WEEKLY EDIT
11.9.23

EDIT VI

 

This Fall has been a whirlwind, and getting Covid was for sure the cherry on top.But before we get to the good stuff (shopping), let’s chat about what’s been going on lately.

The biggest event being the announcement of The Manor Cottage as our first quick-turn flip! I’ve got a few posts out about it, including one talking about our plans and even a few design teases for it. I am shocked by how much quicker this kind of flip has already gone as well as how quickly (I believe) it will be done. Demo started this week and I’m told that framing will be done before Thanksgiving, so we might even have the new layout done before Christmas.

 

 

Managing two flips at the same time has been a balancing act, but I’m enjoying the challenge so far. Woodvale Manor is finally through the not-pretty part: electrical, plumbing and HVAC. Now that we are through those inspections, the Sheetrock for the drywall has arrived and I’m hoping drywall will go up soon! You can anticipate a full tour of the house once we have walls up, so stay tuned. The way things are going with both projects it looks like (fingers crossed) they will both be done pretty close to each other; we’re thinking February-March timeframe. Which means I’ll have just that much more good and new content to share this Spring!

I haven’t had the headspace to do much to our house lately except clean, but recently I’ve been focusing on the library (as I like to call it). My former office has turned into a formal sitting room and is currently where I sit down with my books to read, hence the name. I want to make sure that any furniture that I get and layout that we have we can fit in almost any sitting room/setup in the future so I’ve been working veeeeeery slowly. But one moment that happened out of nowhere was the one pictured below. We’ve had this sideboard from Chairish for a while now, and has always been paired with those buffet lamps but I found this vintage etched large bowl and instantly knew that this needed to be  moment in this window. I’d wanted to try out hanging artwork on the window casings in here since they are such a focal point, and Hannah Winters released these small originals and I instantly knew. Right now my plan is to put a settee in front of this sideboard to complete the furniture layout, but at the rate I’m going I won’t finish this space before we move.

 

 

Now, to the fun stuff! Shopping.

I am a victim of the too-many-sweaters syndrome and this time of year is always dangerous for me. But as I’ve gotten older I have grown to appreciate my staples, and just wear those in every capacity possible. I’ve also upgraded a lot of my staples, like a higher quality neutral cardigan that I can wear with pretty much anything and will last much longer. While certain all fashion trends come and go, I think there will always be certain pieces that never go out of style, it just might change how you wear it.

 

STAPLES

 

Buuuut that doesn’t keep me from shopping a little bit 🙂 a few of my most recent purchases have been from specific outfits that I have seen and loved, as well as trying to up my fashion game a bit.

 

NEW FINDS

 

To be honest, I’m getting exhausted by all the people putting up their christmas tree and the full on holiday decorations on social media. Sure, I’m thinking about it but I’m definitely not decorating anything yet. So in the spirit of preparation, here are a few items that I’ve got my eye on for when I do decorate.

 

HOLIDAY

 

A full Holiday Edit is coming soon! So don’t miss the full post then, as well as my cyber week finds + purchases.

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PROJECTS
10.29.23

THE MANOR COTTAGE: THE PLANS!

 

This project has moved so quickly and that was something I didn’t anticipate! But I kinda love it. It’s half the size of other projects that I’ve had so it seems like a super manageable amount of work and designs and honestly, kinda powered through it. Now I’m just hoping that the actual renovation work goes as quickly.

Let’s start with the exterior.

We’re going to brighten the brick with some Sherwin Williams Swiss Coffee with an accent of Farrow & Ball French Gray on the doors and shutters. And the landscapers have come in and cleared out the plants in the front and that alone has improved the look! Not that I don’t love dead boxwoods but, she needed a clean-up. And the cherry on top?

A rendering of what it’ll look like

 

I wanted to find a way to upgrade the front without it hitting the budget too hard. The options were to add a third window nook upstairs, gable the front covered porch, or add a railing. Going with the railing is not only the most cost effective but in my opinion also the most updated. Because this is an older home I wanted to find little ways to bring her into the 21st century without going “modern”. I think that this is a great way to do that will be a great touch to the curbside appeal.

