We are approaching the midpoint of the year and there may well be some household renovations that were on your list you haven’t yet got around to. Whether it be due to time, cost or because another project has taken longer to complete, a quick move to making things “Hipstoric” could see you save time and money.
There is every chance you have not heard of the term “Hipstoric” but for the remainder of 2023, we can guarantee you will hear more about it and see more of it.
But what is Hipstoric?
What is hipstoric?
Hipstoric is a fusion of two words. Hip and Historic, it’s an interior design trend that brings together vintage styles with modernity and is commonly used where a property wants to hang on to its heritage whilst also being modern enough to be functional.
It’s a trend that has found itself rising in popularity among younger homeowners or those looking to spend more frugally when it comes to decorating their houses. With no need to necessarily shop for all new items, hipstoric allows you to make great use of existing furniture and décor, that in the past you may have considered replacing. The simple upcycling of a classic item brings it a new lease of life that otherwise would have been lost and the vintage appearance of a building can go some way to expressing its history, culture and mystique.
In fact, the trend had been embraced about a decade ago. Hotels, music venues, and even certain neighbourhoods all saw themselves coined “hipstoric.” These places, with long, fabled histories, held on to the culture and history of the past but moved with the times just enough to accept a degree ofmodern aesthetics and purpose.
But now, we are in 2023 and it has been accepted in a much broader way. Commercial properties are deciding this look may work better for them and property developers are seeing opportunity by spending less on fancy decors, and instead thriving on the past but adding a modern sparkle. Exposed brickwork, vintage furniture, retro wallpaper, and repurposed items make up just some of what makes up the hipstoric look.
With your own interpretations adding a little more, you end up with something colourful, something full of nostalgia andsomething truly eclectic.
Making things hipstoric
Depending on how far you want this trend to influence your home, you could spend as much or as little time on it as you wish. Upcycling furniture can be a great start. Simply changing the appearance of vintage furniture with new fabric can help a room speak volumes about its character and who lives there. Do you have an old Victorian chair that’s seen better days? Upholster it with a leopard print or a zig-zag, or any other design style that you enjoy. That’s hipstoric!
You can also look at parts of the home that don’t work as they should anymore. An old door for example can become a tabletop, and old wallpaper can become a framed piece of art…there are a host of opportunities.
Consider items that you may no longer use and give them a new lease of life. Old posters from classic films and record covers for example are an instant favourite when becoming part of a feature wall or the wall your staircase runs along.
Part of the allure of creating something hipstoric for many is that it helps us achieve our sustainability goals. Rather than going out and buying mass-produced items, we find benefit in the old and repurposed. A vintage rug adorning a modern floor for example may sound like a mismatch but when the entire room fuses classic and modern, things like this just work!
How do you get a hipstoric home?
If you want to fuse the history of the home with a fresh modern touch, hipstoric is easy and affordable. The following steps are how you can do it for your home easily.
Look at what you already have
A trip to a charity shop or a vintage retailer may reap its rewards in terms of variety but why spend more than you have to? Often a classic is right in front of your eyes.
Old, classic furniture was built to last and if you are lucky enough to hold onto pieces that could be close to 100yrs old if they are still strong and sturdy today, there is every chance they could last that lifetime again.
Below are some key tips to making sure that hipstoric works for you.
Start small
You want to know that this is a look that works for you. The feel of your home is important so look at the things that can easily be swapped out. Cushions, ornaments, and even chairs can be moved from room to room until you get the right vibe. You can then look at how many vintage items you have and find a balance that suits the room size. But what balance is right?
Create a balance
It is often advised that a room aiming for the hipstoric effect should be split 75-25. With the majority leaning towards the vintage side of things. However, you can move this ratio in any way you choose. Do you want your room to be modern with just a splash of history or would you rather have something historic with a feel of minimalist modernity?
If you have a clear vision, run with it. If you are unsure, A 75-25 split is a safe way to start and then you can always adjust further down the line.
Consider floors and walls
The whole hipstoric vibe can work with just some changes to furniture and general decor but you can make a huge impact with other changes that stand to give the house some added character. A new vinyl flooring for example will give the property a durable, extremely long-lasting, and easy-to-maintain surface that can certainly accentuate what else you are doing with your room. Available in modern and classic styles, you can build the room up from it. In fact, many people do. Selecting a living room flooring that may give off classic or modern vibes could be the centrepiece you start creating your room around.
Additionally, if your walls are bare. Let them speak by looking at what you can add to them. Modern art keeps you on the hip side but can be expensive, vintage art, on the other hand, shouts history and can be affordable. What if you fuse the two though? Stick vintage art in a modern frame or put modern art into something more classic. You will be surprised how much change it can make.
Add modern and unique lighting
Lighting can often be a focal point of any room. So when choosing how you want your room to be illuminated, consider the other features of your room. Aim more for modern lighting but scout out globe bubble chandeliers, brass finishesand art deco-inspired lighting to help create the correct effect.
Compliment spaces with greenery
A monochromatic colour palette works so well with a hipstoric aesthetic but adding greenery will certainly bring more dimension and character to your room. Palm plants and fog leaf trees take up little space and will work the room well.
Elevate space
Sometimes the history element can come from something other than furniture and accessories. Consider adding moulding to elevate your space. It is simple, affordable and adds great character and style. Think about crown moulding and wainscoting for the best options for a hipstoric room.
So are you ready to go hipstoric?
Leave a Reply