We use vintage pieces in every space we design. I love the character, depth, and texture they bring. Like many approaches in design, styling with vintage is very intuitive, and often it involves experimentation, adding and taking away, and stepping back to see your space as a whole.

I believe that the gradual accumulation of vintage furniture leads to much better results when decorating. This is how I buy for myself and how we buy for clients. Buying vintage furniture is a fantastic way to add depth to your style, as it exposes you to a range of different eras and tastes.

Below are 5 tips to consider when sourcing and styling with vintage to bring out the best in your character-filled home.

PURCHASE ITEMS YOU TRULY LOVE.

Look for weird, wonderful, and unique objects and furniture. It's lovely if they come with historical significance, but that's not always necessary. It's really about if it will look right in your home. Buy items you truly love and you can't make many mistakes. My advice for styling is, mix and match—it's so much more interesting! 

CREATE A SPACE THAT SPEAKS TO TODAY.

I start sourcing furniture early on in projects, and taking time to find the right pieces makes all the difference. I’m always looking for a balance between vintage and contemporary. If I buy a new sofa I’ll often look for a vintage coffee table, so they offset one another.

USING VINTAGE ADDS AN EXTRA LAYER OF INTEREST AND CHARACTER.

Using vintage pieces adds an extra layer of personality and character to a successfully decorated room. I love when I find large pieces of furniture that complete a space. It’s all so satisfying. Personally, I'm not a fan of too many styles of antiques in one room.

FIND THAT STATEMENT PIECE.

If you are looking to create maximum impact in a modern space with a vintage piece, go bold with a large-scale statement piece like a vintage chest of drawers or a vintage farm table. These items work particularly well in a neutral space that needs a focal point or a sense of drama that is achieved by introducing contrast and juxtaposition. This same formula can work for large-scale decorative pieces, like a giant French gilded mirror or a large vintage rug to anchor an otherwise contemporary living room.

ADD THE CHERRY ON TOP WITH ACCENT PIECES.

Not everyone has the appetite or budget for creating large-scale drama with a splashy vintage focal point. If you love antiques but feel intimidated by buying vintage furniture, start with small furniture pieces such as end tables and wooden stools, lighting fixtures, and rugs. A really large rug sets the tone immediately, and you can have lots of fun adding and layering around it!