I have been a devout traditionalist throughout my 25-year career as an interior designer, and I have to say that I am happy to see the pendulum swinging back in favor of antique and vintage furniture. It’s no wonder, given that we are living in an age of environmental awareness coupled with the skyrocketing cost of living. Reusing and giving new life to older pieces of furniture is becoming an avenue many of my clients are happy to explore. I always tell my clients that finding a unique, one-of-a-kind piece is my preference, and ordering something new from a catalog or online should really be a last resort. This is especially true these days when people want their homes to be a unique reflection of their own personalities. Clearly, an item made for mass consumption available online falls a little short of that.
Of course, it’s always great to say that you salvaged and reused an old piece, but trust me, it’s even more fun when someone compliments you on such a vintage or antique find in your home. When they ask about the details, and you reveal its vintage provenance, the best part is knowing that they can’t just go online and order one for themselves—your piece is unique. Vintage and antique furniture pieces hark back to an era when items were made specifically for a particular home or project. Many of these pieces were not mass-produced and are ‘one-offs,’ which truly makes for a bespoke feature in your interior.
Infusing new life into an older piece can also result in some of the most creative features in a home. For instance, I love finding an old chest of drawers or commode and repurposing it as a bathroom vanity by painting it and adding a stone top. Kitchen islands, which are often major focal points in residential projects, are also terrific opportunities to find a statement piece with impactful design.
Inherited pieces are another element I encourage my clients to incorporate into their homes—don’t just keep them in storage! Reinvent them by painting, adding new hardware, or installing a stone top. This not only makes for a unique piece but also allows your home to have a connection to your past. It’s definitely a tricky thing to do, but if you work with the right designer, the results are always interesting!
