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 Woodworking Too much clutter can detract from your home’s wellness and leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and even depressed if it sticks around long enough. It can also make it difficult to concentrate, which can affect the entire family. It’s important to set about decluttering in an eco-friendly way to ensure that you aren’t throwing out things that could be put to good use elsewhere. With so many landfills already overflowing, it’s imperative for us all to do our part and keep recycling.
Keep reading for some great tips from Greenbook Design on how to declutter your home in an eco-friendly way.
Greenbrook DesignWarmer weather is just around the corner, meaning we can finally spend more time outside doing what we love, like grilling, swimming, and sitting around fire pits. One thing that all of these have in common is that they can be done in your own backyard. Outdoor spaces are trending this year and for good reason, since they provide a change of scenery for homeowners without having to drive somewhere, plus they add more usable space to your home. Enjoy fresh air, cool summer nights, and time with family all within the safety of your own home. Here are a few reasons and benefits to adding or upgrading your outdoor space.
Greenbrook DesignColor. It is what gives our world variety and speaks a language all its own. It is a versatile element that is used in various professions such as art, entertainment, and even cooking. Interior designers thrive on color to express their client’s personality and tell their story. Color is also the common thread that ties other elements, like texture and pattern. Woven together, they create a sense of unity and influence the mood. It is fairly common knowledge that each color implies a mood, such as blue is calm, green represents growth, and yellow expresses happiness. The colors you select for your home can have an effect on the atmosphere, and more and more homeowners are looking to add a little comfort with color.
Walker WoodworkingThe kitchen sink is probably one of the most important elements in the kitchen, since it’s where we wash dishes, rinse food, and wash our hands. There are so many options, such as stainless steel, porcelain, and ceramic. Then, of course, there are multiple styles and sizes. At Greenbrook, we are always looking for new items that will meet a need for our clients, and sinks definitely are one of them, which is why we are an authorized dealer for the Karran Sinks.
Walker Woodworking Old meets new to create a blend of something beautiful, which is one way to summarize grand millennial style. While minimalism is still a popular trend, many millennials are finding comfort and freedom of expression from their beloved family heritage. Grand millennial is a combination of the new with things of the past, like that old wingback chair from grandma’s attic, and breathing new life into it through reupholstering it. This style also pairs perfectly with many people’s desire to recycle and reduce waste by repurposing existing materials. Let’s unpack this style a little more and find out if it is right for you.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design