashop.co.uk.
Kitchenalia
The word kitchenalia is a broad term for miscellaneous kitchen utensils, cooking and baking equipment and other items that you would typically find in kitchens. A great place to start when creating a vintage-themed kitchen, items such as jars, jugs and pots are great for the look and they can still be used. Plus items don’t always have to be used in the kitchen; decorated plates can be displayed on the walls in any room, and items such as enamel can look effective in the bathroom too. There is a massive array of items that you can pick up from every era and many specialist dealers are available online and at fairs.
Storage
Including enough storage is important as we all have so many possessions and it’s a good way to hide any clutter. There are lots of vintage storage solutions that can almost be a feature in the room or that can be less obvious as a place to store things. Look for the ever-popular vintage luggage, trunks, baskets, tins, wooden cupboards and sideboards as they are all great storage solutions. Style will be dependent on the era, but searching for things like this on auction sites like eBay will give you inspiration.
TOP TIP
Avoid buying too much. If you get carried away buying everything you see you will end up with a room packed to the rafters and it will start to look too cluttered. Don’t forget that less is more.

completed by period lighting as it can establish the right atmosphere. Look for a range of lighting, for example, table lamps, ceiling lights and floor lamps which will provide different sources of illumination. It does not all need to be vintage, there is a good choice of vintage-style lights on the market. If you go for autentic vintage, have it checked by an electrician to make sure it is safe.
Appliances and Technology
The latest gadgets and labour-saving devices of the period bring authenticity to your look as well as something to talk about when you invite your friends around. Look out for a clock, radio, record player or kitchen appliance that was typical of the era. These may not always work, but they give a great look and dotted around the house give a nostalgic feel.
Artwork
Vintage prints and artwork can pull a room together. You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a big impact with this. There were lots of iconic mass-produced posters that can be found at fairs and markets. A low budget but effective idea is to frame vintage magazine covers and adverts depicting fashion, cars or home items of the time, which give a flavour of a certain decade. Also look out for reasonably priced sheet music, maps and education posters which highlight the artistic style of the time and provide a talking point. For framed examples to buy, check out www.vintageinprint.co.uk and www.thenostalgiashop.co.uk.
Kitchenalia
The word kitchenalia is a broad term for miscellaneous kitchen utensils, cooking and baking equipment and other items that you would typically find in kitchens. A great place to start when creating a vintage-themed kitchen, items such as jars, jugs and pots are great for the look and they can still be used. Plus items don’t always have to be used in the kitchen; decorated plates can be displayed on the walls in any room, and items such as enamel can look effective in the bathroom too. There is a massive array of items that you can pick up from every era and many specialist dealers are available online and at fairs.
Storage
Including enough storage is important as we all have so many possessions and it’s a good way to hide any clutter. There are lots of vintage storage solutions that can almost be a feature in the room or that can be less obvious as a place to store things. Look for the ever-popular vintage luggage, trunks, baskets, tins, wooden cupboards and sideboards as they are all great storage solutions. Style will be dependent on the era, but searching for things like this on auction sites like eBay will give you inspiration.
TOP TIP
Avoid buying too much. If you get carried away buying everything you see you will end up with a room packed to the rafters and it will start to look too cluttered. Don’t forget that less is more.

