Modern Meets Vintage: The Perfect Party Backdrop
If you were to ask me what kind of party setting is perfect for a home party, I would say …
- A place where people can mingle, sit down, talk and walk around comfortably without bumping on things or each other.
- A place that encourages conversation, makes people feel relaxed to talk about anything under the sun.
- A place that provides comfort as well as stimulates the senses
Striking a balance between function and aesthetics is tricky, but with a bit of creativity and loads of imaginative artistry, anyone can design their interiors like a pro.
Modern Furnishings, Vintage Design
I am partial to vintage design, but vintage doesn’t always mean functional. If you have ornate or decorative clocks, you know they take up a lot of space. If you have an antique armoire or an ottoman that has seen better days, you probably have problems positioning it in a living room full of modern amenities.
Maybe it’s difficult to place these antiques when it’s just you and the kids cavorting around the house. However, when it’s time to party, these pieces are best displayed for all your guests to see.
First of all, you can set up accessories like photos or frames that create instant conversation among your guests. If you’ve been traveling, display some souvenirs. Anything that makes people stop, stare and discuss can be a good accent.
What if your souvenirs look out of place?
One way to prevent ornate accessories from being out of place in a setting is to make sure it doesn’t clash with the decor in color and symmetry. For best results, make the item stand out by placing lights (or mini spotlights). You can also put one item in a particular setting to really make it stand out.
Do you want a contemporary but nostalgic feel to your house? Try placing ashtrays that look like they belong to a Bogart movie. You can also install ornate ceiling fans like those from Minka Aire. Get the one with three or six blades that actually encourage air to flow around the room but will not look out of place because of the contemporary design.