Strategy to Instill an Antiquated Appearance in Your Fresh Abode
Spice up your living space by steering clear of massive retailers and instead, dive into the depths of antique stores, flea markets, and estate sales. These hidden gems are loaded with one-of-a-kind treasures that'll set your home apart from the generic. Plus, these unique finds tend to maintain their value better than mass-produced items, giving your abode that homely warmth.
Sid Scott and Chris Brown, the dynamic duo behind Pennistons Alley Antiques and Collectibles in downtown Petersburg, Virginia, are masters at crafting a lived-in, refined look. Their store is a testament to the art of creating a home that feels naturally put-together, as opposed to offering a merely designed atmosphere.
Their best advice? Narrow your focus and embrace a single design era. "Kick off by zeroing in on your interior design preferences or style," suggests Scott. By pinpointing an era like Edwardian, traditional, or formal, you can pave the way for a home that appears as if you've been collecting pieces over time, not just following a strict design plan.
Ridding the Red Tape, Embracing the Past
If you're all about symmetry and the charm of bygone eras, the colonial age will hold your eye. Or, perhaps, the detailed visage of Art Deco is more your speed. Whatever your taste may be, locking onto one specific design era provides the solid base you need. "This will set the stage for paint colours, window treatments, rugs, and wall coverings, as well as trim and molding options," explains Scott. A firm foundation to build upon that allows you room to breathe and express your eccentricities.
Investing in quality antique furnishings and accessories is another key factor in achieving the lived-in look. These pieces not only bring character to your home but can oftentimes hold their value or even appreciate in worth, making your investments work extra hard for you.
Cultivating a Lived-In Look
To unleash your inner interior designer, begin by committing to a dominant design era. Start by selecting a colour palette that fits your chosen era. Most paint companies offer historical colour choices, with companies such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams supplying extensive selections for inspiration.
Magazines old and new can serve as a goldmine of inspiration, so rummage through your local bookstore's shelves of interior-centric publications. They're a few clicks away too, with a plethora of design ideas and inspiration online.
To truly nail down the lived-in look, it's essential to mix and match antique pieces with contemporary ones for a balanced feel. Antique stores are the perfect hunting ground for discovering the unique, one-of-a-kind elements that'll bring your home to life. And, with a smartphone at your fingertips, you can snap pics of your favourite furniture and interiors to recreate the look in your own home.
Heart of the Matter
Ultimately, you must stay true to yourself and select items that resonate with you. A comfy home is as unique as each person that inhabits it. By focusing on the styles and eras that are dear to your heart, you can create spaces that are not only loved but that tell your story, too.
- For Home Decor Ideas, consider visiting antique stores like Pennistons Alley Antiques and Collectibles in Virginia, as they offer unique pieces that can help you achieve a lived-in look.
- To decorate your home with a farmhouse style, advisers suggest incorporating antiques into your design, as these pieces can add character and value to your living space.
- To create a home that feels naturally put-together, Sid Scott and Chris Brown from Pennistons Alley Antiques and Collectibles recommend focusing on a single design era, such as Art Deco or colonial, and building upon that foundation with quality antique furnishings.
- To nail down the lived-in look, consider mixing antique pieces with contemporary ones, as this can help create a balanced feel in your home and allow you to express your personal style.
