New Plus Nostalgia Equals NewStalgia

At the intersection of modern and classic, new and vintage, remodeled and traditional, you’ll find newstalgia. Just like so much of pop culture is about past trends coming back, it’s the perfect time to incorporate antique pieces or vintage-inspired design into your modern space, or modern pieces into your vintage space! It works well in the modern age when you probably have an old dresser from your grandmother but you also have a sweet spot for brand-new Japanese or Swedish pieces and modern design.

Whether it’s through interior design, furniture, art, or accessories, newstalgia can help each of us embrace multiple eras of beautiful design instead of confining ourselves to specific aesthetics. Don’t Marie Kondo away your old classic pieces or home design features, just modernize them or style them with some brand new elements and decor. Newstalgia differs from other design trends because it allows you to incorporate multiple looks together. Check out some examples below!

Colorful/Unique Tile

The reintroduction of Kohler’s heritage colors has marked the resurgence of vintage tile and bathroom fixtures. Incorporating these pieces in the modern era can be done easily with chic styling. Updated faucets and contemporary accessories are the perfect touch. You can even update a vintage bathroom by preserving the colored tile and balancing it out with colorful modern wallpaper. Another classic tile trend you can implement is terrazzo tile. Terrazzo was introduced in the U.S. in the 1890s with Art Deco design movements.

It is a great way to incorporate many colors and textures into a modern bathroom. If the all-white monochromatic bathrooms that are trending lately feel a little too sterile for the vibe you are going for, try incorporating bright colors within your home. It can even improve your mood. We also loved in one of our recent remodels how the client kept one vintage tile in the backsplash of his fully updated and sleek modern kitchen.

Patterned Wallpaper

Patterned wallpaper was quite popular in the 1920s, and is making a huge comeback. You can use fun wallpaper in a smaller space, such as a powder room or an office. Bold wallpaper can also help balance out colorful vintage tile in a bathroom or be a statement piece in a primary bedroom. The beauty of wallpaper is that the options are endless, you can go for a timeless print, a brand-new pattern, a luxury brand, or anything that compliments your unique eclectic space.

There are even brands that cater to renters or clients who like to switch up the motif frequently by being easily removable, but a step above peel and stick. If you have modern framing and flooring, consider a vintage print, or if you have vintage features in a room, consider brand-new wallpaper designs. This can help balance the vibe of your space. 

Brick

Thank you exposed brick! This space embraced the original brick by keeping the wall exposed, which juxtaposes nicely with the modern sconces at the end of the hallway. It’s also a great homage to the history of this home and gives an industrial feel to this space. If you are looking to incorporate this look into a space that does not have original brick, consider adding a faux brick accent wall within your home to add that charm and visual interest. We love how this space has a rustic but still luxurious feel. The antique furniture piece at the end of the hallway is the cherry on top. We hope this inspires you to style pieces and finishes from different time periods together in a visually compatible way.

Vintage Hardware and Fixtures

This light switch looks straight out of the 1950s, but it is from a brand-new lighting collection in a newly renovated space. Having such eye-catching metal fixtures in your space will not only give you a tactile and distinctive light switch but also adds a sense of old-world luxury to a brand-new space. Styling this brass switch with a more contemporary faucet on a refurbished vanity can bring harmony to a space while still honoring new and old design. In the era of smart bulbs and techy light switches, it can be refreshing to look at something designed to work and look beautiful. Or if smart switches are more your style, try incorporating them with a classic inspired light fixture.

Rattan

Sorry not sorry for continuing to talk about rattan, we just love all the different ways it can be implemented within a home. Rattan is a natural vine-like climbing palm plant that is typically woven in a wicker fashion. Although rattan furniture is thousands of years old, rattan was very popular in the United States in the 1960s and 70s, and now it’s back again. Incorporating rattan into any space can give a beautiful texture and a touch of a natural feel, all while harkening back to vintage trends. Rattan can be incorporated as cabinet fronts, lighting fixtures, headboards, and much more. If you are looking for a more modern take, go for something like this metal rattan-like weave on cabinet fronts!

Contact The Arete’ Design Team In Chicago

Ultimately, how you choose to embrace newstalgia in your home is completely up to you. There is no right or wrong way to incorporate new and old designs simultaneously. These are just a few examples, but simply opening yourself up to the newstalgia mindset can help you style a more eclectic and unique home. Future-proof your home by having a strong interior design that spans decades and styles so your space can adapt and change as you do.

Don’t get locked into minimalism or coastal or rustic styles, newstalgia can help you make smart design choices by breaking conventional rules. As remodelers, we have a special place in our hearts for keeping the spirit of your original space while renovating to include some modern changes.

Suppose you want to stay true to the vintage parts of your space while giving it some much-needed updates or incorporate a more traditional design into a more modern space. In that case, the Areté The Art of Design Studio can help you bring your newstalgia vision to life. If you don’t know where to start, or you have an exact vision of what you want your new space to look like, Areté can help. Schedule your consultation today! Call us at 773.683.3033.