How to add character and charm to your home

Here are 6 tips for decorating with vintage items.



1.     Buy Only What You Love

When choosing vintage pieces only “buy what you love.” The idea of a piece gaining large value over time is a false promise. Buy or accept from family only what “moves” you, what you will be happy with for a long time rather than what you think might become valuable. It’s about finding pieces that speak to you on a personal level. Something that has true meaning to you.

2.     Mix Old And New

Today we love the look of combining different periods – try mixing deco, Bauhaus, and mid-century modern décor. By not sticking to one era your room will not look dated as quickly.  Take the time to curate and shop in a variety of places, you end up with a much more “collected over time” look. 

When decorating with vintage pieces don't feel like everything needs to match. It’s much more interesting to work with a variety of woods, and to mix pieces from different countries, styles and periods.   There is no need to focus on one historical period or genre which perhaps reflects the time in which your house was built. For example, I like to mix an antique table with more modern upholstered chairs. And if you go for a more modern sofa, then try a vintage coffee table.

3.     Quality Pieces Are Worth The Investment

Vintage pieces are often better made. The materials used were generally high quality – hardwoods and unusual woods that people don't use now. As for fabrics you will see more silks or embroideries, and more handwork. For quality, design and durability, antique furniture is often a much better value. Any scuffs and imperfections are often celebrated in antique furniture not dreaded.

4.     Vintage Textiles Add Warmth

Vintage textiles such as cushions, pillows, lampshades or bedspreads add beautiful color, pattern and softness into an interior. If you have a just piece of antique fabric, you can frame a panel as a piece of wall decor.

Many vintage textiles are made by hand with exquisite craftsmanship, these vintage fabrics showcase an array of different sewing techniques. Be on the lookout for Indian Kantha quilts, Japaneze Shibori fabrics, Uzbekistan embroidered Suzani panels, Japan's kimonos silks, Scottish tartan patterns, and Cambodian. These vintage textiles are one-of-a-kind, with beautiful local colors and patterns that tell the tales of times past

5.     Up-Cycle Vintage Pieces

Take a second look at what you have at home already. Many things can be updated (or upcycled) Try recovering a mid-century armchair, chalk painting an old sideboard, or framing new artwork with an old gilt frame. All these give vintage finds a new lease of life – making it a great way to create unique pieces for your home.

By re-purposing pieces of vintage furniture, you will also provide a great sense of satisfaction to be continuing the life of an item which may otherwise have been discarded.

6.     Architectural Clues

Take your cue from your home to create the best effect when you’re decorating with antiques. By keeping in mind the style and type of home you live in when decorating with vintage art or wall décor you are working “with” what you have. Taking inspiration from the architecture of the room is a good place to start. If the architectural features are curved – as in arches, its nice to repeat that in the room with an arched mirror or piece of framed artwork.

7.  Vintage Accessories tell stories

I find that adding something original, from which any conversation can start adds interest to a room. Vintage and antique pieces give your guests something new and unusual to look at and talk about. The below vintage soup terrine is just such a piece. I use it for soup, a centerpiece with candles, or collecting ornaments. I am asked where the scene is from, how I came upon this set of dishes, and how old it is. What vintage pieces have you added to your home? Have you inherited any??

BONUS: How Do You Mix In Your Vintage Décor?  It is preferred to MIX vintage pieces with more contemporary items, as you don’t want to create a "period film set" feeling. Try injecting warmth and comfort from mixed woods and old textiles.  Bring that collected look with throws and fabrics that have a worn patina. Vintage and collectable accessories will give any room a real sense of depth and personality. They add a bit of “quirk” and give a space which might otherwise be boring and lifeless.

I find that by adding something original, from which the conversation starts, an antique gives your guests something new and unusual to look at and talk about. What antiques have you added to your home?

Great Places to Shop For Unique Vintage Home Finds

Etsy.com - Etsy carries one-of-a-kind vintage items sold by individuals just like YOU. In the search box you can find whatever you need for your home while buying directly from independent sellers. Their large selection and affordable prices make them the perfect go-to for vintage finds.

TumbleweedAndCompany.com - Authentic Vintage and antiques. Home décor, garden, architectural salvage from around the country from true pickers. Their shop the perfect destination 517 Vernon Street, Roseville for all things rare and vintage.

SandyBryanVintageHome.com - A coop of dealers who curate an amazing look and feel in the store.  They carry ironstone, antique accessories, painted chippy piece's,  glass and unique finds.  Beautiful store great for inspiration. 509 Vernon Street, Roseville, CA

TheCratePeople.com - Owner and curator of the online shop, The Crate People, proclaims their “deep passion for forgotten items with a history” and that’s exactly the kind of thing you’ll find here. Shop a wide selection of refurbished furniture and home décor that has a rustic and industrial feel.

TheHuntVintage.com - The Los Angeles shopkeepers behind The Hunt have an eye and a love for Mid Century style. Check out The Hunt for a handpicked selection of high-quality designs with a little bit of Hollywood glitz and glamour thrown in for good measure.

That's it for now.  Let me know what fabulous antique is your favorite in your home...  Until next time,  Jonelle'