Can you really mix modern and vintage and how do you use antiques in a modern home?
Yes, and I can’t wait to show you! I have been living in my old farmhouse for almost a year now, and it has been quite a year. Between renovations, running the bakery and having my first baby it has been crazy and amazing. Sometimes when my mind would become overwhelmed by the stresses of becoming a mom or would need a break from calculating how many batches of brioche we needed for the weekend, I would put my focus into my house. Although I adored the charm of my old farmhouse, I craved freshness and cleanliness. At first this made me shy away from antiques, fearing that they would add to the dated parts of my old home. Then I realized embracing the charm would be my strength and my style. Antiques in a modern farmhouse are the perfect way to add character and personality.
How to choose the right antique
- Make a list of items you need. My first big antique purchase was my French colonial china cabinet. This is the definition of a statement piece. I knew before shopping that I needed something that was going to fill space for this particular wall in my dining room. On a list of items I considered hutches, china cabinets, credenzas, buffets or sideboards.
2. Take your measurements. If you have a particular spot you are working with, make sure to measure the area. This includes height, width and depth. When finding something for a small space, it seems like common sense to measure so that you know a piece will fit. Often times we forget that we want to make sure in larger spaces that the piece is big enough to have the effect your are wanting.
3. Let the piece speak to you. This lonely china cabinet called my name through the halls of the giant antique store. My husband stared at me not quite understanding. However, he could tell that I was not budging. I was in love with the painted flowers, the wooden handles and the complimentary colors. It was also perfect for storing the products of my unhealthy addiction to buying antique dish sets for my family of three…
Can Antiques in a Modern Farmhouse be Functional?
My next purchase was one driven by necessity. I had spent long hours drooling over rectangular wooden farmhouse tables. Ones that you could just picture your whole family sitting down to for a home cooked meal. However, my budget was steering me more in the card table direction; but luck was on our side, because in the same hallway as my beloved statement hutch was this sweet rectangular farm table with five chairs. I immediately knew it would be perfect with a little love.
How can you liven up antiques in a modern farmhouse?
Maybe you already have a piece that has been passed down through your family for generations, but it just doesn’t match your aesthetic. How can you still use these antiques in a modern farmhouse? Here are a couple ideas…
- Repaint/Re-stain. My favorite is a combination of the two because it creates a unique and creative look. Furniture is the perfect time to have some fun with paint color. All those swatches that were too crazy for your walls might be the perfect pop of color on your dresser.
- Add new handles. Handles can change the vibe of the entire piece. There are so many options for handles at varying prices. You can look at high-end retailers like Anthropologie, or search cheaper options on Amazon.
- Repurpose. Sometimes just changing the purpose of an item can give it a unique new life. Maybe you convert an old tv cabinet into a pantry or coffee bar, or turn a hutch into a bookcase.
This was an old family dresser that had been redone many times with several coats of paint on top of paint. Instead of adding another layer of paint, I decided to brainstorm a new way to use it. I saw a similar idea on how to convert a dresser into a coffee cart, and sketched up a plan for my own unique coffee cart. Not only do I love how it fits into my kitchen, I also love knowing that it has lived many different lives.
Why use Antiques to decorate?
- Affordability. This is obviously a relative term. If the alternative is Ikea then in some cases you cannot beat those prices. However when looking at a lot of high-end furniture stores, such as Restoration Hardware or Arhaus, many pieces are modeled after vintage items.
- Help create a style. As a fairly new homeowner I was trying to find my own style. Finding pieces that I loved gave me a better understanding of what my style was going to be.
- Quality: You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again, things are just not made like they used to be.
- Lovable: I have many new pieces of furniture in my house, but it is those antiques that guests comment on the most. There is something about the hunt and the work put into them that makes them special to me.
“Things just are not made like they used to be…”
every old person ever
Where do I start?
Do not be in a hurry. Sometimes you will find pieces where you least expect it. I have found pieces at garage sales, estate sales, antique malls, Facebook marketplace and from friends and family trying to clean out their spaces. So there are many options for antiques in a modern farmhouse.
The upside to finding a piece at an antique store or mall is that usually they have a holding service. This means that if you find an item you like, you are able to pick it up at your convenience.
Let the hunt begin!
I hope this gives you ideas, inspiration and maybe some confidence in using antiques in your home. That perfect antique may be just what you need to make your home feel complete and add some charm to your space. Do you have an antique in your home that you love? Please let me know your proudest antiquing moment in the comments.
Lily here! Being a young mom and young business owner has given me the unique experience of having to learn so many important things at once. As I discover new recipes that make my life easier, or new budget friendly decorating styles, or even ways that make it easier to run a business and be a mom; I will be sure to share it with you. My hope is that we can learn and grow together. I hope this article adds a little more joy to your day!
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