Curiously Curated: 5 Tips for Decorating with Vintage Finds
We have recently been out treasure hunting. We love these hunts because there are so many awesome and curious things out there if you keep your eyes open. They can be found in all sorts of places and, as designers, the things that most inspire us are often the items we stumble upon.
These vintage “marble wear” plates can be used as decoration or on a wall to add beautiful color and texture. The vintage marble grapes and vintage marble Buddha add depth and interest to any tableau.
We are putting the finishing touches on a few different projects and at this point we always want to find one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t just be ordered out of a catalog. These are the kind of accessories that make you stop and wonder.
A pair of vintage green birds
We find that one of the biggest pieces of design advice we give is how important it is to not fall into the trap of over matching everything. This applies to almost all aspects of the space, including the accessorizing and staging phase. Matching mania is one of the deadly sins of design and leaves a room feeling flat and lifeless. Don’t do it!
A vintage alabaster pedestal bowl displaying our yummy scented rocks, next to a vintage alabaster treasure box
Being brave enough to choose pieces that are original will keep the overall look interesting. That kind of curated nature develops the atmosphere within the space. It provides an eclectic feeling that is far from formulaic, which is always the best kind of design.
A vintage vase, signed by artist
So here are tips we suggest you always consider when you find yourself treasure hunting:
1) Look for pieces big and small.
2) Find things that enhance a color scheme in the room or introduce a color that is unexpected.
3) Play with textures and materials.
4) Blend the old with the new.
5) Think of ways to repurpose pieces you find.
Taking the time to do these things will give each room a unique personality that is a reflection of you!
- About the studio
Alex Deringer and Courtney Cox combine their formal training in design and fashion with their renowned sense of style in Ivy Lane, a full-service interior design firm that curates casually elegant family dwellings that are elevated by a unique spark. Whether an entire house renovation or a one-room makeover, Alex and Courtney’s extensive experience and collaborative dynamic inform a successful design philosophy: thoroughly understand the client’s lifestyle, bring a thoughtful spatial perspective, and enliven the space with the freshest aesthetic interest.
309C Cameron Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
studio@ivylaneliving.com
703.566.6582
