Timeless Interior Design: Mixing Modern and Vintage for a Sophisticated Retro Look

As an interior designer I understand the importance of creating a warm and unique space that reflects the personality of my discerning clients. One trend that I find particularly appealing is the mix of modern and vintage pieces, which can create a sophisticated retro look that stands the test of time.

Mid Century Interior Design

Retro design is all about paying homage to the past, while still incorporating modern elements for a fresh and current feel. By combining vintage pieces with contemporary design, you can achieve a space that is both nostalgic and relevant. It's a delicate balance that requires careful consideration and expert execution, but when done right, it can result in a truly stunning interior.

To achieve this look, start by selecting pieces that have a retro vibe, such as mid-century furniture and vintage lighting fixtures These pieces should be the focal points of the room, with modern accents used to complement them. For example, you might pair a vintage sofa with a contemporary rug or artwork, or contrast retro lighting in a modern scheme.

Mid Century Interior Design

When it comes to creating a timeless interior design, it's important to remember that the key is in the details. This means paying attention to every aspect of the room, from the accessories to the layout. By combining modern and vintage pieces in unexpected ways, you can create a space that truly reflects your unique style.

At the end of the day, creating a sophisticated retro look that is both modern and timeless requires a skilled eye and a deep understanding of design principles. As an interior designer based in Liverpool and Cheshire, I take pride in my ability to create warm and unique spaces that my clients will love for years to come. If you're looking for an expert who can help you achieve the perfect mix of modern and vintage, look no further.

Mid Century Interior Design

Classic, refined and timeless interior design

When it comes to interior design a classic, refined, and timeless style is often the preferred choice. This style is characterised by elegant furniture, luxurious fabrics, and understated colours that stand the test of time. For those who love designer and vintage furniture, incorporating these pieces into a classic interior design can create a truly stunning space.

One of the key elements of a classic interior design is quality. Fine materials such as silk, velvet, and leather are often used to create a luxurious feel. When it comes to furniture, look for pieces that are both beautiful and functional. A mix of designer and vintage furniture can create a unique and sophisticated look, while also adding a sense of history and character to the space.

Another important aspect of a classic interior design is color. A neutral palette of whites, creams, and beiges is often used, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. However, pops of color can be introduced through accessories such as pillows, rugs, and artwork.

When designing a classic interior, attention to detail is essential. Every element should be carefully considered, from the lighting to the accessories. Mirrors, chandeliers, and other statement pieces can be used to create a sense of drama and glamour.

Overall, a classic interior design with a mix of designer and vintage furniture is the perfect choice for those who appreciate timeless elegance and sophistication. With careful attention to detail and a focus on quality, a classic interior can be both beautiful and functional, creating a truly stunning space that will stand the test of time.

Modern Scandi in Liverpool

The work we carried out for our Liverpool based clients is a perfect example of the light touch design package we offer that has helped completely transform the space, adding modern Scandinavian style while highlighting the period features of the house.

Liverpool interior design

First and foremost, our Allerton based clients desired a light and airy feel in their home we did this by bringing in the Scandinavian design elements that our clients loved. We sourced materials such as natural wood and neutral colours to create a calm and tranquil atmosphere. We added texture with soft furnishings and accents of colour that added depth and interest to the space.

One of the biggest changes we made was to the kitchen. We designed a brand new kitchen layout that incorporated all the modern amenities you would expect, while still maintaining that Scandinavian aesthetic. The new kitchen is both functional and stylish, with clean lines and a focus on simplicity that is characteristic of this design style.

Liverpool interior design

The living room layout was also redesigned to create a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. We added bespoke joinery that was tailored to the clients' needs, such as bookshelves and storage to keep everyday items organized and out of sight. The joinery was designed to complement the period features of the house and add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space.

Liverpool inteior design

We sourced all of the products used in the project with great care, ensuring that every piece fit perfectly with the overall design concept.

In the end, our clients were thrilled with the transformation of their home, and so were we. The next stage in this design process is the styling stage and we are looking to source all the products that will help finish this space off and take some professional photos of the space.

We pride ourselves on our ability to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, and to do so in a way that respects the existing character of the space. Whether you're looking for a renovation in Liverpool, Wirral, Allerton, Cheshire, Contact us today to schedule your consultation and let us help you bring your vision to life.

greta-mae cabins

If you follow me on instagram you may have seen that I am in the process of designing 2 cabins, one for a family and one for a couple, that will be set in Ancient woodland behind our house in Mid Wales with views onto the neighbouring farmland.

