Lia is an interior designer and the maker behind Mod Pieces, an online boutique offering restyled vintage lighting. In addition to blogging about all things vintage and design on Mod Nest, she is a weekly contributor on Scoutie Girl and is soon to launch a new e-book called, When “Me” Becomes “We,” a manual for couples who are struggling with how to blend their decorating styles.
I take a lot of inspiration from vintage interiors when designing modern spaces. Injecting a retro color palette (orange and avocado!), a dose of chrome or a few Danish chairs can provide a room with depth and history. The trick lies in successfully blending old and new. Infusing your home office or studio space with vintage pieces, alongside new, reclaimed and handcrafted objects, creates a diverse, eclectic mingling of styles.
Aside from being impossibly cool, there’s just something so appealing about the raw, gritty feel of industrial pieces. They add tension, interest and character to the sleek, modern furnishings of today. You absolutely can’t go wrong when you blend industrial treasures of black, grey, red and white, with a few typographic elements.
Clockwise from top left: Industrial Lamp from ethanollie; Gas Station Sign from Realjunk; Industrial Binder Clips from amsuarezfl; Swingline Long Reach Stapler from ethanollie; Metal Bank Box from gaelianna; Oscillating Fan from solsticehome.
This classic palette need not be cringe inducing. The combination of colours plays off of each other so beautifully, when used as accents, rather than the main event. A little jolt of avocado and orange will add a playful punch to a scheme of warm grays, natural wood and crisp cream.
Clockwise from top right: Industrial Bookends from Orange Door Cottage; Push Button Phone from Phat Dog; Panasonic Pencil Sharpener from abbydays; Green Metal Tackle Box from Vintage Grove; Green Desk Organizer from Vintage Jane; Royal Apollo Typewriter from De Epoca.
Photo by America’s Next Top Model
When I picture vintage offices, I see rows of women in tight sweaters, typing. Oh, how far we’ve come! Just because our role in the workplace has evolved, doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy the surroundings of days gone by. When playing with tones of coral and mint, keep the doses small to avoid creating a pastel nightmare. A little hint of mint goes a long way. Natural wood furnishings will balance out the palette.
Clockwise from top right: Self-Inking Stamps from shaving kit; Pink Olympia Typewritter from Brooklyn retro; Rotary Ericophon Phone from Popover Pillows; Light Green Tape Dispenser from bouquet; Cat Eye Glasses from Vintage Cat Eye Glasses; Desk Lamp from Covent Garden Vintage.
Photo by AMC
Boys will be boys. Even if the men of days past weren’t overly productive, choosing instead to spend their time swirling glasses filled with ice and whiskey, at least they did it with style. When infusing your space with vintage treasures of the beige, brown and gold variety, keep the look light and airy with white or cream walls to avoid creating a dungeon-like disaster.
Clockwise from top left: Double Gooseneck Lamp from Bit of Butter; Glasses in Dark Gray from Undone Ecclectic; Professor Coat from Captain Cat; Briefcase from cottage farm; Green Office Chairs from a la Modern; Smoked Glassware from Object of Beauty.
166 comments
Sign in to add your ownohbabydotcom says:
Let's hear it for the boys. Let's give the boys a hand :)
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Love the smoked glassware!!!
1 year ago
VeraVague says:
looks like our studio :)
1 year ago
junkyardglitter says:
I want that office, I will settle for a piece of it. LOVE THIS ETSY!
1 year ago
RevivalSmith says:
Love coral and mint--gorgeous!
1 year ago
OverstockDeals says:
retro rules! :)
1 year ago
ChrissiesRibbons says:
Wow- this is so inspiring. I'll have one of everything!
1 year ago
DecadesOfVintage says:
i love the double gooseneck lamp.
1 year ago
SpiceofLifeDesigns says:
Love the orange and avocado....beautiful curation!
1 year ago
redpoppyvintageshop says:
Love the pink and mint combo!
1 year ago
hypericumfragile says:
Great compositions!
1 year ago
SimplyAvonlea says:
Gotta love retro! The "Ladies who Lunch" was my favorite! Great color combo!
1 year ago
SoliDeoGloriaSDG says:
Wow, this takes me back - how fun!
1 year ago
rustygold73 says:
Love the industrial chic!
