I know many people lament having a home that looks like other homes. Sometimes they all have the same interior details or paint, or counter tops, or whatever. If you are in a suburb, often the homes seem to feel very much alike. We are all different and we want our homes to be different.
So how do you put your imprint on your home? How do you give your home personality? How do you create a home that is distinctly yours? How do you give it character?
I think we all want a home that people enjoy, a home that has our personality and feels inviting and unique. Have you noticed certain homes invite you in, and you see that they are full of character and details?
I know I have a friend Bev that has just such a home. I find every corner fascinating. Her home is full of interesting things and is different from any other home I’ve seen.
So what am I talking about? I’m talking about adding vintage items.
Each piece usually has its own character.
It seems that a certain chase or fad will come along every few years and everyone has that item in their home. But vintage items are the opposite. They don’t feel mass-produced. They are unique.
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Some were handmade while others were made in a time when people paid attention to details.
I even adore the scars these old pieces have. A bump or bruise doesn’t not diminish their charm.
I also enjoy thinking about previous owners, where the item lived and how it was used.
If you add vintage things to your home, it almost guarantees it will have a unique personality. So the next question is where do you find vintage items? I find them at consignment stores. I know I say thrift stores, but the thrift stores that carry the good stuff usually consign things. So I think it would be more meaningful for me to start saying consignment stores. You can also find things at the Round Top Antique Show like I have mentioned many times, but that is not an option for many.
If you want to find something online, I have many vintage items in my shop, and now I have FREE SHIPPING! I am going to include the vintage items below. Keep in mind you’ll get free shipping, so that’s the final price, unless you are in Texas, then there’s sales tax, but I can’t do anything about that.
Gorgeous all of it. I don’t suppose it’s free shipping to Australia – silly question I know!!! Drooling from afar!!!!
Sorry Kerry. I wish it was.
Hi!
I agree with everything you wrote and am a huge fan of out of the box decorating! Also, I just got your book and really enjoy it! Do you think you will write another one someday?
Thank you for sharing your talent! 🙂
Things from my mother and grandparents are in my house. As well as our travels. Memories add a lot.
I agree with you that having vintage, handcrafted or old furniture that has been updated adds a unique charm and character to a home and even enhances the out of the box decorating.
We had to evacuate for hurricane Matthew in our part of coastal SC…When I walked out the door to get in the car, I looked back and said I am leaving things collected over 50 years and they can’t be replaced…Yes, our insurance would pay for new furniture etc, but it would take a long time to try and replace special things all the things that make this our home, pictures found at antique stores, one especially of a ST Barnard, the same week we lost ours…those special collections make our house a home which reflects our aura.
Oh no Genie. Did you lose much in the hurricane?
I agree with your post, when my house begins to feel unwelcoming, I search for an antique or vintage item to add some oomph! Live your ideas!
I love using antiques in my home! It gives it gives it such a welcoming feeling! Love your decor!
I love vintage as well…it does add tons of personality to mix in unique pieces.
Oh, my heart goes out to Genie! We all LOVE our special things that set us apart from the fray, but that said, they are still just things. You are more unique than your possessions. I’m glad you made it out ok. I find special items from small businesses, like for instance, ANITA! One small item at a time, I have Anita all over my house, but it’s also very ME. A silver plate pitcher here, a pink glass bowl there (ok, several things). You’ll always have the memories associated with your lost treasures, and the hunt and acquisition is part of the fun.!
Thank you Anita, and happy hunting to Genie♥️
Antiques add so much to a home and the hunt is fun.
Loving all the beautiful vintage items in your home and I do love the treasure hunting.
it is heartening to read how people treasure old/antique items and love to display them. Maybe there is hope for the millennial generation.
Loved reading your thoughts because I am a kindred spirit! The only newness in my house are the matress and box springs, one large super comfy sofa and all of our electronics…everything else is either from an estate sale, garage sale, antique store or Warrinton/Round Top!
Thank you Anita!
Oh I love Warrenton and Round Top!
Anita, just love your vintage items! They are so beautiful! I am so fortunate to have
inherited a lot of my Grannie’s silver and china. I treasure each piece!
Enjoy your posts so much, Anita! It would sure be nice to live in the U.S. so that I could order things from you!
When folks enter our home, they always say how at home they feel. Then they hear the history behind each piece. Thankfull for early atic and late basement and dumpster diving.