With the start of the school year approaching at a cringe-worthy fast pace for students, back to school style is top of mind. But it's not just the first-day fashions that matter these days – dorm décor is of growing importance as we see the desire for individuality taking a front row seat in the school of style.
As we've seen with fashion over the recent seasons, vintage influence is making a strong comeback for design as well. A departure from the over the top kitsch that took décor by storm a few years ago, we are seeing a much more refined take on old-school. With a chic nod to popular styles of earlier decades, old has become new again in a fresh way.
Bringing throwback styles to school is made super easy with the selection our local shops are carrying this season. I scoured the city for stellar vintage (or vintage inspired) gems for the dorm, and loved what's happening on the Vancouver decor scene right now:
Macramé hanging planters by Amulette. Available at Nineteen Ten Home, 4366 Main. $120, which includes the glass dish.
One of my favourite trends of previous decades is macramé. I love the high contrast in texture, with a subtle play on palette. It's right on trend to bring the softer elements of macramé into decor right now, but it also brings a functional aspect. When you're low on space the traditional macramé planter offers up a cool way to bring life into the often-stale dorm; if caring for a plant seems to high on the extra-curricular responsibilities list, the vessel can be used to store a variety of whatever you might need. This pretty planter is handmade in Montreal by fibre artist, Annie Legault.
Banner flags by White Brix. Available at Nineteen Ten Home, 4366 Main. $49 each.
A total throwback to the pennant popularity of the ‘80s, these White Brix pieces are bringing old school back in a super chic way. Locally made, the Vancouver company prints various tag lines for life on the cotton flags; I have the "No Guts No Glory" in my own home, and I'm totally seeing the "Living The Dream" as the perfect wall decor for the modern dorm.
Vintage audio gear. Available at Space Lab, 230 East Pender. $225.
In the age of digital everything, it's beyond charming (and ultra cool) to break out a retro stereo system; this 1978 Harmon Kardon receiver is a sure crowd pleaser for the next dorm soirée. Fully restored and warranty with purchase (an unheard of for vintage goods), this stellar piece can be paired with the crazy assortment of vintage turntables and speakers that the shop offers.
Vintage chess set. Available at Space Lab, 230 East Pender. $125.
The art of gaming is not lost with this stunning, handmade custom chess set. Created by hand on a lathe, these pretty pieces are created out of brass and aluminum, bringing an upscale industrial element to any decor. Forget Settlers of Catan, a stellar chess set says ‘distinguished’ like nothing else; I love the story behind choosing vintage options - this particular set was one of three sets designed in the ‘50s by a dad for each of his three kids. Melt.
King Bench Vacher in ombré. Available at The Cross, 1198 Homer St. $1695.
With limited room to entertain in the dorm room, creativity becomes key when seeking space to invite guests into. A bench at the foot of the bed, or as a seating option at your dorm desk, can double-duty as seating during a room party or, if needed, a second spot to crash. This piece – suited for an upscale, polished décor - has a frame of European beechwood that has been carved in Italy, with a custom ombré dyed linen seat that beautifully references the tie-dye styles of the ‘60s. Shown here with a selection of Kantha and cotton appliqué throw blankets ($145 – $245); whether it's a refresh for the typically bland dorm bedding or a cozy throw to catch your fave Netflix series under, the Kantha blanket is a fast way to style up the school digs. Handmade with various vintage textiles, these pieces are hand picked in New York by The Cross' buying team.