1 year ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
The nostalgia of an orange and avacado kitchen are part of my childhood, how wonderful to see them in an office!
1 year ago
TheVintageApartment says:
yay for Orange + Avocado & Ladies who Lunch! Fab mod choices for the office. Dreamy!
1 year ago
HoneysuckleLane says:
I really like the industrial, vintage, mod items!
1 year ago
redhardwick says:
That workspace is awesome! Love all the cool, vintage pieces. Thanks for sharing! :)
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Life is more beautiful with them :) Thanks :) And gray dress is beautiful too :)
1 year ago
sleekandproud says:
Love industrial chic, looks great!!
1 year ago
BooandBooFactory says:
Great color combinations! So beautiful! Love those vintage pieces.
1 year ago
frommylifetoyours says:
Love the avocado and orange.
1 year ago
LeBirdEtLeBear says:
very cool.
1 year ago
rivahside says:
A little scary to think that these items were a part of my every day childhood! Loved seeing them again, tho!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
Great selection!
1 year ago
oldtimethreads says:
Very Retro Cool! : )
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Envious of the workspace at the top. Great stuff.
1 year ago
artemisartbiju says:
wow! so many beautiful things here!!!
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Now I'm nostalgic for my Grandpa's office. He had chairs and lamps just like those pictured above.
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
Mad for this look!
1 year ago
PruAtelier says:
Love the vintage office...how coordinated. Every office I used to work in had beige, greige and gray color schemes. I don't recall though ever having a pink typewriter.... Sad to say today you get three colors in everything tech....black, black and black, so I think it's about time we were offered some other colors in what we have to spend so much time at on a daily basis! And oh so orderly! My workspace would be classified as a pile here and a pile there or in the style of "Early Miscellaneous!" Good article!
1 year ago
junquegypsy says:
I've noticed a rebirth of the old manual typewriters. There's something satisfying about making a lot of noise while doing office work, especially the "Ding" that signifies the end of a line.
1 year ago
lapetiteposy says:
I like the mint color of retro furniture!
1 year ago
tigersanddragons says:
Those classic green office chairs are such retro fun, we have one in our home.
1 year ago
TheEverlastingPosy says:
Fun to see your vintage collection!
1 year ago
simplyworn says:
cool article...love using industrial castoffs!
1 year ago
lindaketelhut says:
Such cool picks! Love those retro color palettes. Incredible workspace in the top photo!!
1 year ago
spontaneousreality says:
gorgeous gold vintage lamps!! I remember my parents had a rotary phone long ago...memories!
1 year ago
HazelTweed says:
great tips.. use highlights of avocado and orange.. not the whole room!
1 year ago
mylemonpie says:
That is an incredible workspace! I've always loved the industrial chic look. Love the worn wood mixed in with all the retro pieces. Now I'm really anxious for the next splash of Madmen!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Very chic, I think the industrial look is my favourite. I did study some industrial design when I was at uni, interesting how function and ergonomics inspire the forms!
1 year ago
theori says:
OMG - I think i just might have to get me a pink typewriter. Not sure what i'll type on it, but I must have it! Love this look!
1 year ago
UpscaleDownhome says:
Beautiful styling and photos. Loved the article and your shop is very interesting. I love the concept! Congratulations on your guest curator opportunity!
1 year ago
bitofbutter says:
Oh, thanks for featuring one of my items! It's in such good company here!
1 year ago
Jungle says:
Vintage + mod = perfect!!!
1 year ago
alamodern says:
Awesome, thanks for including our chairs on here!
1 year ago
joblake says:
whoa. this is the studio/office space of my dreams... the one that keeps me up at night, laying there with thoughts of how i'll create [this] and [that]! instead, i have a corner space (with window, ahem) in our dining room. it's actually a lovely corner. so, wow. very happy to see and read this...heres to a grand blog feature. thank you!
1 year ago
jungledread says:
Just the place to wear my collection of mod tunics! Love em! :)
1 year ago
ModPieces says:
Thanks for all the lovely comments everyone!
1 year ago
adrianaallenllc says:
Not a bad text. Indeed, quite well written. Good work.
1 year ago
tinyspace says:
omg i so want all of these!
1 year ago
VitalVintage says:
Love it!
1 year ago
michellesmith says:
What a lovely, moody workspace.
