13 Ways To Achieve A Vintage Aesthetic In Your Home

2022-07-18 11:03:08 By : Ms. Annie Liu

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Plus, Orla Kiely's top tips.

When you think of the sixties and seventies, what springs to mind? The Beatles, Woodstock, Mad Men, Fleetwood Mac, flares? How about rich dark wood, patterned wallpaper and simple yet bold shapes.

If you look at current interior trends, it’s undeniable that the vintage aesthetic is having something of a comeback. The functional wooden designs, clean curved lines and muted tones synonymous with mid-century design are everywhere to be seen. In fact, in a recent survey of 600 decorators, 26 per cent of respondents said they’d witnessed a resurgence of iconic mid-century design and interiors.

The instantly recognisable colours and prints found in the interiors of the 1960s and 1970s are having a surge in popularity, too. Combined, you get a wonderfully retro look – it’s enough to make you want to dig out your vinyls.

'The sixties and seventies were all about expressing yourself,' says Irish designer Orla Kiely, 'and where else is better to express yourself than the place you spend time in every day.'

Keep reading to discover Orla's top three tips for incorporating the trends of the sixties and seventies into a modern interior. Plus, meet our top picks for creating a vintage aesthetic in your home.

'When you think of the mid-century, you think of wood tones, bright colours and bold patterns. A fun way of adding pops of colour into your home is by choosing statement accessories,' says Orla. 'Bold cushions, interchangeable headboards and fabrics such as curtains can be interchanged to enable you to refresh your rooms quickly and easily.'

Orla says: 'Mid-century design celebrated all things natural, with floral patterns given a pop-art spin. I suggest using a large-scale pattern as a dominant shape, followed by using medium or smaller-scale patterns for accents. This creates the contrast that mid-century interiors are known for.'

'The 1960s and 70s introduced a whole new range of textures and man-made fabrics,' Orla explains. 'A 1970s home would be filled to the brim with tactile materials such as shag carpets and macramé. To create this effect in your bedroom, use complementary colours and patterns, changing up your bed linen, cushions and curtains or blinds to create a depth without your layers looking clashed or unorganised.'

This solid oak side table nods to mid-century design with its curved edges and deep wooden tones. It's an understated piece that will add character to any room.

Your record collection just got a new home with this vintage-inspired cabinet. There's room for vinyls aplenty, plus plenty of surface space for your record player, too.

It doesn't get much more seventies than iconic ceramics from Hornsea Pottery. Now collector's items, their original range of kitchenware is true vintage and can be sourced from Etsy, either individually or as sets.

These eye-catching cushions take inspiration from the floral tiles of Porto. Shades of kingfisher blue and moss green combine with cream for an earthy contrast.

Crafted from solid wood with an oak veneer, this eye-catching coffee table showcases a streamlined silhouette for a modern twist on mid-century style.

The 1960s art scene wouldn't be what it is without David Hockney. This exhibition poster is the perfect way to add some sixties magic to your walls.

Rich wood, fine linen upholstery – this armchair gets the mid-century modern trend right. Pair with an equally understated side table for the perfect place to listen to your records.

A funky nod to the groovy wallpaper of the 1960s and 70s, this colourful design features layers of rounded shapes in sunset pink, deep purple and orange.

This is a robust wardrobe that nods towards the clean lines and dark woods of mid-century modern design. Doors glide smoothly from side to side – ideal if you're short on space.

A stylish pair of two wooden dining chairs, each with a leather seat. We love the curved silhouette of the backrest, as well as the dark, moody finish.

Bring colour to any room with these bold, patterned readymade curtains. The graphic print is both retro and modern in equal measure.

A modern take on retro art, this bold framed print has been created by professional graphic designer, Ana Rut Bre. Already framed, it's ready to be hung on your wall as soon as you want.

The colour, the shape, the numbers – it's like going back in time. This retro alarm clock is a wonderfully kitsch addition to your bedside table.