Some of the most beloved items in our home are finds from local antique stores or thrift markets. The map in the playroom, the American flag in the guest bedroom, the lemon light in the nursery, even our bedroom furniture.
As much as I love the lure of a big box store, mixing in pieces with history gives a certain dynamic to a home that you can’t recreate with current mass production. Especially on a budget. A lot of people tend to think that antique unique finds instantly means expensive, but that’s far from the truth. If you do your research, and downright digging, you can actually find incredible steals that give your home that million-dollar finish. Sometimes you pass an item and just know it’s meant to be yours. Plus, it’s great for the environment. Upcycling furniture and art means less in the dumpster.
I wanted to share a few tips with you that will help you authentically mix these treasures in your own home. And share a few photos for inspiration.
First, here are my top two design tips for mixing in antiques….
Use Common Items Uncommonly
Thinking outside of the box can save you a ton. From pitchers as vases to old school prints, art book tear sheets, and maps as art – you can reincarnate items. That is the best thing about antique finds! (With the holiday’s around the corner, you can throw twinkle lights on just about anything in an antique store and make it festive. Plus, little finds are great for trimming the tree.) Remember that you can always reframe an old piece of art, hang someone’s black and white photos, or refill a gorgeous pillow with new fresh stuffing.
80/20 Rule
As much as people want to go full throttle with one style. I suggest refraining from that instinct. I love the idea of a roughly 80/20 split. What makes a home feel organic and effortless, is when there is a mix-up. Humans are not purely vanilla. So if you love industrial decor or sleek modern vibes, throw in 20% comfort. If you love rustic or farmhouse, find elements that clean it up. That 20% will actually ground you. An all-white bathroom can really benefit from an antique lipstick tray or a wooden piece of art. And an industrial loft feels like home with a vintage rug or a few antique books on a shelf. Trust that if you like it, it will have a high probability of matching, and when you feel yourself in the 90th percentile of all the shabby chic, pull back and grab something that isn’t distressed.
And now… shopping tips!
Google Before you Go!
If there is something you might be on the lookout for, get familiar with the lingo and the pricing. You don’t get what you aren’t asking for. Use resources like Google, Instagram, and Pinterest to gather your ideas. Scroll through photos you’ve saved and see if an item, color, pattern, or even texture keeps repeating itself. Once you can pinpoint the things you like, you can start to figure out what that is called, and ways to implement that into your own space. For me, I love cane benches, toile blue fabrics, and matte black iron accents. Knowing that walking through a crowded space is a thousand times easier.
Get to know the Thrift Store employees.
Where ever you live, there are local spots. Be a regular customer and get to know them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Verbalize the type of things you are looking for, or what projects you are working on. Get to know when new items hit the floor. Even better get to know their contacts on who can fix things. You know how Joanna Gaines has a woodworking guy and a light guy and a metal guy? That’s because she started asking around while she was lingering in buildings filled with goodies.
Watch for Estate Sales Online.
Every once in a while Jeff and I will see an Estate Sale sign on the side of the road and decide to pop in. Estates sales usually start on a Thursday or Friday and run through the weekend.
I find people to be more relaxed and willing to negotiate at estate sales than a regular thrift store because they are selling everything in one go, not individually like retail stores. The same thing goes for asking if you can have a discount on multiple items. The best stuff goes on the first morning, but everything left the last day is usually given clearance pricing. Go prepared with patience and an open mind.
You can watch for estate sales on various websites like Peachtree and Bennett and see when their upcoming events are. If they are doing an auction-style sale, you can even bid online for items days in advance. Peachtree Bennett has some incredible items for auction. Check their EVENTS tab for the current calendar. Each event will give you the option to see the entire catalog of items, and allow you to bid before opening day.
Like Coco Chanel suggests, get ready and then take one thing off.
This doesn’t mean you have to go crazy with garage sale hoarding. Pieces speak louder when less is around them.
Quiet your space and let a few pieces shine.
I would love to see your favorite finds from wandering shops and heading to auctions. Don’t forget to tag me on IG and share! @CandaceCottet
photos in order by Southern Living Magazine, JaeJoo, Louise Roe, and Peachtree and Bennett,