The cabins are 60m2 and will be clad in black wood and are very Scandinavian inspired. I have always loved the Shingle House in Dungeness and was lucky enough to visit it last year and loved how the cabins look like a silhouette.I always knew i wanted to the cabins to have a black exterior and seeing this house reaffirmed by decision. When inside the emphasis will be on the views out the front so the whole of the front wall will be glass to maximise those views and bring lots of light into the space.

The cabin design

Shingle House Dungeness

The cabins will be a home from home and will have many of the comforts that people come to expect from a luxury holiday cabin; washing machine, dishwasher (who the hell wants to wash up when they’re on holiday?!!) Netflix, wifi, super king beds and a fully decked out luxe bathroom with baths and showers.

The family cabins will feature bunks for the kids and a cosy sleeping nook for the adults whilst the couples cabin will have a sunken bed with views looking out into the woods.

Here is a photo from winter showing the position of the family cabins, prime position under neath the massive Oak tree.

The plot in which the family cabin will sit

We have worked with ecologists to create a woodland management plan for the site as many of the trees that have taken over the wood are non native and crowding out the native trees. The woodland plan means we are allowed to fell some of the sycamore and take down some of the older branches off the oaks and more established trees to make the woodland safe and to actively promote more growth. We have also coppiced some of the hazel trees, which means we have taken off a lots of the top growth, this actually helps strengthen the tree and promotes lots of new growth. The canopy of the woods will also be thinned out to allow some light to penetrate the woods, at the minute the trees are competing for light and growing very tall and spindly to try and reach any sunlight. By opening up the canopy and letting more light into the wood we will encourage more diversity and see more wild flowers growing.

As you can see in the image above the bracken and brambles have also taken hold in the woods over the years and we wanted to clear this to again allow for broader diversity in the ancient woodland, the bracken and brambles are extremely invasive and suffocate anything else that is trying to grow so by clearing it out we will create the perfect environment for other ferns and native plants to grow and help attract more wildlife to the woods. We wanted to go down the eco friendly route to do this so rather than treat the woods with poison we are employing the help of some pigs who will turn the woodland floor over and eat all the rhizomes and stop the bracken and brambles in their tracks and prevent them reappearing next year. We have bought 3 x British saddleback pigs who are used primarily for this job and are also known as conservation pigs, they will also help eat all the smaller saplings in the wood and some of the fallen acorns, the rest of the acorns will be pushed further into the ground which helps them germinate.

The view looking out from the family cabins to the farmland

Keep your eyes out on my instagram for more updates with the woods and if you would like to be one of the first to know when we are taking bookings then click here

Modern design classics

I love a modern design classic, especially modern classic chairs! These are the styles that will never go out of fashion and will suit any interior space and give it a sense of gravitas and style.

There are many designs that are now considered design classics and many of them are now classed as vintage pieces and go for good money at vintage auctions and sites. They are often copied by the high street which is testament to their enduring appeal.

Some of my modern classic design favourites are below:

The Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen

The classic Egg Chair designed by Arne Jacobsen was made in 1958 for the interior design of the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Germany.

I love the soft curves of this chair and it takes colour really well, this design would look great as a statement piece in a modern space with high ceilings

Lounge Chair by Eames

Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, the Eames Lounge Chair is the pinnacle of this mid-century wave of modern chairs. It was constructed in 1956 with a plywood frame and leather cushioning but now comes in the colour, leather grade and base style of your choice.

This is a piece that is just at home in a hotel reception as it is in a Victorian terraced house. Its a classic item that will never date and will only look better with age

Eiffel Base Shell Chair by Charles and Ray Eames

The Eiffel Base Shell Chair looks exactly how it is described as the base legs reflecting the Eiffel Tower shape and the seat resembling the curves of a turtle shell. Designed in 1948 it was a simple side chair that has only become more popular with age and is one of the most copied chairs on the high street.

A classic chair that can be used anywhere in the home

The Tulip Chair by Eero Saarinen

A curved chair that made history with its pedestal base as the first one legged chair. It is a pure expression of modernism and is as popular today as it ever was.

This chair looks great in a retro or minimalist setting

Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner

The Wishbone Chair was designed in 1949 by Hans Wegner and has been in constant production ever since. Its a timeless icon of modern danish design, the Wishbone Chair offers comfort and stability as well as satisfying aesthetic desires for distinctive, elegant form.

There are lots of items currently for sale on the high street that i believe will become future classics such as these and don’t have a huge price tag.

I would say anything by Michael Anastassiades for Flos, Gubi’s beetle chair, anything designed by Russel Pinch and his wife Oona Bannon for Pinch London and Space Copenhagen. All are beautifully made and fuse both style and practicality in one design.