For a timeless look mix and match designs
Mix and match designs in the same colours for example use a vintage floral fabric as a curtain fabric and then use a striped fabric as an upholstery fabric, or you could use a small floral with a larger floral fabric.
Genuine vintage fabric is not easy to find but there are many designs around which mimic a vintage design. These fabrics are very easy to live with and can be used in contemporary and traditional homes.
Using toile de jouy fabric
Toile de jouy fabric originated in France and it usually has an off-white background and then pastoral scenes of people and the countryside. Traditionally the design colour is blue but now fabrics are available in other colours such as charcoal, red or grey. Toile de jouy fabric can either be used on their own or mixed and matched with co-ordinating stripes and florals.
Design tips for walls, floors and furniture
Walls can either be kept plain in a neutral colour or wallpaper can be used in a similar or co-ordinating design to the fabric. This look works particularly well in bedrooms and looks great with crisp white bedlinen.
Painted furniture is ideal with this type of look. If you have some wooden furniture you have grown tired of why not have a go at painting it yourself using a chalk paint. Preparation is key so make sure you prepare the wood thoroughly by sanding and cleaning the surface before painting. Creams, soft greys or heritage greens are the best shades to use.
Although carpets were traditionally highly patterned I would suggest using plain carpets or floorboards to give the room a contemporary feel and be more in keeping with modern tastes!
Accessorise with vintage shop finds
The ideal accessories for a vintage style interior is to scour vintage shops and car boot sales for genuine articles from the period such as glassware and china. As this trend continues to be popular prices are rising but there are still bargains around. If you can't find originals there are also reproductions around in many home stores.
Vintage fabric and vintage style interiors are going to me a key trend for many years.
