It’s funny to think that there’s a generation now who’ve never taken a single photo with film; they've never made their own mixtape, and will never have to remind themselves to be kind and rewind. But such is the landscape of technology: forever and constantly changing. That said, yesterday’s tech goodies are increasingly showing up as today’s decorative conversation pieces. Many vintage designs are warmer, more tactile, and more aligned with a modern home's midcentury aesthetic than their digital contemporaries—not to mention they remind us of the homes our parents once made. Here are a few resources for incorporating last generation technologies into the home decor of today.
Audiophile Style
This listening corner inside Hammer and Spear's downtown LA loft is a perfect example of mixing analog era audio equipment into a sophisticated, layered look that feels contemporary. Brushed metal and warm, wood-sided amps and receivers from the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s still look great and can be made to connect to today’s iOS and Android mobile devices using a Bluetooth receiver.
Warm Up
It was way back in 1879 when Thomas Edison first reported success with a carbon-filament bulb and ever since we’ve been drawn to the warm light of an electric current passing through wire filament under glass. Restoration Hardware has been offering a wide selection of beautiful old-timey lightbulbs designed for ambient and decorative purposes. Add a few of these Edison-style bulbs around the house for mood.
Turntables
Maybe you like yesterday’s technology, but prefer today’s aesthetics. Turntables have become a vibrant niche market, growing beyond the audiophile market and into the realm of record-collecting mainstream over the last decade. Even national retailers like Anthropologie are selling modern day refreshes of the once ubiquitous record player. Our favorite modern day model is the Pro-Ject Essential II Phono USB turntable; the turntable connects to audio systems or Mac or PCs, available in black, red, or white with a handsome, but unassuming design which would look great on top of a credenza or console in any living room.
Vintage Cameras
We may be living in an Instagram era, but old-fashioned film cameras retain a retro-chic, Wes Anderson-approved appeal. The best place to look for old cameras—both working and non-working models—are flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores. Common “as-is” models can be found for as low as $1.00. eBay remains the best online resource to window shop for and purchase old photography gear for collectors.
Audiophile Style
This listening corner inside Hammer and Spear's downtown LA loft is a perfect example of mixing analog era audio equipment into a sophisticated, layered look that feels contemporary. Brushed metal and warm, wood-sided amps and receivers from the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s still look great and can be made to connect to today’s iOS and Android mobile devices using a Bluetooth receiver.
Warm Up
It was way back in 1879 when Thomas Edison first reported success with a carbon-filament bulb and ever since we’ve been drawn to the warm light of an electric current passing through wire filament under glass. Restoration Hardware has been offering a wide selection of beautiful old-timey lightbulbs designed for ambient and decorative purposes. Add a few of these Edison-style bulbs around the house for mood.
Turntables
Maybe you like yesterday’s technology, but prefer today’s aesthetics. Turntables have become a vibrant niche market, growing beyond the audiophile market and into the realm of record-collecting mainstream over the last decade. Even national retailers like Anthropologie are selling modern day refreshes of the once ubiquitous record player. Our favorite modern day model is the Pro-Ject Essential II Phono USB turntable; the turntable connects to audio systems or Mac or PCs, available in black, red, or white with a handsome, but unassuming design which would look great on top of a credenza or console in any living room.
Vintage Cameras
We may be living in an Instagram era, but old-fashioned film cameras retain a retro-chic, Wes Anderson-approved appeal. The best place to look for old cameras—both working and non-working models—are flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores. Common “as-is” models can be found for as low as $1.00. eBay remains the best online resource to window shop for and purchase old photography gear for collectors.
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