Tag Archives: eames

Home decor: What does vintage mean to you?

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All you have to do is open a decorating magazine or read a blog and you will hear the term “vintage” being tossed about.  But what exactly is vintage?  Does it refer to antiques?  Does it apply to something home made or hand crafted or is it simply something old?  According to the dictionary, unless you are referring to a wine harvest, vintage usually refers to something that is old-fashioned or represents a high quality piece from a previous era i.e. vintage car, vintage chanel or vintage Eames.  Vintage items can also be used to decorate your home.  For example, vintage linens can be turned into window treatments or throw pillows; vintage feed and coffee sacks are a very popular trend right now and can be used to upholster chairs, benches and foot stools.  The real advantage of adding vintage items to your home’s decor is the history behind the piece and the warmth gently worn items add to your home.  Take a look at these photos and see if they are vintage, antique or just old.

These vintage quilts from Eddie Ross add color and history to a space.  In fact, the tears and loose threads just make them more desirable.  Pull out some old quilts you might have and layer them on top of an armoire or toss them over the arm of a chair for easy access on a chilly evening.

Vintage can also refer to an antique like this classic Eames chair.  (photo courtesy Sunset magazine)

Remember these crocheted afghans from the 1970′s?  Well I do and this is a fantastic way to renew, reuse and recyle and create a one of a kind chair that meets every definition of vintage!  (courtesy of apartment therapy)

Let’s not forget the feedsack trend.  These dining room chairs have been slipcovered in old feedsacks for a casual, homespun look.  (courtesy of house beautiful)

How do you feel about vintage items?  Please share your ideas and photos with us.

Design Style: Retro Design

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With the popularity of television shows like “Madmen” there has been a resurgence of interest in decorating trends from the 1950′s through the  early sixties.  If you are fortunate enough to live in a mid-century style home you are already familiar with soaring windows and Eames furniture.  However, there are some style elements of this period that can be used in any home to add just a touch of retro design.  For example:

  • Turquoise has already been named the  2010 color of the year by Pantone and it was certainly popular in the early sixties.  It is possible to find mixing bowls, toasters and other kitchen items in this color as well as other colors of the time including yellow, red and pink.  Look for it in dishware also.  Remember melamine dishes?
  • Low slung Danish modern furniture was popular during this time period.  Upholster your chairs in a white, green or turqoise vinyl to really stay true to the period.  For more information and to purchase vinyl suitable for upholstery, visit our site at www.onlinefabricstore.net.
  • Fabrics were bright and colorful and featured large floral and fern patterns as well as some  prints with sputnik and other “spacey” designs.  Remember, it was 1961 when we first placed a man on the moon and space was a new territory.  Pop art patterns were also used to add a bright and modern touch to interior spaces.
  • Popular colors included orange (popular again now), turquoise (need I say more about this color?) and mint green.  Neutrals were also used in combinations that included chocolate brown and turquoise (there it is again), fuchsia or various shades of green.

Things changed in 1963 with the assassination of our President and the turmoil that followed.  Design styles changed and flower power and hippie style moved in as young America turned on and tuned out.  But true retro design includes furniture, fabric and accessories from 1950-1963.  So have fun and relive childhood memories through the use of colors and shapes from this decorating era.

Design Style: Contemporary

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eames chairWhile most of us fall into the eclectic category of decorating where we prefer a mix of styles, some people like the simple and clean lines of contemporary design.  If this is your preferred style your home might include:

  • Glass topped tables.  Your coffee, end tables and dining tables may all have a glass top, often in an unusual or organic shape.  Acrylic or lucite is also a popular material in a contemporary setting.
  • The legs of your furniture may be chrome or some other shiny metal.  Table bases may also be metal.
  • The lines of your furniture are simple and straight or in a curving and organic shape.  No curliques for you.
  • Your artwork and accessories are brightly colored, abstract in shape or subject matter and often large in scale.
  • The floors of your home may be a richly stained wood or a modern surface such as polished concrete.  Rugs warm the space but wall to wall carpeting is a no-no.
  • You are familiar with designer names like Noguchi, Eames, George Nelson and Herman Miller.
  • You prefer solid colored fabrics or a sharp geometric print.  Colors are strong and include black and white and primary colors like red and blue.

Many people think contemporary design is cold and uninviting.  But any poorly designed interior can be cold and uninviting.  Warm up a modern space with color and texture and the “unfussiness” of the room can be a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.