Blend retro-inspired and contemporary decor for timeless elegance.
By Tanya A. Yacina
Mixing modern design pieces with retro or vintage-inspired items can create a unique aesthetic in a home. Michael Fullen, founding principal of Fullen Enany Design Group, says spaces should reflect the owner’s style and, at the same time, have a soul. Mixing old with new adds character and a bit of history, regardless of overall style.
“Most of us have treasured items from our past. I like to use those items as part of the home’s interior design,” Fullen says. “This could be anything from a kid’s baseball glove, a collection of vintage items or an heirloom piece of furniture. [Incorporating] items from someone’s past [helps to] personalize … the spaces.”
According to Fullen, experts in the design world have been mixing traditional decor with contemporary items for many years, but the idea has more recently caught the eye of mainstream retailers. Now, reproduction architectural etchings, aged rugs, Roman statue fragments, distressed leathers and even French garden plans are just some of the examples of trending items that can help you achieve this aesthetic.
“Since we all retreated back to our own homes in early 2020, I think we all wanted our home to not only function properly for us, but also make us feel comfortable and relaxed,” he notes. “Adding a little bit of character and warmth helps to achieve that feeling and sense of comfort.”
Fullen says that when his team works on a project, they get to know a lot about the owners and their families, try to uncover personal interests and assess the client’s current decor. Along the way, he “collects” items that play to those interests and can be used as decorative accessories or furnishings.
“It is very easy to make a home feel collected over time if we delve into the interests of those that … live there,” Fullen says. “Consider using a vintage rug in a contemporary room setting. Pull out old black-and-white photos and create a collection, or mix art from different periods and styles and hang salon style.”
He also recommends visiting vintage stores or antique shops to see what catches your eye; it doesn’t have to be a major investment to make a statement. Pair a contemporary house designed using glass and steel with an antique console in the entryway, and it would not look out of place. Meanwhile, he adds, a Spanish Revival home could be completely outfitted in contemporary furnishings.
“Mixing old and new has no specific rules—use what you love,” Fullen says. “It’s your personal space and it should reflect each of the family members [in its design and decor].”
In the Mix
Use these products—a blend of modern and retro designs—to create a home that is all your own.
