Oh, another favorite of mine, is that Vintage look. So what differs vintage from antique? The latter must be at least a hundred years old to be considered as antique while items that are preserved for more than 20 years already falls under vintage.
It sounds as easy to collate our grand parents stuff to achieve this look, however, we don’t want our abode to look literally old and gray right? So the tricky part is finding the right balance in combining the past with the present in the most cunning way.
Pulling it off all together requires careful study since we can literally make use of existing items from our parents or grand parents’ house. There are Stores that sell these stuff making
it easy to pull it off. You are also the one to decide what decade is closest to your heart, and/ or applicable.
Yes, they are so pretty, but there is no rule that if this is the style that you’ve chosen, everything had to be vintage. It is how the old and new come together in sweet harmony.
It’s a matter of combining pieces from your chosen era, a few perhaps but distinctive enough to create that vintage feel. If I have to choose, I like the early part of 1900s
and are considered already an antique. And the 1940s-50s too.=)
Keywords: #traditional #detailed #nostalgic #oldfashioned #classic #timeless #girly
For some years, I have been so fascinated with Shabby chic, not only because my first love is pink prior to me being addicted to the color violet, but also because I love pastels, laces, and all those girly, floral, soft and very feminine elements. Parts of me being influenced by my mama who used to be a dressmaker.
Shabby chic style has often been mistaken as Cottage style design, or Farmhouse and sometimes Vintage. It is actually not a mistake as the resemblance is very strong.
From the root word shabby, the pieces being used are distressed [and there is a way to make something new looked distressed too], worn-out and aged. Shabby chic is coming up with something pretty despite of its’ fragmented condition. You will have the impression it is literally casual, yet elegant.
Personally, each time I see a room styled in Shabby chic decors, I sensed a story. So it feels good looking at them. =)
It is so appealing because the set-up is so inviting, comfortable and very light to the feel. It utilizes very light colors like white [specifically dirty white or tea-stained white] and pastels, and when you opted to inject bold colors into it, it’ll automatically be switched to a “Boho Chic” Interior Design style which I will be glad to discuss later.
Shabby chic is usually intertwined with French country decor, specifically the remarkable houses found in Provence.
Which is why if you notice, one strong identity of this Interior design are lavenders which can also be found in Provence.
A basket of fresh lavenders sitting pretty on a distressed side table, or a bundle of lavenders in a vintage tin can, some
dried lavenders inside an old newspaper shaped into a cone, and other similar scenes, lavenders are very visible and is
always a sweet sight to behold, it tells a story how it brings its’ relaxing scent to a place, thus, we visualize how relaxed
to be in that place.
A designer whose synonymous to this style of Interior Design, is Rachel Ashwell. She have been cascading this Shabby
chic inspired interiors for 20 years already and still is very popular.
Some of its’ characteristics:
- wooden furniture here and there in peeling off paint (distressed)
- color motif of white and/or pastel (usually light pink hues)
- scented candles nestled in tin cans or dainty glasses
- worn-out looking soft slip-covers
- floral printed fabrics
- for a variety of textures: they make use of lace, embroidered fabrics, soft rugs
- they are fond of wreaths
- piles of vintage books
- flowers (artificial or fresh) on ceramic or tin can vases
- dainty chandeliers
- crocheted table runners or throws
- sun hats and veils on corners
- lots of wooden racks, shelvings, and hangers
- a restored and repurposed louver window
- an old ladder as display rack of flowers and some knick knacks
- use of ornate frames
The nice thing about this is you need not hurt your pocket to achieve this and it surely is so much fun putting all these together since most of these can be “DIY”. So on your next Design project, you can even share the fun doing it with friends and family.
Keywords: #distressed #nostalgic #effortless #feminine #lightandeasy #countrysidefeel #pretty #comfy #romantic #dreamy #restored #cozy
Rustic Interior Design style is getting more famous lately, well, in my observation. I discovered and fell in love with this theme 5 years ago and I still see it anywhere I go. In residences, in offices, in retail shops, in restaurants, even some weddings are inspired by this theme, I see it almost everywhere.
You’ll be surprised that Rustic look doesn’t follow a rule, not even uniformity. It is carefree and eccentric. In fact, it is so carefree it can be mixed and matched with several Interior Design themes like Shabby chic, Nautical, Boho chic, and others.
When it comes to textures or materials, wood is a prominent element, however, metal can be utilized, leather or suede, wrought irons, also rocks, stones, and nature-inspired pieces like indoor plants.
The chief colors used are mostly nature-based hues. When you’re the type who loves neutral colors, this is the theme for you as most elements work well with earthy colors.
Photo source: http://www.architectureartdesigns.com/46-stunning-rustic-living-room-design-ideas/
A typical rustic interior is surely with beams made sometimes with an untreated or salvaged woods. A rustic themed room can make you wonder and might ask often “Oh, is it really possible?”
