Designing a space that feels authentic, lived in, and elegant often comes down to making the right choices when mixing vintage and contemporary design pieces. We’re sharing ideas for incorporating vintage touches into every room of the home, from the living room to the bedroom and all the spaces in between.

Living Room

The living room offers many opportunities to incorporate vintage elements that bring depth and character. In the West Side Elegance project, we included a vintage Philip & Kelvin LaVerne “Romanesque” coffee table. The table feels stately, adding visual intrigue and a sense of history with its etched surface and natural patina. In the 79th St Duplex, a pair of vintage orange loveseats introduces a playful Mid-Century moment that contrasts beautifully with the room’s more contemporary, curved sofa silhouette.

Introducing vintage lighting can be an easy way to create a dimensional and timeless living room. In our Palm Beach Apartment, a pair of vintage travertine table lamps from Pascal Boyer flank the living room sofa, adding texture and tonal warmth. We often incorporate vintage case goods and writing desks. These exceptionally crafted pieces lend soul and structure, like the Mid-Century French desk in our Uptown Eclectic home, which stands out for its honey-toned wood and faceted drawer fronts.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often a space where clients prioritize newness, favoring state-of-the-art appliances and sleek finishes. Still, there are thoughtful ways to incorporate vintage elements without compromising function. In our 79th St Duplex, we introduced 17th-century Portuguese tile replicas from Solar Antique Tiles. These tiles offer the charm and character of the original, without the fragility, making them ideal for a space that sees daily use. In the Gold Coast Townhouse, a striking chandelier sourced from John Salibello hangs over the central island, providing functional task lighting and an elegant focal point. Meanwhile, the kitchen of our Palm Beach Apartment features a Mid-Century Italian wall sconce, which underscores the project’s mod, beachy flair.

Dining Room

The dining room offers several opportunities to make a statement with vintage design. One of the most impactful areas is the lighting overhead. In the formal dining room of our Lakefront Home, a vintage Italian chandelier from John Salibello, with dozens of glass orbs suspended from chains beneath a brass starburst canopy, takes center stage. Placing a wall mirror in the dining room is a classic design choice that works in traditional and modern interiors alike. The eclectic dining room of our Colorful Collectors Abode features a creation by artist Nari Ward, who reimagined the vintage beveled mirror using old-school tech, including television backs and a rabbit ear antenna.

Vintage and antique dining tables and chairs are great investment pieces, and there’s a fit for every interior design style. In our Crab Creek home, we paired a vintage Charles Eames dining table with vintage Herman Miller molded school chairs, creating a laid-back, design-forward setting that speaks to the relaxed spirit of Shelter Island while honoring iconic mid-century design.

Bathroom

Bathrooms and powder rooms are great spaces to play around with vintage lighting and accessories. In our Luxe Urban Expansion powder room,  we layered hand-painted gold wallpaper by de Gournay with a vintage “Water Lilies” mirror by French designer Robert Goossens, a daring combination that’s glamorous and impactful.

In the Winter Retreat, an antique crystal chandelier from Bernd Goeckler hangs elegantly above the bathtub, bringing softness and sparkle to the room’s serene palette. Meanwhile, the powder room in our Tonal Palette on Park project features a pair of Mid-Century Italian brass and glass sconces, small details that elevate the space with warmth and vintage charm.

Bedroom

Whether through lighting, furniture, or unexpected decorative objects, vintage elements bring depth and individuality to one of the most personal rooms in the home: the bedroom. In the West Village Penthouse, a vintage Italian asymmetrical brass and frosted glass ceiling fixture sourced from John Salibello lends an elegant, soft, ambient glow. Similarly, the colorful bedroom in our Central Park South project features a striking vintage Dahlia chandelier by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, dating to 1955. In the Crab Creek home, a wooden bedframe from Leonards Antiques brings a touch of traditional craftsmanship and grounds the room.