1 year ago
rebourne says:
I am excited that there is someone writing about the mix of styles when individuals become a couple. My husband has beautiful china from his travels through Europe. When we first were married, I was appalled at how he planned on displaying it. It seems silly now, but it is interesting to think about personal style, couples' style melding, and how to maintain any sense of style with little ones underfoot. Great article!!
1 year ago
designs4justice says:
I love this!!
1 year ago
MiniatureRhino says:
that lead image is pretty much my dream work space!
1 year ago
theroyal says:
i love all these things. modern design has not yet swayed my affection for that of the past.
1 year ago
TheIDconnection says:
This is wonderful! I love VINTAGE! Thanks for a great story Monica TheIDConnection
1 year ago
smellycatsoaps says:
What a cool idea! Best of luck!
1 year ago
blessedvintage says:
I love this stuff, I am trying to find some of it for my studio!
1 year ago
PauperHandmade says:
Oooh, that office space is amazing!! Such lovely vintage finds here!
1 year ago
hankietankie says:
what an inspiring atmosphere you've created! xo
1 year ago
lepetitmonstre says:
What a great collection! I love everything!!!!
1 year ago
FranceGallery says:
Interesting vintage colors and styles!
1 year ago
QWorks says:
Love those vintage looks!
1 year ago
popkingarb says:
i love the retro vibe of the office! those were the good ol' days
1 year ago
treasurehunter88 says:
What a great color palette... very inspirational.
1 year ago
VintageMarketPlace says:
so in love with this workspace!!! I love it all actually
1 year ago
MaineCoastEngraving says:
loving all these vintage items! so unique!
1 year ago
jodilynn1970 says:
Looks fun! I bet it's even "funner" finding these items for your office! Keep hunting for these vintage items - they always seem to bring back warm memories (for those of us old enough to remember).
1 year ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
I'm really loving all of these I love an industrial look and feel.
1 year ago
AThymetoSew says:
Love all the looks...
1 year ago
shop1848 says:
Fantastic look!! Great finds!!
1 year ago
ShabbyNChic says:
I love this!!!
1 year ago
NiChaPoN says:
I very love it++
1 year ago
vivikas says:
Good eye, awesome finds!
1 year ago
Waterrose says:
I've worked at places with those metal desks...had to have a can of wd40 close by...squeaky and impossible to open the drawers! love this post!
1 year ago
rosa2030 says:
Been there, it really wasn't that great.
1 year ago
ambersheartart says:
Gorgeous!
1 year ago
SatinandBirch says:
Oh No !.... not Orange and Avocado !
1 year ago
amonezakka says:
many people like retro and old things~ me too :)
1 year ago
audreytolove says:
Interesting ! Love it.
1 year ago
CityGirlinaYurt says:
What a great feeling these images evoke! such a wonderful way to make "old" new again. Then is NOW!
1 year ago
katrinaalana says:
I love the look!
1 year ago
maisonremy says:
Stunning look. Love the colors.
1 year ago
felicitycrew says:
Very inspiring!
1 year ago
pipapiep says:
Great list!
1 year ago
lalalandArt says:
Cool!
1 year ago
Addy says:
Beautiful! I love the mint green!
1 year ago
RosieJo says:
I just love it! Would even wear a pencil skirt toi work if it looked like this...
1 year ago
Brooklynretro says:
YAY...thank you for including my pink olympia typewriter!!! This is a wonderful post!!
1 year ago
Verdurebydesign says:
As an interior design student I found this post very interesting. Thank you Lia for your insightful finds.
1 year ago
WARPATH says:
WAY TO CELEBRATE GENDER INEQUALITY AND ITS TOOLS ! I LOVE ETSY!
1 year ago
WARPATH says:
WAY TO CELEBRATE GENDER INEQUALITY AND ITS TOOLS ! I LOVE ETSY!
1 year ago
ThingsOldeAndNew says:
Love this and I have this thing for those colored typewriters, lol. TY for sharing!!
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Love the vintage style! Great article!