Now, let’s go inside. The kitchen/living room space is going to be the most “wow” in the after photos, because the view below is going to be a look into the new kitchen, WHICH will be featuring:

  • a 7 foot island, a 30 in farmhouse sink
  • a 30 inch range from Italy
  • a panel-ready dishwasher and fridge
  • extra seating area around the island to double as a kitchen table if you choose not to add one in the living room area (although you definitely have room for one).

 

 

 

Another big layout change that is for the better is the upstairs bathroom. While it was already a pretty okay size, it only had hallway access. With two large bedrooms upstairs I figured it would be nice to be able to have one en suite bedroom, so by moving the mechanical closet to the first floor and expanding that space into the bathroom we’re making a much bigger bathroom as well as some storage too! I’m thinking white hexagon mosaic tile with wood frame mirrors and a dark countertop!

 

 

Because this is such a small house I was able to get my head around the designs rather quickly, and put them together even quicker! I’m still working through details and specifics but we’re on the right track and I’m really excited about the direction it’s taking. After starting with the exterior, we’re going “elevated luxury cottage” throughout the interior. I was concerned in the beginning with our small budget but to be honest with a few small touches here and there we’re going to be able to make a big impact when it comes to the finishes. And two of those spaces that I’m excited about already are the powder room and the primary bathroom. I had this dream of the powder bathroom that I think is going to be a game-changer!

And while the primary bathroom is getting a major facelift, the thing I’m most excited about is brightening it up and making the counter space more efficient. We’re able to have two separate 36″ vanities, recessed medicine cabinets and even a 2 foot makeup counter (I can’t wait to stage that little area)! Take a look at the designs below and keep an eye out for more details on my social soon! Hopefully we’ll have loads of updates sooner rather than later and this project gets moving.

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PROJECTS
10.11.23

INTRODUCING: THE MANOR COTTAGE

 

This all came together rather quickly. And thank goodness.

This 2,300 square foot house is such a special little house, nestled on .3 acres with a beautiful stone lined creek in the back yard. I could not wait to get my hands on this house, and while this project is going to be very different than our others, we’re still able to make a big impact.

 

 

The Manor Cottage will be our first quick-turn flip! That means we aren’t adding any square feet or anything structurally, merely giving her a major facelift, and she needs it.

This was the perfect house for our first quick-turn because while the original character is there on the exterior and the floor plan and footprint are super workable, she still needs lots of work. Not only is it super dated, has carpet on the second floor that I don’t even want to think about (gross), but also has loads of electrical issues due to some DIY project the last few decades.

We’re going to make this house feel completely different from the second you walk in, adding an entrance hallway and adding grand double doors into the new dining or office space! The biggest changes to the first floor? Moving the kitchen. We’re going to expand that space and move it closer to the living room so that we can get a bit more of an open floor plan as well as a nice sized laundry. The existing kitchen space will host the mudroom/laundry, and next to it a new powder room.

 

 

I‘m hoping we can expand the primary bathroom and closet a bit, but this space will get absolutely gutted and redone along with the bathroom upstairs. I don’t even want to mention this nasty carpet again, but yes, that’s gotta go! We’ll do a new durable carpet up here with a slightly new layout to allow for one bedroom to have an en suite bathroom.

Now, what I’m really excited about? The exterior.

 

 

Like I said she’s already got so much character, which is a necessity when looking for flips. This adorable little fence in the back is absolutely going to stay, plus the old brick pathways. We might give them a little cleanup along with the yard which will already go a long way… I mean, some of the weeds are taller than I am! Adding a fresh coat of paint, accent shutters and maybe a modern railing above the front porch and you’ve got yourself some great curbside appeal.

I’m so excited for this new challenge in a different and quicker project and can’t wait to take you all on the journey with me! Stay tuned for loads of updates, because they’re going to come quickly on this one.

 

 

 

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WEEKLY EDIT
8.18.23

Edit V

 

We’re at a really exciting spot over here at Manor Designs. We are kicking off our second flip, which means the plans and designs are so close to being finalized.

