Some of my favorite pieces in my home are “found” – from fine antiques to more primitive pieces. Vintage objects can add a layer of interest to your interior spaces. An early American drop-leaf table from the NC State Fairgrounds flea market, to a china doll lamp from a ship in Galax, VA, to a fine English bowfront chest – these are just some of the beautiful “found” additions that make my own home’s rooms sing!

The perfect harmony of mixing old and new can be relatively easily to achieve. Below is my formula for mixing new and found items. 

Step 1:

Start with new upholstery. Buy the best quality you can afford. At Traditions, all of our upholstery vendors manufacture premium furniture right here in North Carolina. I like to know where my cushions and fabrics have been, so I steer clear of vintage upholstery. Of course, re-cushioning and re-covering vintage pieces is always an option if you find the perfect vintage piece that you love or have a beautiful family heirloom piece passed down to you. My grandmother’s original silk chair looks fresh in a faux-bois woven fabric from textile maker, Old World Weavers.

Step 2: 

Add at least one “old” thing per room. This could be a light fixture (make sure it has been recently rewired to prevent any electrical issues), a chest, a mirror, a box, etc. There’s no end to the possibilities. Including one unique, one-of-a-kind piece can help make everything else in the room more interesting. 

So, how do you find these uniquites? Perusing flea markets, antique stores, and estate sales is the best place to start. While this can feel overwhelming, I usually browse with either colors or textures in mind. If a room needs a dose of pink, for example, I may shop for pink books or artwork. Or maybe a room needs something woven for added texture. Wicker or rattan accents fit the bill! Chairish and 1st Dibs are great online sources for antiques as well, but I always start with local sources first. 

When traveling, I also keep my eyes peeled for interesting objects and art. Seeing these pieces when I’m back home reminds me of my time away. On my first trip to London, I found a beautiful tea caddy at Portobello Road Market. It fit in my carry-on, and is still one of my favorite treasures many years later. Vintage pieces are one-of-a-kind. So, if you see something you love, grab it while you can!

Layering vintage pieces into your modern interiors creates a beautiful design harmony and balanced vibe in any home.