Vintage Minimalism - Timeless or Trending?

Christmas morning at work and carols playing in the background sent me reminiscing about traditions. How something that started years ago is carried on over time and generations; often evolving with the ongoing style, but always maintaining the original authenticity – were thoughts that occupied my mind.

Bringing this sentiment into architecture, the Vintage style comes to mind. Minimalistic style is when the space is brought to just its essentials. Since the late '60s we have seen Minimalism arriving and rising. Over time, it was seen to blend with other styles like Art Deco, Contemporary, Traditional, Modern, and others. Add Vintage elements as the bare essentials of Minimalism and you have on hand a stunning style - Vintage Minimalism.

The trick is to create a breathing space which feels suave, spacious and serene, as opposed to empty or unfinished. Ranging from rich to rustic, there are several options to match one's personal style.

As Leonardo da Vinci has famously said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Following this philosophy is not as easy as it sounds. It calls for great attention to the details, all the while making it look effortless to the untrained eye. Infusing elements that lend elegance, show the rich details, or exude warmth - and the process just starts to get interestingly tedious.

The end result however, might not show the slightest hint of tediousness; especially at first glance. But then that's the thing about this style. It doesn't provoke an instant exclamatory reaction. Instead, it invites you to pick a spot, settle in, and then engulfs you in an aura of subtle sophistication.

Also, I cannot help but wonder if this concept is a reaction to modernism - by bringing the treasures of the old traditions, or a lack of creativity - by going back to the basics and just placing them in the now. One might call it as an exploitation of the archaic. If that is the case, then Vintage Minimalism may be nothing more than a currently trending style. But creativity cannot possibly come to a standstill, can it? So as long as there is creation of new treasures, I don't see why it cannot remain timeless as well.

Cover Pic: Architect Rumy Shroff  on TFOD - Hanging Light Detail

1. Bar Unit by MAD DESIGN (TFOD)

                  2. Golden Dining Room by Shishu Yadava (TFOD)

3. Drawing Room Lamp by Shalini Pereria (TFOD)

4. Bedside Corner by Vintage Industrial Style

5. Cafe by Navni Naik (TFOD)

6. Seating Area by Murals Wallpaper, UK

7. Living Room by Juliettes Interiors

8. Dining Room by FlamingoInteriors (TFOD)

9. Rustic Living Room by Loombrand.com

10. Entrance door by Supraja Rao (TFOD)

11. Bedrooms on TFOD - by Neilesh Kenkare, and Shruti Sodhi