This combination of modern and vintage decor create drama
Vintage Inspired Decor
By Carol Garcia
There are many accessory and furniture companies that are making a trend out of tradition, repurposing and upcycling found objects into unique decor for the home, or using these looks for inspired re-creations. Mixing antique inspiration with modern design creates contrast and interest in a space.
In our model homes, we have free reign to experiment with new looks and trends. In a recent model home on Barefoot Beach, designers Kim Collins, ASID and Alina Olinger flanked a modern abstract painting with onion-style sconces made to mimic oil lanterns. Modern white accessories from Jonathan Adler top the vintage breakfront. White washed wall planking gives the space a beach-side feel.
This vignette showcases a collection of vintage botanical prints
Not sure you want to go too far into the vintage trend? Why not try a small collection of vintage inspired accessories in an otherwise modern room – small vignettes within rooms can transform the feel of an entire space. Mercury glass has made a huge comeback in many designs, including pioneering its own vintage style. It is beautiful paired with rich textures, both new and old – linen, sateen, and champagne wood tones – and plays well in a group, or on its own.
The Parchment Series from E. Lawrence, LTD.
As designers, we are often asked where we source our decor, and we have a few go-to favorites for vintage inspired accessories. First, there is E. Lawrence, LTD., who are the largest importer of decorative, leather bound books in the United States. These books make beautiful additions to bookcases, shelves, nightstands, and desks. There is also Lazy Susan, a company based in New York who focus on combining current trends with classic design elements.
Chicken wire cages, vintage glass vases, and mercury glass hurricanes by Lazy Susan
Another company creates photobox collections, art prints and accessories, often using vintage wood and quotes as part of the design, along with hand painted lettering, adding to the rustic look of the piece. Sugarboo Designs has a showroom in the Atlanta Gift Mart and as I walk through their showroom, tears came to my eyes as I recalled times gone by.
Vintage quotes we all know and love from Sugarboo Designs
One of the art pieces has the song “You Are My Sunshine” printed on it: when I was five years old I remember sitting in the back seat of the car (we were “going to town,” I was a country girl – born on a farm in Nebraska, in a horrible blizzard, as my mother would often remind me) and my sister and I would sing that song as loud as we could and my mom and dad would start singing along. To this day, each time I hear that song, I smile, or cry … or both. I like how there seems to be a story to tell using pieces like all of these. It stirs fond memories of life as it should be enjoyed – surrounded by friends, family and all that you love!