Old-School Cool: Modern Ways to Update and Appreciate Vintage Design

Old décor styles make worthy comebacks now and again with the addition of little modern updates that spice up and renew time-worn designs.

Here are five ways to appreciate and perk up design features and décor from the past:

The bathrooms and kitchens of older homes in Malaysia were often fitted with traditional Asian tiles that were small (mosaics) and vivid in colour or pattern.

These days, as larger neutral-toned ceramics almost uniformly grace newer homes, why not give yours a unique, throwback appearance in an updated style!

Try mosaics in fresh colours like aqua, burnt umber, slate mesh, and peach, or even in artistic/abstract patterns.

If you have an older home with pre-existing throwback tiles; try updating your tiles with high-gloss finishing (plus non-slip treatment for wet bathrooms) to add sheen and an upscale appearance.

Old furniture, if still in sturdy condition, can be an incredibly sophisticated and texturizing décor element. And it often brings a rustic and homey vibe too!

Consider revamping any older pieces (i.e. tables and chairs) with a brand-new paint job, polishing with wax, or modifying with staining, etc.

Alternatively, if you have newer wood pieces that you would like to artificially age, try distressing with chalk paint or even with natural ingredients such as tea and vinegar!

Go back to a simpler time with simpler lighting! Yes, opting for minimalist lighting pieces, common in the days of old, is a cool and rather effortless way to add vintage flair to your home décor.

While Edison bulbs are becoming somewhat passé, consider long, antique (e.g. 11 to 12 inches) tubular bulb versions instead. For an extra touch of cool, look for pieces with unique filament designs, such as spirals or verticals.

Jalousie (or also known as ‘louvre’) windows with slats of metal and glass were very common with Malaysian home designs until about 20 years ago.

When newer developments started mushrooming out, they were erected with mostly casement windows as the favoured choice.

However, modern jalousies can easily make a stylish comeback with a simple design update.

Consider converting your windows to full-wall jalousies, ones with unique metal slats (e.g. painted black or in brushed nickel), and stained or coloured glass for instance.

Accent pieces can tie your décor together and solidify its style statement. Thus, with old-school-cool décor, you can further heighten retro senses with accessories, furniture, accent walls, and art.

Look for throwback patterned fabric lounge or barrel chairs, tin art or antique-coloured prints, vintage-looking framed mirrors or even wooden partitions.

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