Out of all the trends that have come and gone this year, the one that has prevailed and that I have seen everywhere is vintage nostalgia.
I've given this a name, as I haven't seen it defined anywhere yet. Basically, this is the art of people bringing in items that they have a sentimental attachment to, which gives the home a vintage, personable feel. I've asked interior designers who have spotted it too what it is, why it works so well, and how to get the look at home.
If you're looking to bring the latest interior design trends into your home in a way that's meaningful and impactful long-term, this one is worth trying.
What is vintage nostalgia?
When it comes to big and small space interior design trends, minimalist interiors are out and maximalist interiors are in this year.
Vintage nostalgia is all about carefully curating pieces that have meaning to you and incorporating them into your home in a modern and stylish way.
“The stark, cool interiors took over the interior space in recent years, but now, there's a growing desire to infuse warmth and personality into our homes,” explains Rebecca Hansen, principal designer and founder of Rebecca J Hansen Design Studio.
“If it's a mid-century chair passed down from your grandparents or side tables you find at a flea market, they invoke memories and feelings of that time,” she continues.
These pieces are sentimental and are stories of the homeowner. “We don't want to live in an antique store, nor do we want to live in a sparse gallery-like space — it's about balance in the overall narrative of the home,” Rebecca adds.
Why vintage nostalgia is so popular at the moment
At the moment so many people are reaching for nostalgia in various areas of their lives, whether they’re watching their favorite ‘90s TV shows over and over again or incorporating vintage pieces they love into their homes.
“I think people are drawn to nostalgia for a reason. In these uncertain times, it evokes a sense of comfort and security, reminding us of happy memories,” says Joyce Huston, lead interior designer and co-founder of Decorilla.
“I added my favorite childhood blanket (yes I still have it) back home and these types of items spark great joy and create a warm and inviting atmosphere in my home,” she adds. Fabrics are a great way to bring this in, whether you go for a throw like Joyce or dust off your grandma's favorite tablecloth.
How to bring vintage nostalgia into your home
If you want to bring vintage nostalgia into your home in a way that’s refined and inviting, there are a host of things you can do.
“I have advised my clients to pair a sleek, modern couch with a vintage armchair, as well as hanging a piece of abstract art next to a family heirloom,” says Joyce. “You just need to make sure the scale and proportion of the pieces work together.”
She continues, “A fresh coat of paint or reupholstery can breathe new life into an old piece. This is a great way to personalize a vintage find and make it fit your style.”
Joyce also says to make sure vintage pieces are used as accents, not the focal point of the room. This is because too much vintage can make the space feel cluttered and overwhelming.
“I feel it’s better to have a few well-chosen vintage pieces than a bunch of random stuff. I often look for pieces that are made well and have a timeless quality,” she adds.
Get the vintage nostalgia look
Sizes: 4
Made from: Paper
Price: From $24.95
Nostalgia isn't just about bringing in objects that evoke memories — it's about bringing in places, too. I loved my time in Paris, so I've added this springtime print to my basket to add a touch of sweetness. By the way, Desenio is one of my top places to buy cheap wall decor.
Size: 3 qt.
Made from: Cast iron
Price: $199.99 (was $349.95) at Nordstrom
When I think about vintage yet timeless kitchen decor, Le Creuset is the first brand that comes into my head. I love this peachy pink shade, which feels nostalgic but is still cute and playful. You can use it for everything from roasting chicken to making soup.
Sizes: 5
Made from: Polyresin, glass
Price: From $26
If you like the viral Anthropologie mirror, you're going to love this adorable smaller sized version of it. This is perfect for bringing pictures of loved ones into your home in a chic way. I recommend going for black and white pics for an extra vintage feel.
By bringing vintage nostalgia into your space, you’re sure to create a space that feels cozy, inviting, and irresistibly yours.
Want to carry on bringing 2024 trends into your home? I also identified Amalficore as a huge trend this year, which is so cute and summery.
