Life, Styled
Homes are a collection of things we love, and sometimes those things can come from places outside the traditional sources, such as your typical home furnishings stores. Increasingly, 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 embracing vintage finds, seeking to blend them together to create something special, such as the grand millennial and mid-century modern styles. Millennials are also enjoying the freedom to branch out in their design choices, creating 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 want 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 of 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 stor,y 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 offers a host of benefits beyond 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 a crucial term not just when it comes to home renovation, but also when redecorating any area, which is why antique shopping can be a great benefit, as it saves money. There are many items for sale that are priced below what traditional home decor stores charge, and while some of them may require a little work to restore them to full function, the savings make it worthwhile to invest the 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 visiting an antique store to see if there is a piece that suits your needs first. Repurposing it means one less thing potentially ending up in the dump. These items are often 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 also 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 acquire items of great value and quality, not to mention its wonderful sustainable choice for our planet.
What to look for when antique shopping
Antique shopping can be a fun activity, but it can also be challenging to determine exactly what to look for and which 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 a bookshelf. Some designers encourage you to bring photos of your current space, which can help you determine exactly what you need and maintain a cohesive 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 them all together to create the perfect look, but how? Unity and balance are two key elements that will help you combine your various items into a single, amazing space. Consider a common color scheme or pattern that ties it all together. Of course, you can add a splash of color or a varying pattern to the mix, but if you keep the overall vibe predominantly similar, it will help the area 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 an important consideration and can be achieved with various sources, such as table, floor, and ceiling fixtures. Mirrors are another helpful tool for 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.
Walker WoodworkingHome is a special word because it represents comfort, refuge, and family. Our home is meant to be the culmination of everything we cherish, which is why designers work tirelessly to create the perfect environment. Recently, however, there has been a movement to rethink how we design in order to minimize our carbon footprint. Interest in sustainability has increased in recent years as homeowners and designers seek ways to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. One way is selecting sustainable materials for use in our home products. From furnishings to accent pieces, there are certain items that are more eco-friendly and come with benefits for you and your family. Let’s talk about the sustainable design approach and the top five sustainable materials you can incorporate into your home.
Walker Woodworking Window treatments are a great accent to any area of the home, including home offices, laundry rooms, and dining areas. Each has various needs that should be considered, as well as the style that best suits the particular area. Home offices are where you will spend a large portion of your daylight hours, so be sure to consider the location of your computer in relation to the window and any potential issues with glare that may arise.
Walker Woodworking Many elements make up a beautiful kitchen, but without a doubt, the countertops and backsplash are the focal points. These materials have become more than just practical tools in the kitchen. They are now works of art and an opportunity for homeowners to add a touch of themselves to the design. Of course, there must be a balance between the two, where they work together to create a cohesive design. Multiple ways exist to create both beautiful and functional looks in the kitchen. Here we answer some common questions surrounding the topic.
Greenbrook DesignFresh air, open outdoor spaces, and cooking on the grill are just a few of the benefits associated with having an outdoor space, which is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Our homes are our refuge, but an outdoor space is the perfect solution to curing cabin fever without having to pack up and drive somewhere. With spring just around the corner, we thought it would be a good time to highlight the reasons why an outdoor space matters, what elements should be included, and how to bring it all together to create the perfect outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
Everyone enjoys returning to a well-organized, spacious kitchen after a long day. It’s even better if your kitchen includes a nicely organized pantry!
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design