And this house has me super excited. It is much more “my style” than Haverford was. While Haverford Manor had a classiness and timelessness to it I think the character I’ll be bringing to Woodvale Manor suits my personal style a bit more. Plus it fits the exterior facade perfectly, which is always a good thing! And this go around I’ve decided to share more of the design + concepts through the process instead of waiting until the end. I’ve already posted a bit on the exterior, and plan to share lots more in the future. But in the meantime, here’s an exclusive look at a few designs I’ve got so far!

 

 

We’re actually finishing up the framing in the coming week, so I’ll be anxious to share those updates and give you a walkthrough of the addition.

Now, on the personal side, I’ve been doing some shopping :-/ I feel like I finally felt the confidence to truly clean out my closet and lean into my true style. I haven’t been throwing money out the window but at 34-years-old I do feel like I finally know my style, my personality when it comes to fashion, and able to know that each piece that I am buying are not only ones that fit that personality 100%, but also pieces that I can and will be wearing for the long haul.

What have I been buying? Stone colors.

I’m not going to call it beige because that word gets a bad rap for being boring. I prefer the term ‘stone’. I’m realizing how much I love dressing in neutrals and how when you have the right ones, wearing each piece together to assemble your outfit is even easier!

 

RECENT PURCHASES

 

I’ve also been lucky enough to join the Ambassador roster with The Container Store which has meant getting my house truly organized. I mean every last closet, corner and drawer! No one is safe.

In the past I have truly left certain boxes unpacked because 1. I didn’t want to deal with it 2. I figured I was going to have to leaf the stuff in a box in the closet anyway. Well? No more. Now that we aren’t moving so much I am finally unpacking those boxes, getting rid of stuff that needs getting rid of, and getting those areas organized like we plan on staying for a minute.

The first project? My closet, which I got some lined baskets for my shelves to not only keep everything in its place, but also keep each of those categories down to the necessary quantities. I’m no longer stuffing my shelves with things that I keep buying and never even reach the bottom of the pile.

 

BASKETS  |  BIN CLIPS

 

The upcoming projects? We’ve got some on-the-go pieces that are perfect for your summer trips and everyday chores, as well as reorganizing my desk to hopefully optimize my office space. So stay tuned for some great projects and lessons in organization.

 

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PROJECTS
7.7.23

WOODVALE MANOR: THE PLANS ARE HERE!

 

The plans for Woodvale Manor are officially here!! And we’ve even already submitted for permits so we are well on our way with Woodvale Manor.

I’m really excited about these plans because while we had an architect help us with the final drawings, they were off of my initial designs, so seeing these ideas come to life will be so gratifying. While Haverford Manor had such a workable first floor plan, this was a little trickier, but I think we made the best of it. Adding a good 2,000 feet of livable square footage to the footprint, we were able to get a great flow from the garage to the mudroom to the kitchen and living area. Because I loved the flow from Haverford Manor so much with the easy access to the pantry from the garage, that I incorporated a similar concept in this house.

With a large mudroom right off the garage, and immediate access into the kitchen, we had enough room to add an opening into the pantry as well. So instead of walking the groceries all around the kitchen to access the pantry, it’s right there off of the garage for a quick drop off!

 

 

A fun detail about upstairs is that the front two existing bedrooms are going to stay as is! Well, kind of. One is going to get a little bigger, and they are both getting en suite bathrooms. Then we have a super private “guest wing” as I like to call it, which is a large guest room with an en suite bathroom and walk-in closet above the garage. It’s super private because you have to walk around the hallway to access it. With that and the primary bedroom with vaulted ceilings and walk-in closet, this house is turning into a 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath!

Not bad…

 

 

A few of my favorite details?

– the nook in the kitchen was super intentional, not only did the bump out in the footprint allow for a much bigger pantry too, but having a little sitting area for every day was a must-have and I’m so excited we were able to fit it!

– the dedicated office is small, but the perfect size for a desk and chairs. Plus we are going to include some built-ins on both sides of the pocket doors for some storage + character.

– the bathroom in the guest wing has the vanity in front of the mirror and I’m actually super excited about that. We’ll be able to fit to sinks in that vanity and for a touch of character + function I’ll get pivoting mirrors to put on the walls. So what might look like a bad idea on paper is actually going to turn into a unique design moment.

Ready for the really exciting part? Here is your exclusive look at the 3D rendering of the exterior. I’m so glad I did this to be able to visualize the outside, not only did it help with finishes and colors but it also is an amazing resource to reference in the coming construction months.