WHERE TO START
MAKE A CHECKLIST OF WHAT TO BUY
Taking the first steps to creating your vintage home is easier than you think. Whether you are going for a specific decade that you love or want to mix it up a bit with items that stand out, it’s clear a vintage home takes some time to build. Focusing your mind on what you want to get your hands on will make the whole experience at lot more straightforward.
It’s not essential to decide on a decade or vintage style instantly; this may develop when you start looking around for pieces. On the other hand, if you are already a vintage enthusiast you might have a good idea of the eras you love and the pieces you want. You might decide to build up your look by using things you have already. Often an item you fall in love with and buy on a whim will be the centrepiece that the whole room will revolve around.
Start out by compiling a wishlist for each room you want to style and highlight the items you need against those you really want.
Furniture
The style of your furniture is a key indicator of an era or vintage style — seating, display units and tables are investment pieces that set the scene. Items need to be practical, useable and durable; make sure you assess the condition of wooden furniture very carefully. Check for sturdiness, that seats are strong and that tables don’t wobble. Word of warning, when looking for wooden furniture keep an eye out for woodworm!
Decorative Objects
Ornaments are the details and finishing touches that make a room. Items don’t always have to have a use; they just need to look good. They are still important to pull your whole style together. Make sure that items such as mirrors, vases and ceramics are definitely on your list and do some research into what was popular for the time. Decide on the colour scheme of your room. You might work around a major object you have picked up and that dictates what you go searching for. Either way, choose colours that work well together.
Textiles
Useable in every room, textiles are easy to find and will make a big impact, giving your room the wow factor. It’s probably the first thing people will comment on, so getting it right is important. Try not to use too many different patterns in one space, but use tones that complement each other. Curtains, cushions, throws, wall hangings and rugs all give that homely feeling. You can even use fabrics to re-cover and to bring a new lease of life to chairs or footstools. This is a very versatile option for your home. Make sure that textiles can be cleaned and that there are no signs of moths or deterioration that might get worse with use.

n a house.
Style: Vintage looks good, gives the option of creating many different looks and it can fit in within a modern home.

Individuality: You can create your own style and add personal touches to a room, making a statement and putting your individual mark

Take a look online at the rapid growth of businesses selling Vintage, Mid-century and Retro, there are thousands. Look through interiors magazines and you will see plenty of references to vintage. Things that were being thrown out are now in vogue and being given a second chance to shine. Household names from the past are also re-launching heritage ranges by delving back into their archives and vintage classics are becoming influential in designs being manufactured by large modern furniture retailers too. Retro wallpaper and textiles designs are being reproduced, which is great — we are all in love with a bit of nostalgia.
The reason we want to buy vintage for the home can be ascribed to a few simple reasons:
Quality: We are now a throwaway society. The saying ‘they don’t make things like they used to’ is quite true. In the past, pieces were made to last as homemakers expected to retain their purchases throughout their lifetime. The equivalent quality bought new today would come with a high price tag.
Value: Vintage style is easy to achieve even with the smallest budget. Be savvy and create a list of what you are looking for and how much you want to pay. Then do your research so you can get the best deal.
Recycling and Reusing: Most people today are more environmentally conscious and reusing household items will boost your green credentials. Why throw something away that is still useable?

WHAT IS VINTAGE?
I must say or write the word ‘vintage’ a hundred times or more each day, but what does this term really mean? Vintage is a word that started life describing wines and cars, but then moved into being a description used for fashion and music from previous decades. To most people it means ‘high quality’ or ‘classic’, it represents the best of its time, or something that has enduring appeal. It now describes so many things, and is often used to define a style or homage to a particular era or look.
This is where vintage for the home comes in — my take on it is that the name ‘vintage’ acts as an umbrella to cover six decades of design and fashionable styles. Underneath this umbrella are many very different looks that are era-specific, as well as styles and fashions that have been born out of using vintage items. For instance you might want to create a Shabby Chic, Industrial, Retro, Rustic Vintage, Eclectic or Mid-century theme in your home, and these are all of a vintage style. In this book I will introduce you to all of those era-specific looks plus the fashions, so you can then decide on the vintage look that suits you, your tastes and your home.
The popularity of vintage for the home is at an all-time high. It’s ultra fashionable to reuse items and buy second-hand and turning to vintage is one way of achieving this. There is a new wave of people who may not have considered it before, joining the hordes of those die-hard vintage fans that have been buying it for years. When I tour around the UK selling at fairs and markets I am amazed at what a varied bunch my customers are; a broad range of ages and backgrounds, these people appreciate good classic design and have a genuine enthusiasm for vintage style.