Being a vintage lover, I love a good find for my home! There’s something magical about vintage pieces, they’re not just décor! They’re little time capsules that bring character, warmth, and a sense of story into a space. They have become highly coveted over the years as they add personality in a way mass produced items rarely can.

Some of my favorites are a mid-century sofa or a funky piece of artwork, adding an eclectic feel to your space! Looking to get into a more vintage way of life? Mixing vintage and modern is a fun way to blend styles without diving headfirst into a bold new one.

Seating

Seating is one of the most functional pieces in your home, but it can also be the largest and become almost like a centerpiece in your home. My favorite way to customize your seating is with lots of color! Most apartments have grey/brown cabinetry and flooring with white walls. A forest green couch or orange leather bar stools add some groove straight out of the 1970s. If you want to add bold colors but a colored couch is out of your comfort zone, consider adding colorful throw pillows or shelf décor to add some vibrancy.

Treasure Hunter Tip: When thrifting chairs, don’t overlook pieces that almost work. Reupholstering can completely transform a seat, and even a fresh coat of paint can give an old chair new life.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Tempe

Wall Art

The easiest way to bring a more retro vibe to your home is to add a vintage statement piece or a bold painting/piece of art. I love adding colors from all over the rainbow to my home, but if you are just getting into a brighter color palette, a little pop of color on your white walls goes a long way!

Treasure Hunter Tip: Keep an eye out for pieces that catch your eye with their bright colors or creative patterns, even if they aren’t perfect at first glance! Thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales often have great finds; you may just have to do a little searching. Flip through every pile, check the bottoms of bins, and don’t be afraid to dig a little. The best vintage art is usually the piece everyone else overlooked.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Tempe

Lighting

Lighting is what rounds everything out and really brings the home together. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It is the icing on top of your cake! Lighting has the power to make your space appear bigger and create your own personal ambience. You can lean into an industrial look with bold metal pieces or soften things up with rounded glass fixtures for a vintage feel.

Treasure Hunter Tip: Don’t be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone and look at something like a neon sign to add a playful one-of-a-kind twist! I have a smiley face and heart in each of my bathrooms, and they always spark joy (pun intended!) It gives my small space, big style!

Photo by Phillip Boakye from Pexels

Bringing vintage pieces into your apartment is a process, and half the fun is experimenting as you go. You’ll likely build your collection slowly over time, mixing in treasures from different decades to create a look that feels uniquely yours. When renting your new home with Camden, looking for renter-friendly ideas is key to optimizing style and minimizing damage!