Above: A vintage-filled vignette at the shoppe. Shop the items here.
It is finally summer in the Midwest, and for us here at CHD, that means the return of prime thrifting season — estate sales, flea markets, and more. We love the thrill of the hunt, and it's no secret that we prefer a mix of old and new when decorating and designing interiors. The character and charm that a vintage item — or vintage items! — adds to a space is truly unrivaled. We've learned a thing or two since we began hunting, and are excited to share our tried-and-tried tips with you.
Integrating vintage items into existing spaces:
- If you're new to integrating vintage items into your space, we recommend starting small — with a piece of vintage art or a decorative object. They are versatile pieces, and can be easily moved from room to room.
- Measure your space before buying. If shopping for furniture, the scale and size of vintage piece is often quite different than modern or contemporary finds.
Tips on what to look for at estate sales and flea markets:
- Before you go, take note of what you already have — and what you need. This will inform the "hunt."
- Look for textures, colors and materials that complement the existing elements of your home. A vintage gilt-gold frame, for example, complements brass hardware.
- Check the condition of each piece. Upholstery can be repaired or replaced, but chips in stoneware or glass typically cannot be fixed.
- Trust your instincts. Many times, a vintage item might elicit a sense of nostalgic — and seem impossible to not purchase. And that's OK! If you love a piece, grab it. It's likely one of a kind, and won't be able to be found again.
Mixing old and new, gallery walls, and styled shelves.
- Keep more precious pieces in lesser-activity areas, like a primary bedroom.
- If your budget is tighter, consider investing in a vintage book or magazine and framing its pages in vintage frames — versus purchasing individual pieces of vintage art.
- For styled shelves or surfaces, mix function and form. Use a vintage wooden bowl, for example, as a catch all for Polaroids or remote controls, work in sets of three or five, and include varying heights.
We've been lucky enough to work with other design consultants and influencers who share our philosophy and affinity for all things vintage. Read on to learn more about the collaborations.
We've worked with Kate several times, even hosting her at our Thiensville location two years ago for our "How to Build a Gallery Wall" discussion and event, and adore her approach to vintage styling — carefully edited, and never overdone. We visited her home last year and styled her kitchen with a few of our pieces, including wall art and found accessories. You'll notice here that she's chosen items that complement — rather than distract from — the standout elements of the room, such as the stunning marble countertops, brass hardware and navy-blue cabinetry. We stock similar hardware (and in several finishes).
Katie of Candy Colored Home is another longtime CHD collaborator and fellow thrifting aficionado. Her style leans a bit more colorful and delightfully eccentric — and we love every space she touches. Last spring, we sent her a vintage-inspired piece (the black bunny in a gilt-gold frame), and while the piece itself it not technically vintage, we love how she seamlessly integrated it into her gallery wall, which features an impressive mix of thrifted art. Sometimes, we've found, the trick is to not overthink it, especially when hanging wall art or curating a gallery wall.
We began collaborating with Kaelyn of Haus Guerin a few years ago, and could not be more obsessed her expertly curated vignettes. She has a way of breathing new life into every item she selects, and her photos often exude an unmatched sense of whimsy — a bit magical, even. We sent her the vintage jade and brass plates shown above last spring, and she paired them with our Garden Bloom Cotton Napkins. The tablescape proves just how versatile vintage tableware can be. And a reminder to always use the good serving pieces, no matter how casual the setting may be. Shop our full collection of tabletop items — both vintage and new — here.
We recently completed this project — our very own powder room, right here at CHD. The goal was to keep it feminine and fun, but still sophisticated and true to our brand. There is only one vintage item in this photo (the art piece), but its presence is undoubtedly poignant. It not only complements the brass faucet and sink legs, but also the floral wallpaper on the ceiling above. If you're unsure of where to start with vintage decor, investing in a one-of-a-kind piece of vintage art, like the floral still life shown here, is always a great starting point.