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Home HOMES Decorating

Vintage decor ideas for modern homes

How to create a home full of character.
(Photography: Con Poulos, Styling: Nonci Nyoni)

What makes a space ‘vintage’? It’s a question we debated here at BHG, with some cheeky jokes about age bringing wisdom and all that.

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Does the retro flair of the ’70s count? How about the minimal cool of the ’90s – and surely we need to wait another decade before Y2K earns its stripes? Or maybe vintage only relates to the pieces with real heritage, measured in centuries. In the end, we decided that vintage isn’t tied to a strict timeline at all.

If it captures the spirit of a moment past, it belongs. The pages ahead weave together a tapestry of vintage-inspired looks to help you design a space with stories to tell.

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For extra styling tips and tricks, pick up a copy of our December 2025 issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Or, subscribe so you never miss an issue!

Retro revival

Just like iconic ’70s band Fleetwood Mac, you really can go your own way with this classic cool lounge room. With the guiding base – or bass – tones of the ’70s and splashes of different-era knick-knacks throughout, this calm, loft-style space provides the perfect atmosphere for sipping cocktails, listening to vinyl, and maybe playing a good old-fashioned board game.

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mid century 70s style lounge room with shag rug brown leather sofa and vintage decor modern homes styling
(Photography: Con Poulos, Styling: Nonci Nyoni)
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Truly timeless

The art of layering isn’t just about borrowing a little inspiration from different eras. It’s about mixing patterns, textures and styles so your home feels rich with stories, not stuck in a time warp. Done right, it’s intriguing, inviting and just the right side of eccentric. Think of it like that friend who can pull off clashing prints and still look effortlessly chic.

vintage home styling with stripy wallpaper antique looking bedhead and frame with custom antique teak chairs and embroidered pillows
(Photography: Con Poulos, Styling: Nonci Nyoni)
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Classic cues

This bathroom says French provincial, without any rules or stuffiness. Soft sage walls set a serene scene, vintage-inspired fixtures add character and gold accents catch the light. Together, they bring a modern-day relevance that will make your bathroom the favourite room in the house.

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vintage decor for modern home with wooden commode, white rosebuds and antique decor in sage green bathroom
(Photography: Con Poulos, Styling: Nonci Nyoni)
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