1 year ago
SerantoniDesigns says:
Great retro product line! Continued success, Mary Serantoni SERANTONI Designs
1 year ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Great choices Lia, enjoyed perusing down the all the photo's, like that pink typewriter too, wish you great success always...xo
1 year ago
foundaryvintage says:
Vintage style can fit so well into a modern home.. that is the look me and my husband are going for (even though he's more a "boys club" aesthetic than a "ladies who lunch"). We definitely don't have one of those "retro" homes covered in chotchkys, but our vintage metal stools, old record player, and various pieces of vintage furniture have given our house that cool edge that doesn't look like all our pieces came from the same store. Love this post! An office that looks like your collage of "industrial chic" is my dream!
1 year ago
SusieFogden says:
Love studio shots. I must get my old orange typewriter out. Glad i found you here, very inspirational. New to etsy this month so such a thrill to get about the community and see what people are up.
1 year ago
shroomgnome says:
LOVE orange and avocado!!!!
1 year ago
shroomgnome says:
LOVE orange and avocado!!!!
1 year ago
FreshlySkweezed says:
Great post. Great pictures. Would LOVE to know where the office in the very first picture exists! Can I live there?
1 year ago
giardino says:
I love this round up of retro style and colors - what's old is new again!
1 year ago
PolClary says:
I swooned at these things. So beautiful!
1 year ago
thevelvetheart says:
Oh my goodness I love all of it!
1 year ago
joannagarnto says:
Great post Lia! I love the industrial accents! the mint tape dispenser is awesome think my Grandmother still have one!
1 year ago
joannagarnto says:
Great post Lia! I love the industrial accents! the mint tape dispenser is awesome think my Grandmother still have one!
1 year ago
ohHenri says:
I especially liked the America's Next Top Model picture! The dresses, hairstyles, accessories, and overall mood of the picture made me want to go shopping for my own.
1 year ago
MaBille says:
Oh my God...that main picture at the top of the page?!? I want to be there, open every little drawer, look on every shelf... Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
AmberGypsySky says:
orange and avacodo..my favorite colors. gotta love mad men too!
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Cool items. Love them.
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
Thank you for that article, it was very enlightening! It is the fine balance between the neutrals and when to break it with colour! I love orange and green (avacado). You have a great taste and talent. All the best!
1 year ago
dekanimal says:
Beautiful Collection !! Thank you for sharing :)
1 year ago
Rustical says:
Awesome items with story. Really interesting and aesthetically pleasing!
1 year ago
GreenTrunkDesigns says:
Fun read! Thank you!
1 year ago
GeriHawkinsDesigns says:
I think I threw a lot of that away about 10 years ago!!
1 year ago
OriginalsByLynnette says:
Fun fun! I have to admit, Mad Men has inspired more than one of my recent purchases!
1 year ago
laralewis says:
Yesss! This was an awesome post!
1 year ago
mituvintage says:
i LOVE mixing vintage into my home decor! and i love everything about the mad men set. this is a fabulous post!
1 year ago
adessojewelry says:
Coooool!
1 year ago
PlunkettDesigns says:
Oh how fun...Thank you for sharing :-) I love this era so much!!! Sure wish I could spend a day working in these spaces...I'm sure it'd be very inspiring!!!
1 year ago
mamapainter says:
I love avocado and orange. I've been doing lots of vintage looking art in those colors lately, they just compliment each other so smoothly.
1 year ago
solsticehome says:
i just had a lovely post written about my home having mixed styles on www.designskool.net, so i'm very partial to it. I'm thrilled to be included in this article. thank you!
1 year ago
yumalum says:
Wow! Love this!
1 year ago
elisasherejewelry says:
Love this feature, great finds! I actually have that very same GE vintage fan and it is a work horse. Style and function.
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
I have a love for steelcase desks, in fact, I'm typing from my vintage battleship grey one now :) That photo with the avocad, orange and lemon office under "The Steelcase Coordinated Office Approach" rules!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Wonderful retro office pieces!
1 year ago
wwchloerunning says:
Freaking awesome. And I love me some MadMen eye candy. Yes please. http://etsystalkers.blogspot.com/
1 year ago
ThatsClassicVintage says:
LOVE IT! All looks so "impossibly cool"! I find that by infusing my workspace with "industrial chic" helps make me feel grown up and focused. Drink anyone?
1 year ago
ValintheValley says:
Yummy colors. Vive le mod especially in the office ! Just realized I have this tape dispenser but in tangerine. Val
1 year ago
twentyfourhourdinah says:
love the coral/mint mix.... and the industrial highlights to add to an atomosphere... beautiful!
