Vintage: a quite successful current of style, or a reading key in the case that grandma's furniture was the only choice for furnishing the house? Somewhat both.

For some, antique furniture is enjoying an incredible revival in the past few years. TV shows in whose farmhouse style plays the leading role certainly played a part in highlighting the allure of antiques. Moreover, being closely associated with other design trends such as industrial style, hygge style or japandi is leading many homes to resemble each other in the pursuit of a unique style.

While this mix of trends can be interesting, the meaning of vintage in real life is probably a little less romantic.

After 20 years, almost everything could be considered vintage: objects, cars, clothes (even us). But let's be honest: the white minimalism of '90s kitchens, which also fall into the category, may not be exactly what we are looking for.

HOW TO DECORATE VINTAGE STYLE?

Consumed by the holy fire of interior design, we throw ourselves wholeheartedly into retrò furniture, i.e. furniture made today to look like a hundred years ago. We scan every website to find a piece of retrò (non-vintage N.d.A.) that suits both aesthetics and wallet, but we are bitterly disappointed to find that once installed, it doesn't really have the vibe of a farmhouse at all.

To prevent this, in #arredamentonabudget projects we follow these steps.

1 - Keep in mind the context.

You are renting and the flat is a glorious mix of briarwood cupboards, multicoloured patterned armchairs and a black and white kitchen. If your budget doesn't allow you to replace everything, it's time to put some order into whatever is available. Soft neutral cover cloth and some smartly designed and placed accessories will help limit the outburst of styles. Also consider painting some walls and doing some DIY projects: it can be fun and adds personality to your home.

2 - Recycling

You've just bought a property but, due to the market, it has cost you an awful fortune and now you can only afford the essentials (kitchen and bed). No need to live among boxes! Reuse! Everywhere you can find outdated furniture to restore. Some are already beautiful as they are, while others require a touch or two of love and attention. Perhaps your great-aunt who is redecorating her house will give you a cupboard that will look as good as new with a coat of chalk paint. Perhaps you'll find an authentic writing table on some online app: often there are people who empty their homes and don't know where to place beautiful furniture, which an antiquarian wouldn't sell.

3 - Go to street markets

This can be a great way to meet artisans and find real deals. Be careful if you think you will pay little for everything: the beauty of antique markets is the variety of proposals and the ethics of recycling, not necessarily the cheap prices.

Here is a list for the Veneto area.

Did you follow these tips, but can't figure out how to place the furniture? Would you like a hand in creating a vintage ambience that suits you? 

Contact us and book a #arredamentonabudget project!

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