As with accessorizing, most pieces that are hand-made emulates this theme. Like you found something from the woods, and an
idea popped-up in your mind and before you know it, you already have a planter made of twigs in your living room, branches
of woods can be recreated as a door handle/ pull too. Patterns used are usually huge, checkered and plain. Patchworks and quilts are anticipated too.
For actual cabins situated in the mountains, you’ll see inspirations from animals like a taxidermied head of a deer, a faux bear skin rugs [I suggested faux because I do not support products made from executing animals. Unless, it was taken from an already dead animal which cause of death is natural and is allowed by several existing federal or state laws]. While if in the urban areas, and you’d want a rustic feel for your homes, this can be forged too and will instantly remind you of the great outdoors.
To achieve this vibe, you need to consider the following:
- woodplanks
- beams
- a fireplace if applicable (trompe l’oeil will do if not applicable)
- massive pieces of furniture
You will not typically find a feminine piece in a Rustic theme, as it might look off or out of place. As one of this theme’s distinct feel is its’ masculinity.
Keywords: #simple #nofuss #rough #queer #organic #elegant #woodplanks #rugged #masculine #sexy #unpretentious #tough #incalculable #unpredictable
Here is my most favorite style and what I wanted my home to be. I just realized that it is not a “Lalala lala lala” thing, it isn’t that easy. It is the exact opposite of minimalist. There is a lot happening in every corner. A melange of anything beautiful collected through the years.
Originally, Boho chic have been inspired by the Gypsies and their lifestyle. We all know that they travel a lot. This type of designing is the result of an assembly of varying stuff they’ve got from most of their travels. This design is literally full of life.
There are two types of Gypsies – Roma Gypsies and Irish Travellers. Both have a nomadic lifestyle but are separate ethnic groups. There is much debate about their history, however Romany Gypsies are said to have their roots in India and came to Europe in the 13th century, while Travellers are mainly of Irish origin. Source: https://www.lifestyle.com.au/style/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-gypsies-and-travellers.aspx
And why oh why I have this strong penchant for gypsies.
This style has come to be so unique due to the varying origins and culture from the places they have visited. They have an eye for literal beauty, love for splashes of bright colors, varying textures, their artistry to blend one item with another and come up with a place so divine and awe-inspiring. The perfect canvas to paint
this style are neutral tones, followed by all
those bright hues that you love.
And only a few fell in love with this type of designing, some hurts their eyes, some says it is so chaotic and a mess. However, for some which includes me, I will call it “A very beautiful mess” with so much pride.
There is no rule, as it is the rule. It is how you fused something you found from India with that lantern you found from Vietnam. How you match that pretty rug from Turkey with that salvaged accent table from Waco, in Texas. Where you place a box of teas from Japan to that dainty lace from Belgium.
Actually, it isn’t necessary that one piece match another. Nothing is in order. It is the over-all look that you created and to have that special eye, is all that it takes. Like if it created a clash, it is why it was beautiful. Which is why there is flair. Which is
why as your gaze turns to another, there is a story.
Working on this kind of Interior style is effortless. If there is “Less is more”, for a Boho chic theme, it is “More is better.” It must be heavily adorned, massive in visuals. It’s like if there’s a space, you should be filling them up in no time. And it spells happy.
You wouldn’t believe, you are allowed to put two different rugs side by side.
You’ll see lots of pieces hanging: tassels, beaded curtains, crocheted caravan shawl thrown on a 3 seater, trinkets and laces, indoor hanging plants, name it. And they mesmerize my soul.
Those who’d prefer this style won’t be a fan of uniformity or symmetry, you can even use different chairs for your dining table should you wish so and in different finish and colors. A blank space is no no.
You will be stunned with the result, as it is a reflection of your own persona. Different patterns are of course in prominence. It is as fearless as doing a print on print. As Boho chic is all about liberty. You are free to do anything, if there is a hashtag to it, it is #freespirited
And just like other themes, a focal point is still possible with a Boho chic abode, don’t fret even if there’s a lot to see, A vintage chandelier will still work. A heavily-embellished mirror, or an Accent wall can create a rich statement.
Boho chic considered eclectic, while on top of it, there is more. This diversed style definitely speaks for itself, upon glance, you’ll conclude that the dweller or owner is an artist or a boho, a hippie perhaps. There is an articulated individuality.
Designing or decorating a place is really so much fun. I see myself like a scientist who keeps on experimenting until I get to see what satisfies all of my senses. At the end of the day, designing is like a happy pill for me. =)
Related links:
- purple swan – http://www.arturbane.com
- 3 seater sofa – http://www.english-chesterfields.co.uk
- pink peacock chair – http://www.millyandeugene.com.au
- double-faced clocks – http://www.amazon.com
- globe – http://www.amazon.co.uk
- euca in a vase – http://www.ghomecollection.com
- peacock in a vase – inspiredme.co
- rug – http://www.amazon.es
- throw pillow – http://www.marimekko.com
- tufted ottoman – homesifery.info
- easel – creativemarket.com
- palette – sarahrenaeclark.com
- montserra – http://www.radfordandco.co.nz
On Purple Wings 