Homes are a collection of the things we love and sometimes those things can come from places outside of the traditional sources such as your typical home furnishing stores. More and more designers and homeowners alike are discovering the benefits of antique stores. These places, often thought of as the last stop for items no one else wanted, have become a popular shopping stop for those who want to have something unique in their home and enjoy the thrill of “treasure hunting”. More and more design styles are also in support of vintage finds as they seek to blend them together to create something special such as the grand millennial and mid-century modern. Millennials are also enjoying the perks of having the freedom to branch out in their design choices to create a home that is customized to their own personality. Antique shopping can be a wonderful way to uncover those special touches that can make all the difference in your home so let’s explore how to get started and what to do with all of the treasures you find.

Why should you go antique shopping?

Some may ask why go to all the trouble to walk down endless piles of what appears to be junk, but to those who know what that “junk” represents it is a different matter entirely. There are decades of history buried away in each stack and aisle that have long been forgotten but still have so much to give. Unique styles, patterns, colors, and materials can be found in an antique shop with some pieces carrying a touch of the old European world designs in them. For those who are wanting something different, something that tells a unique story, or makes a great statement piece, antique shopping is for them. The rich objects tucked away can open the door to new design possibilities you might never have thought about before and can enrich your home in so many ways. Homes are about connection and when you blend a few antiques into your home it allows you to connect the past with the present. You may even find things that remind you of your grandparents and can make them feel closer plus it is a little like playing a part in preserving our history and honoring those we love. Antique shopping is also a wonderful experience as you browse through a myriad of pieces that each tell a different story plus it is a wonderful way to gain some fresh perspective and spark some new inspiration for your own home. No wonder so many HGTV designers enjoy visiting antique stores to find that perfect piece for their clients. Read a few more reasons why antiques are a good purchase choice in this article by Apartment Therapy.

The benefits of antique shopping

Antique shopping comes with a host of benefits besides just being plain fun. Here are a few of the reasons antique shopping is a good thing:

• Save money
• Value
• Quality
• Unique
• Eco-friendly

Budget is an important word not just when it comes to a home renovation but also with redecorating any area which is why antique shopping can be a great benefit since it saves money. There are many items for sale that are below what traditional home decor stores are charging and while some of them may need a little work to restore it to full function the savings makes it worth the investment of time. Antiquing is also considered one of the top ways to be eco-friendly as it takes something old and gives it a new or restored purpose. Instead of buying a brand new item consider looking at an antique store to see if there is a piece that is suitable for your needs first. Repurposing it means one less thing potentially ending up in the dump. These items often are made from exceptional quality like the old saying goes, “they don’t make them like they used to.” This statement rings true for many of the things you will find in an antique store. Many of these pieces were hand-crafted meaning they are not only sturdy but specially designed with unique touches that set them apart from the traditional pieces offered today. Antique shopping is perfect for those who want to save money and obtain items that have great value and quality, not to mention what a wonderful sustainable choice it is for our planet.

What to look for when antique shopping

Antique shopping can be a fun thing to do but sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly what you need to look for and what pieces are a good fit for your home. Statement pieces are a great place to start as they can add a unique flair to your space and can set the tone for the rest of the design choices. Some good examples of this would be a coffee or dining table, a hutch, or bookshelf. Some designers encourage you to bring photos of your current space which can help you know exactly what you need and stay cohesive in your design style. Besides furniture you can look for art, lamps, decor, baskets, frames, and other unique accent pieces that can add another layer of vintage beauty to your home. A designer tip is to be patient in your search so don’t get discouraged if you don’t find exactly what you want on your first trip. It may take a few rounds to collect the perfect assembly of items you want in your specific area.

How to blend the old with the new

You found some amazing pieces and now it’s time to bring it all together to create the perfect look but how? Unity and balance are two key elements that will assist you in combining your various items into one amazing space. Consider a common color scheme or pattern that ties it all together. Of course there is freedom to add a splash of color or a varying pattern in the mix but if you keep it predominantly in a similar vibe it will help the overall area to feel inviting and beautiful. If you have an antique furniture piece you can lay a blanket over the back or add a few pillows to breathe a little freshness into the space. Lighting is important to consider and can be accomplished with various sources such as table, floor, and ceiling fixtures. Mirrors are another helpful tool with gaining extra lighting due to their reflective surfaces plus they add another layer to the room. Browse places like Pinterest for more decor inspiration and don’t be afraid to add a touch of you to the design.

Hidden treasures await

Antique shopping opens a whole new world of design ideas and inspiration for your next space. It is the perfect way to blend the past with the present and preserve it for the future. The quality and unique finds you will uncover means another layer of interest added to your home that will make great conversation starters at gatherings too. The various styles you discover as you walk the rows of items will be sure to spark a little creativity that will inevitably spill over into your own home giving you the look you always wanted.