Vintage Design Is All the Rage—Here’s How to Get the Look

Since the resurgence of mid-century modern, vintage finds have become a staple in a well-styled home. As we ease into 2023 and look toward the rising aesthetics, one thing is clear: a love of vintage isn’t going anywhere in the year ahead. If anything, we’re about to see people lean all in on vintage and thrifted maximalism.

We recently connected with a few experts who explained why a vintage space is what everyone wants in 2023. Plus, they share how to achieve the look in your home.

Why Design Likes Leaning Into Nostalgia

It’s no surprise that design is blasting back to the past. Designer and vintage connoisseur Dani Dazey notes that this is commonly seen in the design world year after year.

“The design world always comes back around to explore and reinvent vintage trends—we long for that feeling of nostalgia,” Dazey says. “I think there will always be nods to the past in all forms of design.”

When it comes to incorporating vintage elements, Dazey says her biggest tip is to think outside the styling box.

“Style with the unexpected—decor doesn’t always have to be the usual suspects like art or pottery,” Dazey explains. “To me, practical, utilitarian things evoke an era even more than decor, as they were the tools built and used during that time. Put a colorful cord phone on top of a stack of books or display a vintage Fender on the wall.”

Pick the Eras You Love, and Have Fun

If you’re eager to incorporate more vintage pieces but aren’t sure where to begin, Dazey recommends picking eras that give you a lot to work with.

“I will forever love funky, midcentury design and also dramatic Art Deco,” she says. “These styles are pretty different, but both represent a bold and playful time where people pushed the limits.”

Be Bold and Brave With Color

In terms of creating a vintage aesthetic, Dazey tells us that the heart of the look is the mix of color and patterns.

“There’s going to be a big resurgence of color and pattern in design,” she says. “I may be biased here, but I believe people are over minimalist and farmhouse spaces. It’s time to let personality and passion shine. Vintage printed furniture, bold accent walls in retro colors, wallpaper on ceilings—it’s time to have fun and take it back to a more lighthearted era.”