Mixing modern and vintage elements helps make a home more multidimensional, and many of today’s renters want a residential space that combines older, more vintage elements with more contemporary, functional accouterments. Striking a balance between old and new is a key part of designing a residential space. While too many modern touches might make a living area feel sterile or too much like a showroom, too many vintage elements might result in an old, outdated look and feel.
When mixing old and new elements in a residential space, consider taking the following tips to heart.
Do consider layout
Just how modern you want your apartments to be might depend on where they are and who you’re trying to attract. More traditional layouts tend to have walls and hallways that create separate living areas. More modern layouts, meanwhile, often merge kitchens and dining rooms or kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms altogether into a single space and are a popular choice among today’s renters.
Do highlight historic elements
If an apartment is in an older area or has historic roots, highlight them! For example, if a living space has hardwood floors or a clawfoot tub, consider refurbishing them and then using them as a selling point. You can always add low-flow fixtures and similar water-saving elements to older tubs and showers to entice eco-conscious renters.
Do prioritize function over fashion
While vintage aesthetic elements might make a living space more appealing initially, those same elements may lack long-term appeal if they interfere with the functionality of the space. For example, while vintage kitchen or bathroom fixtures may look cool, they may be far less energy-efficient or eco-conscious than more modern models, meaning they’ll cost your renters more in the long run. Think, too, about who you are trying to attract before deciding what renovations to perform. If you’re looking to attract families with children, for example, you probably don’t want to forgo a bathtub in favor of a standup shower, even if it would enhance the aesthetics of an apartment.
Don’t hesitate to combine vintage pieces with modern elements
Many people love the look and feel of vintage furniture and décor, but most of them also want to reap the benefits that come from living in a modern, updated space. Don’t be afraid to merge more traditional design elements with contemporary pieces because they often end up complementing one another.
Don’t replace functional, quality pieces “just because”
Resist the temptation to replace older pieces simply because they are “old.” Some design elements, such as certain types of wooden cabinetry, may feature higher-quality wood than newer models. In this situation, you might want to refurbish or paint those cabinets to give them a fresh facelift, rather than replace them entirely with what might be lower-quality wood.
Balancing modern and vintage elements in an apartment renovation takes care and precision, but it also gives a living space its own character and charm. Wheelhouse Construction renovates old apartments, new living spaces and everything in between and knows what it takes to make older residences more practical, functional and appealing to today’s renters.
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