Vintage pieces I wish I'd bought

Something old, something new... Nice interiors are often filled with both. And while new furniture is great for updating a tired room, few things beat vintage pieces when it comes to injecting personality and charm.

Summer is prime season for vintage hunting. Garage sales, outdoor antique shows and flea markets abound, and we're in the mood for fun and adventure, which is exactly what these places offer.

Butterfly chair.

 

 

Interestingly, when it comes to vintage, I only regret the things I didn't buy. And I regret them a lot! Years after the fact I still cringe when thinking about pieces I left behind. Like the ten dollar iconic leather "Butterfly chair", or the 30 dollar mid-century dresser, both from one of our local thrift stores. Or the beautifully ornate screen from an antique store in Cambridge. Why I didn't buy them? Because I didn't really need them at the time, because our storage room was full, and because they required some TLC. Three good reasons, I thought. What a mistake!

Lesson learned: this summer I'll just follow my instinct. When the price is right and the piece is irresistibly unique, iconic or charming, I'll just buy it. I'll find a space for it and I'll fix it up (eventually). 

Most importantly, I'll certainly have fun looking for it, and I hope you will too. Happy vintage hunting!

My latest obsession: vintage plates.

Definitely a low commitment, you
can get a whole set for less than
$10. If I ever get tired of them,
I'll simply pass them on. In the
meantime, I'll have fun varying
plates according to meals and mood. 

 

North Bay Antique Show

50s vibe in a favourite colour combination.

Happy Family Day everyone! The Annual North Bay Antique Show was on this weekend, an event that a "design aficionada" like myself cannot resist. Even if your style is more contemporary, I suggest you keep an open mind about introducing a few old objects into your space. Why? Because they tell a story and are often beautifully crafted. So if you are looking for conversation pieces for your home, and items that add interest, antique stores and shows are good places to visit.

Yesterday, I was mainly drawn to fun patterns, bright colours, and sculptural shapes at the show. Take a look for yourselves!

Bright colours on a white background always look fresh.

A pop of bright blue 

for your shelf.

Cool kettle with patina.

Nice curves!

This pink collection makes quite a statement.

Add this sweet cake plate to your shabby chic interior!

A delicately embroidered dress can work as a piece of art, either on a hanger or framed.

Old meets new

Did you go to the Antique Show and Sale, organized by the North Bay Legion, a few weeks ago? I find antique shows so much fun, partly because of the atmosphere, but even more because of the unknown treasures that await. 

There is definitely room for antiques in my design world. In fact, I find the mix between old and new very appealing. For the “old-meets-new” to marry smoothly, make sure the pieces have something in common. It can be the shape of the legs, a certain pattern in the design, texture. They should also be of compatible quality and size. If none of this is present, make it work through paint! Simply paint the new piece(s) in a colour that is already present in the room, or in a complementary colour to makes it stand out. Here are a few items that caught my eye at the show.

This ornate wooden bench in new upholstery would be gorgeous in a front hall. It's just the perfect size. With a large-scale fabric, it would work also in a modern environment. I would be tempted to paint the wood white for a fresh, crisp look.

This beautiful wooden bowl would be a fantastic centrepiece on a large harvest table. Imagine it with green apples in it, for a simple, natural look. Or with shiny silver-like objects for contrast. Bling! I can also envision it on the floor in a casual living room flanked by linen-upholstered couches for a rustic look.

A Canadian classic! Shouldn't every Canadian home have a Hudson Bay blanket? These cost $125 at the show and came in an earthy yellow stripe and bold orange. 

How smart! Apply embroidery to a bland pillow for a more elaborate look.

This amazing candelabra will make your dining room sparkle. It would fit both in a modern setting and a more traditional environment. The price tag? $95 a pair.

Pottery is a great way to add personality and colour to your home. Display a collection in various shapes and colours, or have one or two over-sized, dramatic pieces. I found this tear-dropped, turquoise bowl beautiful in its simplicity. $70.

If I were to pick one favourite from the show, these slender candleholders would be it. Like so many of the other objects I liked at the show, these are classic pieces that work in both contemporary and traditional settings. $95 a pair.