Transform Your Home into a Summer Vintage Oasis this summer! Bright colours and natural textures found in handmade crafts around the world bring a touch of character and charm to your space.
The style is often carefully curated against a white / neutral background to give a contrast. So imagine hand-thrown ochre coloured pots, mixed with bold spiced honey block-print textiles, beaten brass pots and rough cut brown-coloured hardwoods. It’s a celebration of rich tones and rugged textures from distant lands and a trend style we’ve loved for years. If Like Scaramanga’s founder, Carl, you like collecting and buying curios and eclectic items on your travels then it’s a style that’s not hard to recreate.
This trend is a diverse celebration of globally-inspired patterns – taking homes on a journey of global eclecticism. The look welcomes the fusion of decorative Ikats, colours and intricate Indian block prints. Rich tones and rugged textures symbolise the authentic, handcrafted style of this nomadic trend. It’s a form of eclectic styling. A meeting of nomad and traveller inspired by travels across the world. 
People want real homes that reflect their personalities and feelings. So transforming your home into a summer oasis is about blending old and new from different places, eras and styles to create a look that is a mix of contrasting elements. That means things don’t have to match. Uniqueness and individuality are prized rather than complying with any particular style. People are drawn to pieces that have character and have an interesting narrative. Old and original Indian interiors whether traditional tribal, functional metal industrial or simple homewares such as concrete pots, wooden boxes and cabinets work very well with interiors from Africa, the French countryside, styles and eras. A 50 year old Indian barber’s shaving box can sit on a salvaged driftwood shelf next to a stone Japanese statute and next to modern coloured glass bottle in harmony.
There's a certain amount of authenticity required. So we feel less is more. Make sure they are authentic and real, even if it means you are constrained by a budget. Buy fewer pieces, but make those pieces stand out. Let's face it, it's very hard to fake handmade crafts to look like the real thing. So look to buy from reputable stores. (ahem, Scaramanga) In the image above we have used a stack of coloured vintage storage trunks as a side table and they're surrounded by tropical plants and small boxes, stone Indian gods, an antique padlock and vintage postcards.
We have worked with Dundee-based interior designer and stylist Sooz Gordon who regularly creates eclectic schemes for commercial and individual clients. Sooz says: ‘Home for me is about being surrounded by personal and meaningful objects. I like mixing and matching different styles, eras and trends. I can honestly say there is no right or wrong route when designing. I am drawn to pieces that have character and have an interesting narrative. As a designer and maker, I look for quality materials, and appreciate craftsmanship and artistry'. The centre piece of our summer styling photo is the restored Indian folding table. We carefully restore these tables without losing any of their aged charm. It's the kind of furniture that can be used indoors or outside. It's light enough to be easily carried and moved.
Add extra texture with tropical plants in simple vintage plant pots. Mix spikey cati with varigated spider plants and trailing ivy. Look for different shaped pots and old and new pots. We've paired spikies with smoothe curves.
Add lots of greenery – create clusters of potted house plants rather than single pots around a room or space. Mix textures with concrete, faded vintage clay pots with chipped edges and smooth geometric curved pots with succulents and cacti. We have used an distressed turquoise vintage storage cabinet without glass to display plants and a skull. A grat idea if you don't have that much surface space, but have wall space. See Scaramanga's exclusive range of terracotta plant pots available for pre-order.
We hope you’ve been inspired by our spotlight on the summer oasis interior styling trend. In summary use a lot of time-worn materials, upcyced and vintage furniture, bright colours and asymetrical patterns, abstract shapes like ikats and paisleys.
Remember style and buy what you like and not what you’re told to like! To see more of our vintage furniture visit our vintage furniture website. We have new stock arriving every week. So if you don’t see what you’re looking for contact us and we’ll try to find it for you.
You asked and we have answered;
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What are some quick tips for transforming the look of my home for summer? Ah, quick tips are always handy, aren't they? Think swapping out those heavy throw pillows for some in breezy, natural textures and bright colours. Also, a big win is to bring in some greenery; plants can give any room a fresh, summery feel!
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. What are some affordable summer decor ideas? You can up-cycle old furniture with a fresh coat of paint (we are all about giving a new lease of life to old furniture!), switch to lighter soft furnishings, and add vintage accessories for a fresh summer look without breaking the bank.
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How can I use vintage items to add character to my home? Vintage is all about character! We recommend using unique vintage furniture and accessories to add a touch of history and personality to your spaces. For example, a retro-looking vase or an antique mirror can serve as a focal point in a room, giving it a distinctive flair that’s all your own.
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How can vintage items enhance my summer decor? Vintage items bring character and history, adding unique charm to your summer decor. Items like old trunks, colourful cabinets, and up-cycled planters can be functional yet stylish, complementing your theme effortlessly.
