apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have the exact same problem. Contemporary condo, but taste for vintage style. I'd also be interested to hear some solutions.

I think the style of your own furniture and accessories will go a long way, here. Hold off on major changes until you have your own stuff in place -- you might be surprised how much of the vintage feel carries over.

The kitchen cabinets seem fairly classic to me -- if you don't like the cherry finish, you could paint them (although the wood looks to be in great shape) a funky colour to go with vintage kitchenware you may have. Or take the cherry doors off and install new ones, although that would cost a lot more. I don't see much to do with the stainless-steel appliances and granite countertop unless you replace them.

What material is the fireplace surround? I can't tell from the photo. If it's not something paintable, you could build a simple box to house it, out of MDF, and attach mouldings, trim, mantel, etc. to suit your taste.

Your dining room looks great! You really got it going on in there with the colors, finishes, and art work. I'd love to eat there!

I live in an 80s built town home that we bought as it was finished/decorated when first built, but add several families who never cleaned and had more pets than they could manage. It was so super gross.

We've managed to update it to what I think would be considered contemporary, but we call it suburban modern, just being as simple as possible with all finishes, a lot of white, laminate flooring, tile flooring, and it seems to work well for most of our things-knock off mcm (thrifted/hand-me-downs), anything not fabric is pretty much all danish modern teak-complimenting the honey tones of our flooring, cork lamps/planters, a little chrome and lucite, and some ikea (mainly lack shelving, malm bedroom furniture, bathroom mirrors). I think the laminate flooring helped a lot; before that I never felt like it was right, but after everything seemed more cohesive.

I know that is so not helpful, but I feel like by keeping the finishes simple and keeping clutter under control it can work. I think some color in the other rooms would help.

The apartment therapy house tours and book helped me immensely with inspiration. Desire To Inspire seems to have tons of pics of eclectic styles also.

Have fun!!!

a few thoughts...

if possible, paint the cabinets. i am loving a slate blue with lots of grey in it.

dress up the jog in the wall with some shelves for cookbooks.

change the lighting and stagger the lengths at which they are hung for interest but make sure it looks balanced.

maybe add keywest type of wood shutters on the inside window.

must think a little more about fireplace!

I just relocated for work, and I have the same problem with the apartment I moved into. I was initially worried that the place was going to be a horrible mish-mash once I got unpacked. However, I have been pleasantly surprised. Because my things looked good together to begin with, they still hang together fine in this new, contemporary space. The open-plan layout forced me to create more casual or flexible arrangements of furniture than I might have in a more traditional format, but it has been a fun challenge so far. I am also storing and rotating most of my art and knick knacks to cut down on clutter and keep the place looking more streamlined. I took ideas from various loft house tours on AT and the New York Times.

I kind of enjoy the juxtaposition of old and worn versus new and shiny. Good luck with yours!

Changing the light fixtures in the kitchen / bar area might be an easy fix. Something "vintage-ish" there might give the whole place a new feel.

I would find some great vintage wallpaper and put it on the fridge.

I kid you not, I really would. I think it would look great.

As "contemporary" apartments go it's not without its merits. At least you have those nice wood-framed french doors and fairly high ceilings.

Random thoughts:

How about a modern mobile hanging from the ceiling over the fireplace, just far enough out from the walls not to collide with them?

Is it just me, or do those monochrome artworks need to be fractionally higher on the walls?

Some colour on the walls would help to tone down the shiny black granite. Perhaps a green?

Big, opulent curtains (raw silk in cream, perhaps?) can do a lot for creating warmth in modern spaces without turning the place into a cottage or country style.

I second the motion for changing the lighting.

You could consider adding a simple crown-molding to soften the hard-edges of the room.

Happy decorating! It will be a lovely home.

I would brighten up that kitchen by installing a shelving unit under the breakfast bar (the recently posted pipe and plank DIY could look great). You could paint it (or the wall behind it) a bright vintage color. Then fill the shelves with fun vintage kitchen wares, art books, cookbooks, pottery, souvenirs, or whatever it in that you like to collect. Next tackle the kitchen proper with colorful and coordinated soft goods...a simple window treatment and tea towels would go a long way. The counters could be toned down with lacquer trays under your small appliances and a fab over-sized fruit bowl. Old tin advertisements would look great magneted to your fridge.

I hope that helps and have fun! Your dining area looks great :-)

I have had the same struggle so when I saw this post I was really interested. When I looked at your pictures I realized that, I'm pretty sure, I live in the same building! No wonder I have the same problems!

Well, we both know that the landlords will not allow any painting (I have begged and pleaded with them) which has caused me quite a bit of heartbreak, and posed some serious challenges. That black granite fireplace so imposing and harsh. We have a large plant on top to help make it feel a little softer. It also helps accentuate the high ceilings.

As for the kitchen, I've picked up some cute tea towels at Renegade Craft Fair the past two years that hang on the oven handle and it helps, but very little. I actually have one of the center units, so there isn't a window in the kitchen but the suggestion of curtains there would probably work nicely.

I'd love to see what you've done with the place! Feel free to leave me a note on the bulletin board and we could swap ideas!

Changing the kitchen faucet and hanging lights will go a long, long way I think. Your dining room looks amazing!