Now is a good time as any, as many of us are gearing up for Valentine’s Day, to discuss this interior design trend called vintage romanticism. This is for interiors that channel the romantic and soft side in us. It’s that style that reminds us of the warm, inviting, and sensual parts in ourselves.
It is not surprising that vintage is trending. Since the start of the pandemic, we entered into what design trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort called a “quarantine of consumption”, where we are exhorted to be more mindful and self-reliant, more aware of the world around us and what (over)consumption means to our planet. This drives the need to reuse and recycle. What better way to do that than to honor the heirloom pieces from our past that we either inherited from family members or bought from antique shops or flea markets. Lucky are those who are gifted these heirlooms for they have reminders of the past where graceful and elegant living was the aspiration.
Where did the romantic interior style come from? It all started during the Romantic Era in Europe at the end of the 18th century, and Louis (the XV, not Vuitton) with his love for Polish fashion made the style popular when he decorated the Palace of Versailles with baroque elements like canopied beds. Picture a place with lots of gold and silver trim, curves, adornments, and embellishments.
Vintage Romanticism
Although the romantic interior style of today does not look like how it was in the 18th century, home decor is just as important. It’s all in the details. There is not a whiff of minimalism in this style. I expect that fans of Scandinavian, Japandi, and industrial design would not be interested. But if you’re up for a change (yes, I am talking to you, #teamputi, #teamindustrial, and #teamkahoy), then maybe it will be worth your while to read what elements are important to make your home express this style.
Colors
Check the color palette above of pinks, lavender, light purple, white, cream, and yellow. Choose soft and warm pastels for the vintage romanticism style. The paint swatches above are from Boysen’s Virtuoso line. We do not call it Virtuoso Silk Touch for nothing since this coating would make your walls look like they luxuriate in a silk matte finish when the paint dries. The paint makes your walls look so elegant but despite this stunning finish, Virtuoso IS a workhorse. Not only does it have antibacterial properties, the paint also has a Teflon surface protector added in its formulation to make it easy to clean.
Furniture
If you’re a fan of of midcentury modern pieces, which are simple and functional, then vintage romanticism is not for you. What this style calls for are (baroque) furniture that are upholstered and plush with lots of sophisticated detailing and adornments. Think of four-poster beds, with canopies if you want to challenge your allergies. Wingback chairs would be great in the reading nook. China hutch cabinets can showcase your china collection, your books, or precious accessories like antiques or sentimental knick-knacks.
Fabrics for the upholstery (and the drapes) may be silk, velvet, linen, antique lace, wool, jacquard… If you want cotton, then choose a high-quality one. Floral or nature-inspired prints can make the interiors look feminine and elegant. If your partner has masculine tastes, you can tone down the lace, ruffles, and flounces, and opt for stripes instead of florals.
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Shimmering Splendor
Expect the vintage romantic interiors to have sparkle and shine. After all, that is a hallmark of opulence and affluence. For lights, you won’t go wrong with sconces on the walls or an ornate chandelier with crystals that glint when these reflect light. Aside from sheen of the fabrics like silk and satin, and the glimmer of the gold or silver trims, install a wall mirror to make the light bounce in the room. I can think of those Venetian mirrors with the beveled glass borders that are given pride of place in old Spanish homes here in the country.
Forthrightly Feminine
Despite today’s tyrannical political correctness about gender, we cannot skirt around the fact that vintage romanticism is distinctly feminine. It has curves instead of lines, is soft instead of hard, and is embellished instead of stark. The kind of old-world elegance it breathes is from bygone days when there was no such thing as a rat race, a 24/7 anything, and where “multi “referred to the many talents and skills of a Renaissance (wo)man instead of “tasking”.
We’ve come a long way from those times when inequities were established at birth. And now, if we care to have it, we can afford to have a kind of home that exudes a graceful elegance just by embracing our feminine side. Typically that is tapping into the flow of life and moving with it, embracing our creative energy, and welcoming play and spontaneity into our lives. That’s the spirit of vintage romanticism.
Let Valentine’s Day of 2022 help you liberate your feminine side. Logic may be important but so are emotions. Learn how to express both with ease. This world needs both. Happy Valentine’s to you!
If you need help with anything about architectural paint (not love, unfortunately), just drop our Technical Team a line at (02) 8363-9738 local 417 to 418 during office hours, or write an email to ask@myboysen.com.
