Hi Guys! I can’t believe I haven’t done this! So, it’s long overdue to write this blog on how you can use Thrifted Styling Staples using Modern & Antiques. The fact that I’ve been a thrifter for decades, and my love of vintage and antiques makes this combination a win-win in my books.
I guess I’ll just quickly say that I’m not really into the perfect. I like things that look worn, used, and have some patina. Also, I am not very matchy matchy. So, what you’ll find here today, is a bit of the imperfect, thrifted things, and a mixture of traditional elements with modern. Because, what I DO love, is a mix of modern and traditional every day! Ok- here we go with some of my staples.
- Wooden, Brass, Silver and picture frames in varying shapes. Ovals and circle frames give more of a vintage vibe, so if you find them, tick!
2. Ceramics and lidded vessels are so interesting. If you find items that come from other countries, bonus time! They tend to give a bit of the exotic to your shelves and styling.
3. Vintage Brass has a warm and lovely glow. You can find lots of different things in vintage brass, like statues, birds, heavy bookends, or wall decor. Just don’t put in too much.
Wondering what to call your mix of vintage, traditional and collected pieces? Embrace this popular design aesthetic, and feel good! Read more here.
4. Unique Accessories are those one offs that make you go hmmm. They probably catch your eye when thrifting, and maybe you’re not even sure what they are! But I always think, the weirder, the better! Finding items like this is harder when thrifting, but definitely worth the hunt!
5. Ginger Jar and Blue and White Ceramics are the epitome of Traditional decor. They have been used as accessories and in collections since the 15th Century when they were brought in by the Ming Dynasty. Classic pieces.
6. Books are the best, so versatile and found fairly easily. Colour block them, stack them, turn them around so you can see old discoloured pages, lean them against each other. I like collecting Interior Design books, and I also collect older vintage books as well.
Need motivation to source vintage items? Read my Top 5 Reasons to Source Vintage here.
7. Textural Elements are necessary to give your shelves or spaces depth. They provide a resting place for your eyes, and visual interest to an otherwise flat area. I love texture and use it everywhere and often!
8. Vintage Art, and if you’re lucky, in old frames! One of the coolest ways to bring in a story, collection or theme to your space. I like to look for original oil and watercolour pieces, and have nothing but thrifted artwork in my parlour. Love vintage art. In my hallway, I have mixed things up with modern lithographs. So fun! Also, small vintage artwork can be used in cool places like shelves in your kitchen, bathroom or even laundry room.
9. Figurines/Shapes are good placeholders. They can also be used as stand alone pieces if you find something in mint condition, and something really interesting. I have recently been keeping my eye out for busts, as well as wooden ducks. I know, weird! Haha
10. Boxes are also something I tend to gravitate to. They are great for storage, stacking, and often are decorated with interesting embellishments like beads or glass or inlaid with different materials like metal or bone.
So there you have it! They are my basic styling staples that I’ve been collecting and curating for years. I always think you should have fun when thrifting, so if you go home empty handed, don’t worry about it! There’s always another day!
Stay cool my lovelies! And feel free to let me know what your favourite thrifted styling staples are!
