For years it seems there has been this driving need for “newness” for people. Things go out dated so quickly in both home style + fashion and people seem to get restless for something newer, better, bigger. With the help of Instagram and Pinterest a “Keeping up With the Jones'” society has also evolved or rather become more prevalent. We can all pretend that we don’t fall into those traps but let me be the first one to say I often feel inadequate after scrolling through social media pictures. But the other end of reality is that for my business I need to look at these outlets, it’s just important to remind myself that I’m looking for inspiration, not to emulate another’s life. My goal is to encourage peopl to blend the old + the new items in their home.
I think a lot of people these days suffer from FOMO + fear of falling into the “have-not” category. My goal as an interior stylist is to help people create spaces that reflect their lifestyle + personality by incorporating both new + old pieces into their homes. I guide people to make thoughtful decisions when making purchases. It’s SO easy to walk into a Homegoods or Target + pick up trendy new items that you see everyone else has + I have been guilty of it many a time but have been really working on my self control and focusing on things I really want + love, even at Homegoods and Target.
My suggestion for enhancing your home’s story is to scour the attics or basements (living rooms) at relatives for hidden heirlooms or peruse the aisles of antique stores looking for old items that speak to you. I’m currently on a quest for an old church pew or bench to fill up a weird spot in our house. The best part about looking for these objects is you get creative about where to put them + what purpose they will serve…functional? Decorative? When we end up with a church pew it will also serve as a timeout spot (not that my sweet little angels will EVER get a timeout) because the irony of it slays me. For years I have fallen prey to the “newer is better” way of thinking but as my style evolves + my family grows I see the importance of purchasing + preserving (i.e. keeping them away from my children until they’re at least 30) well made items or restoring and treasuring family pieces. Reusing family heirlooms not only adds personality + uniqueness to your space that no one else can copy but it’s also a great way to practice creating a sustainable home.
What I want to create in a home is life, history, conversation + nostalgia. Things I never appreciated as a child or even “adult” when I knew what style was. Single worst decision was convincing my mom to get rid of leopard pieces my grandmom had- a leopard chair AND ceramic leopard statue to be precise- both of which I now want + have been desperately trying to locate. Waahhhh! My point is, if I had always focused on what I loved, not only for style but for what it was + what it meant to my family, I would be surrounded by memories instead of wasted money. Here are some ways I have been bringing life back into my home:
FAMILY RECIPES
Recipes from both my family + my husband’s. They’re stained with food + love! The double glass frame is great for seeing the writing on the back, too! This is the perfect way to blend the old + the new items.
The frames were from Target + are sold out but here are similar ones {contains affiliate links. Read affiliate disclosure here}
TRAVEL MEMORIES
While this basket is more modern + new, these “Wishing Stones” are collected from one of the best trips my husband + I took to Canada. There is a folklore that states the circles on them are created by fairies dancing around a fire at night + when the fire goes out, the white ring is left. If you come upon a stone + see the entire ring, make a wish + pick it up. These stones are constant reminders of that wonderful adventure we took. It was the most relaxing trip we have ever had + was perfecting timing because when we came back all our time was spent finalizing our home buying process + wedding!
So, how do incorporate old pieces into your decor? Do you have questions on where to put a special object? Let me know, I’d love to help! My specialty is creating homes that people love, fits their lifestyle + reflects their family history. If you have questions on how create this type of home contact me for e-design services!
Comments
I have old glass albums w/ really cool art work on the covers that I have incorporated into our home. Love it. It brings the old in and is a little bit of a conversation piece.
I love that! Just as cool as (if not cooler than) large expensive pieces of artwork! Thanks for sharing your idea!!
My parents used to have benches very similar to this! 😭
What did they do with them?? Your parents have the coolest things in their home! I saw an old butcher block in an antique store the other day and thought of their kitchen before the reno.
We have a toy box that belonged to our oldest son Patrick, and was used by our other sons, too. We recently repainted it and now keep it in our living room for our grandchildren to use. We found our grandson Liam, hiding in the toy box with a flashlight in hand. It evoked sweet memories of our boys doing the same thing. Remembering great memories and creating new ones!
Love this! It’s great when you can reuse items from the past and give them new life. You can admire them in a whole new way and as you said, create new memories! xo