Oldies but Goodies: Interior Decorating with Vintage Items
by Kate McIntyrekate.mcIntyre@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Interior Design School Review Columnist
The hottest interior decorating trends today have their roots in the past. Clients of interior design firms now expect more than just the newest, shiniest furniture and fabric designs; they want something unique, a little rough around the edges, and full of history. They want vintage.
Starting Your Decorating Treasure Hunt
If you have not done a lot of thrift shopping before, the prospect can be a little daunting. It is hard to know where to start and what to look for. During your tenure in interior decorating, you will probably get pretty familiar with your area's architectural salvages, flea markets, and antique dealers. Here's what to keep an eye out for at each bargain hotspot.Interior Decorating Elements to Watch for at Architectural Salvage Companies
- Bigger, statement-making pieces, like fireplace mantels and doors
- Anything Craftsman-style
- Chandeliers
- Cool vintage hardware for cabinets and drawers
Interior Design Pieces to Watch for at Flea Markets
- Bargains that are still in excellent shape
- "Fixer-upper" furniture, like a cute Danish modern coffee table that just needs a refinishing job
- Fun, inexpensive accent items like folk art paintings, and '50s tea towels and tablecloths
What to Watch for at Antique Shops
- Truly unique pieces for which you're willing to pay a little more
- Furniture that does not need refinishing
- Vintage barware sets
- Ceramic items
The best part about shopping for vintage items is that you never know what you'll find. It is always a good idea to go into your shopping with a basic plan and a set budget, or else the sheer variety of items available could lure you into unwise purchases.
As an interior designer, it is your job to turn your clients' ideas into an attractive, cohesive living space. Being able to put together a room that incorporates unique vintage pieces is a great skill to develop. If you feel that you cannot do it alone, you should consider taking a class or two at an interior design school. Your professor's guidance can help you to develop your own eye for treasures.
Source
About the Author
Kate McIntyre is a writer in Portland, Oregon. She holds a B.A. from Harvard University and an M.F.A. in fiction writing from Oregon State University.
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