Plus, it’s like, really exciting!

 

 

And don’t worry, we aren’t losing the courtyard! That sloped brick half wall is still there, and the fence line will get a bit of an upgrade but there will still be a beautiful little courtyard off that side entrance. And I’ve even brought that slope detail into the back porch as well! Adding a beautiful punch of style to what could have been a simple back porch. Not that there was anything wrong with the original screened-in porch, but now we’ll have a covered sitting area with an extended uncovered patio with stairs leading to a walkway to the garage + rough-in for a grill!

 

Stay tuned on social media for concepts and designs coming soon!

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PROJECTS
6.11.23

INTRODUCING WOODVALE MANOR

 

Yup, we did it again!

I had been on the hunt for months before finding this cutie and instantly fell in love with it. To be honest I was really unsure we were going to be able to find another one after we lost a historical find that I loved, but this one has its own beautiful charm. Built in the 1930’s, it has great bones and is in shockingly great shape for its age!

Plus, the view from the front is absolutely adorable.

 

 

This courtyard had me swooning, and thankfully we are able to make updates to the footprint without losing it. While it currently stands at under 2,000 square feet, we know that for a better resale we need to make it closer to 4,000 square feet. Right now we’re thinking we can make it almost 4,200 by adding on to the back, and attaching a two-car garage.

It already has a cottage feel to it and I want to stay true to that in the renovations. And with over doubling the space I’ll have plenty of opportunity to enhance that with finishes. But, we actually closed back in August so not only have I had tons of time to think over the concepts but we have already made some progress on it that I’ll be excited to share soon.

 

 

Like I said, so much character! To give you a little idea as to what’ll be doing…

  • the front will stay pretty much the same! While she’ll need a coat of paint and new windows, the biggest change will be the location of the front door. Instead of hiding it to the side (like it is now) we’re going to bring it front and center!
  • The footprint will actually change drastically! Taking down the detached garage and adding an attached 2-car garage with space above it as well as bumping the back exterior wall out quite a bit. Unfortunately that means losing the darling screened in porch, but hopefully we’ll make up for it with a great new outdoor space.
  • Because we are bumping the back wall out we’ll be making room for a great kitchen and living space. While the house will be bigger and still feel completely different I really want to lean into the cottage feel on this one to enhance its original character.
  • That living room pictured above will get enough of a facelift to feel like a new space but honoring what is existing. Keeping the fireplace mantel but upgrading it with a new paint color and surround. I also think we need some fancy lights in here too, what do you think?

Up next? We’ll be sharing more of the plans that we worked on super diligently to make sure that we maximized the space but also made it feel like the floor plan was always planned that way and felt familiar, but also completely different. That doesn’t sound too hard, right?

Stay tuned!

 

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LIFESTYLE
6.5.23

ADD TO CART: SUMMER ‘23

 

Everything that I am loving for Summer this season, from crucial SPF to new beauty, these are some covets that will make it into your rotation throughout the rest of the year.

 

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LIFESTYLE
5.31.23

5 LESSONS FROM THE GARDEN

 

Having a full season of gardening this year has brought so much joy for me! The combination of working outside and growing my own vegetables has been so much fun, and quite the learning experience. And one of the biggest lessons is that each season will teach me something different! I didn’t expect to know everything going into this year, but I definitely expected to have some failures. Here are some things that I’ve learned so far this season:

 

 

1. START EARLY

I started some seeds inside the first week in January! And while that might seem a little aggressive, I did the math back from our last average frost date and followed the instructions. There isn’t much you can start that early, especially depending on what zone you live in. But I started some shallots and onions then and they are still looking really good!

If you’re planting everything in your garden when it’s consistently warm out, you’re probably a little too late.

2. GOOD SOIL

To be honest, I don’t know the difference between good and bad soil but I got what seemed like really good soil and compost form a local spot in Nashville and I think that really makes a difference!

 

 

3. USE YOUR SMALL PLANTERS

Just because you don’t have a huge garden doesn’t mean you can’t plant things! Some of my favorite items this season have come from a planter, like these cut and come again blends. If you have a big enough planter, you can put the whole bag in it!