1 year ago
gretchenmist says:
classic finds! love the sticky tape holder :)
1 year ago
dianecostanza says:
I love the retro industrial look! All the sherbet colors are just fabulous!
1 year ago
notApplicable says:
wONdeRful pOsT!
1 year ago
samuian says:
I also love beautiful Old wood furniture. Your selection are amazingly match!!! love every pieces in Orange & Avocado <3
1 year ago
Wildewear says:
What an inspiration. I love it. Thank you!
1 year ago
Marumadrid says:
Industrial can be cool :)
1 year ago
GemmaBeads says:
I've worked in an office much like the one pictured, not bad. And, I've tried working in the boy's club type or workplace. So glad times have changed somewhat. Also glad I don't have to work in an office anymore. But, I do love repurposing great vintage items for use in my craft!
1 year ago
zelda110 says:
I just drooled all over me keyboard. amazing.
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Very Cool.
1 year ago
wepost2sell says:
Nice , just like the way I want it for my barn studio!! Well done ...
1 year ago
RR1Box80 says:
Oh so cool. My dad has a huge industrial looking desk in the basement of my parent's house. It is a giant gray beast but I have been coveting it for years--and they don't even use it! Thanks for the reminder :)!
1 year ago
sparklefarm says:
>> Two words... PINK TYPEWRITER!!! Oh the things one could write about. <<
1 year ago
adoodle says:
i like! :)
1 year ago
sofias1cobwebmuseum says:
Very inspiring & much needed! Just moved & am working sitting on the floor in my new home office!
1 year ago
vintageseventyfive says:
industrial is magic. fantastic article and collections.
1 year ago
Alaroycreature says:
I honestly don't like seeing the whole place white vintage stuff, i like vintage items in a modern place. :)
1 year ago
ConnieFlavelleArt says:
I LOVE the industrial look! I aspire to have a studio like this one day! For now, I'll just keep filling the corner of my space with 'peculiar' vintage -industrial finds that I hope to one day re-purpose!
1 year ago
carlossantiago says:
so much to love here!!!! very nice collection.
1 year ago
therocketshop says:
The boys club collection looks very nice ; )
1 year ago
eastwitching says:
I love the Atomic Age style. A friend I met on Etsy in the US sends me her copies of ATOMIC RANCH when she has read them )) Why is everything 50's utterly stylish and fab>?
1 year ago
anakim says:
Gorgeous!
1 year ago
floorartetc says:
Orange and Avocado Green were all over my first house in the 1970s. I Loved it! Great collection! Billie
1 year ago
nowvintage says:
Love the industrial vintage best best best!!
1 year ago
tianlbabay says:
You are a great inspiration for those trying to make it in this handmade community. Thank you for your great marketing information, your shop is simply beautiful.
1 year ago
hoosiermamma1 says:
I love the big steel desks. The reason most of them are still in basements is that they are freekin' heavy! LOL! To me, a little industrial goes a long way, but it does have a clean look to it. (you should see my work desk-top. Those ladies in the picture would be mortified!!!)
1 year ago
TheNightjar says:
very chic and classic style!
1 year ago
twigandsprout says:
Oh, how I love love vintage! Lately, I have the urge to hoard midcentury everyday objects, particularly the boring and industrial ones. I'm not sure where this suddenly came from, except perhaps the passing of my grandparents, plus watching too much Mad Men. (Though I don't really think there's such a thing as too much Mad Men.) Naturally, I'm smitten with many of the objects in your curation. Good work! Twig and Sprout Vintage
1 year ago
vintagemaison says:
I just love the industrial look - so clean and uncluttered.
1 year ago
MyNewFavoriteThings says:
I love the photo from the mid-century modernist. Today, every one of those desks would have a computer on it!
1 year ago
mtillery says:
Now this is some tasteful vintage...great color texture combos with a fresh updated light comic feeling! Kudos
1 year ago
ModelVintage says:
Love the industrial organizational items!
1 year ago
girliepains says:
love mod
1 year ago
WigglinWasabi says:
I am so drawn to this stuff! If only I had the ability to organize my vintage organizers... my craft room would be a much more spacious place! Great collection!
1 year ago
Marie Eve Greenwell from RatsInPants says:
this spoke to my heart :) thank you!
78 days ago