For a young family of four, the open plan living, dining, and kitchen area could use an update to better suit their needs. With two tall teenagers in the mix, the space calls for a more open and spacious feel, comfortable seating for everyone on the couch, and a more cohesive design. With respect for elements from the past in the current interior we made a mood board together. Read more about this Monday Mood board – Modern Vintage, the proposed materials, and colors in this article.
If you want to make a mood board for your home, get some tips in this article: How to make an interior design Mood board
the Space

The room is ready for a refresh to suit modern needs. Rearranging the furniture became a priority due to the current setup:
- The path to the garden door is blocked by the couch.
- The dining table occupies too much space, leaving no alternative placement for the sofa.
- An old Swiss cabinet, a blanket chest, and various vintage elements are scattered around, making the room feel cluttered.
Proposed Solution:
- Move the dining table closer to the kitchen island and remove the barstools to free up space for the couch.
- Relocate the couch to the opposite corner, clearing the path to the garden door.
- Opt for a modular sofa for its flexibility and to ensure comfortable seating for all four family members to watch TV together.
- Arrange the old Swiss cabinet, blanket chest, TV, and retro elements along one wall to create a cleaner, more organized look.
These solutions must fall within the style choice we made of modern vintage and the key elements of that style. See next chapters.
the Style
The style can be described as “Contemporary with respect for the past.”
Vintage is authentic and from the past.
Retro is new but inspired by the past.
Monday Mood board – Modern Vintage Key Elements
- Vintage statement pieces: The Swiss cabinet and blanket chest are the vintage statement pieces in this room.
- Clean Lines: like a sectional sofa with neutral upholstery, in this way contemporary furniture complements the vintage pieces.
- Neutral color palette (whites, greys, beiges) to create a modern foundation, and add pops of color inspired by vintage eras. Think of muted greens, browns and even a touch of pink or ochre.
Remarks to the mood board:

- On the left side of this mood board and on the left wall of the room, envision a cohesive arrangement of cabinets and a TV corner with a curated vintage vibe. Start with the Swiss cabinet in the corner, followed by a dresser or shelving unit in the middle to house the TV above. Consider adding a display case or a hanging cabinet to highlight beautiful decor pieces. Near the window, place the blanket chest as a base for a collection of plants. To tie it all together chalk paint in a muted beige or green, adding a touch of charm and character to the space.
- The kitchen island in a retro style provides a new sphere. Keep the island but transform it into something looking quite different by adding wood, tiles, color. (coming soon more about “how to transform an existing kitchen”)
- Furniture, a modular tufted sofa, a chair from Pierre Jeanneret or in this style, and for the accessory’s natural materials such as reed, glass, papier mâché.
Color Palette

More about colors here
Material Overview

This Monday Mood board – Modern Vintage has an associated materials overview. More about making such an overview here.
Floor: natural Oak, Rug: sisal or vintage, Wall: Lime paint, Textiles: Beige, green, both the structure and the fabric can give a vintage feel, like corduroy here. Furniture: Wood in vintage colors like red/brown, Accessories: reed, glass, brass/bronze or iron, plants, and linen.
Bonus Tips
for more inspiration check my Pinterest boards:
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I may make a small profit at no expense to you. I was not paid to write this post.
The picture on top of this post (and below) is an ai generated picture.
I hope this blog inspired you to make your own mood board. Once it is complete, use it as a guide throughout the design process. Refer to it when deciding about furniture, decor, and color schemes to ensure consistency with your initial vision.
Enjoy making your mood board.
