Vintage style is a design idea that continues to evolve. A few years back, it was applied mostly to interiors with furniture and objects from the 1940s to 1970s used in a funky contemporary fashion. It required exuberant youthful application to pull it off; otherwise, a room simply appeared to be stuck in a time warp.

Today, vintage style embraces modern interiors where the charm and comfort of older furnishings are thoroughly integrated. I’m thinking that it’s this year’s label for eclectic decorating. Have a look at these two new books to see what I mean. To find other books on the topic in our catalogue, use a simple keyword search “vintage interior decoration”.

In The Vintage Modern Home, “vintage” embraces older furnishings from flea market finds to proper antiques. “Vintage/Modern way of life is all about thoughtfulness and patience,” says author Katherine Sorrell. She begins the book with lessons in assessing what you have and applying the basics of colour, pattern, texture and scale to make things work together.

The book includes sections on modern classics, retro furnishings and antiques. Rooms are chic, lively and liveable. A great source for getting it all together.

Modern Vintage Style by Emily Chalmers is another fun read. Her vintage style has a funkier, more Bohemian edge to it. In the section on collections and display, homeowners let their inner “hoarder run riot” with zany toys, kitsch and hip art.

If you enjoy this one, check out the other titles by Chalmers, like last year’s Cheap chic: affordable ideas for a relaxed home.

According to the free dictionary online, “vintage” means “characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic”. And that is the apt description of mid-century modern furniture. Come back Monday to read a guest blog by an enthusiast.