The essence of modern = simplicity, clean, defined, precise.
The essence of vintage = storied, slightly damaged/chipped.
Seemingly at odds… So how do we best mix these two styles in our own Homes + Kitchens?
I have a vivid memory of biking through the rivered Dordogne region of Southern France, past all the old, white-stone houses set in lavender and poppy fields. Or, old is so I thought… At one point a house was being built new – in the old style. We were lucky to go through one, owned by a local artist, and I was shocked to see how minimalist and modern and old and vintage and monochrome and colorful it was – ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
That visual has never left me, and I dare say even began to form a life-long journey of weaving both vintage and the new within myself and my own surroundings. The French really do mix these two styles the best IMHO!
Most of the ‘vintage’ I buy is dishware and kitchen accessories. I also happen to design and oversee manufacture of new home and kitchen wares. How do I see these all coming together?
I love incorporating a nod to classic or antiqued iconography into my newly developed products, such as a doily-inspired Thyme print from original watercolor work lasered into the edging of my acrylic Food Mats, for example. And I look for such touches in objects I purchase as well.
other – mostly vintage – bits!
I also tend towards quite clean-edged vintage when hunting, for the most part. My MANY many vessels of milk-glass don’t have any fuss about them. They fit well within any style of decor. It also makes them great gifts – versatile enough for anyone’s home. This approach is very modern and minimalist, while being of itself vintage.
Bits like these can be found throughout my own Home + Kitchen, and I think it makes our surroundings here all the richer for it! Mixing storied pieces with new ones waiting for their story layers our lives whether a simple dinner party, or lounging on our sofa. When the imperfect meets the perfected, so a little bit do our souls.