I also particularly love container lettuces, like this small buttercrunch lettuce. One harvested is the perfect amount to make a big individual sized salad.

4. FERTILIZE

Again, I still have so much to learn, but I have the perfect story to show you just how important fertilizing is. I had planted two cauliflower and broccoli plants and they were getting huge, like growing out of the garden box huge! But, there was no actual head of broccoli, just the large surrounding leaves. So before I gave up completely I put some fertilizer around the base of each of them, and you’ll never believe that no more than two weeks later I had two cauliflower and broccoli heads growing! That’ll teach me not to forget to fertilize.

Each vegetable requires a different NPK level, so make sure you do your research before throwing some fertilizer in your soil.

 

 

5. COOL SEASON VS. WARM SEASON

While I wish you could grow whatever you want, whenever you want, plants are particular. Lettuces for example hate the heat, they will “bolt” and essentially stop growing. So I made sure to plant tons in March so that I could harvest through until June, then stay away from growing any cool season plant between June – mid August.

Some plants like the heat though! I know tomatoes grow in the warm season, and I’ve got 6 tomato plants that I am dying to start harvesting from, so fingers crossed they keep doing well.

Two of my favorite resources for seeds is Botanical Interests and Renee’s Garden, and check out this post for a few of my staple garden tools + accessories.

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LIFESTYLE
5.25.23

MDW Holiday Weekend Sales 2023

 

Here is a breakdown of some of my favorite retailers and the best sales we have found for the holiday weekend. Personally my favorite thing to do during big sales are:

1. Big purchases: if you’ve had your eye on something for the home? Now is the time to get it!

2. Staples: things like white tees or even pajamas! I have several pieces that are just worn out and need to be replaced, this is the time that I do that.

3. Organizing + cleaning: if you have a closet or room that you’ve been wanting to reorganize? Get those things now! Huge savings at The Container Store, but also on cleaning products. Again, a great time to shop for staples.

 

Jenni Kayne

20% off with code MDWEVENT 

 

Madewell

25% off through 5/30 with code LONGWEEKEND 

Scout & Nimble

Up to 25% off!

The Container Store

30% off sitewide

Abercrombie & Fitch

20% off everything!

Visual Comfort

20% off

J.Crew

40% off your purchase plus an extra 50% off sale items with code WEEKEND

Serena & Lily

20% off with code SPLASH
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LIFESTYLE
5.20.23

ADD TO CART: COASTAL GRANDMOTHER

 

It’s that time of year that Pinterest board is full of exterior landscaping from the Hamptons and Nantucket. I’m talking wood shingles, hydrangeas and boxwoods, soon followed by the urge to watch every Nancy Meyers movie ever made. From all of this we can only make one conclusion…

It’s coastal grandmother season!

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it was an aesthetic defined a few years ago as a ‘clean and classic of women living in luxurious oceanfront properties set in the Hamptons’. Glamour describes it as

“Being a coastal grandmother means wearing loose, breathable fabrics and doing strength training by shifting a full glass of Sauvignon Blanc from hand to hand. It means shelling peas on a chaise lounge, or getting up at six to drink coffee with local cream in the still, cool promise of the morning.”

I mean, what doesn’t sound absolutely lovely about that?

 

INSPIRATION VIA PINTEREST

 

There are three pillars to this aesthetic, and they are:

1. Neutrals

2. Linen

3. Classic + Timeless

I love any excuse to wear a beige sweater over my shoulders and if you’ve been following my Instagram stories the last month you will know that has been my go-to move. And to be honest I think a draped sweater is a power move in the coastal grandmother handbook.

Let’s review the staples of this look and just how easy it is to accomplish this aesthetic:

 

PLEATED SHORTS  |  SWEATER  |  NECKLACE

LINEN PANTS

Whether you are wearing these as a cover up with a swimsuit, or maybe pairing them with a neutral stop and sandals for a stroll through the farmers market, these are not only so comfortable but great pieces to transition from spring to summer because of the breathable fabric.

 

 

BUTTON-DOWN

An oversized white linen button down is a real strong coastal grandmother move. Go with cotton and you can pair it with jean shorts and a straw bag for a fresh + stylish vibe for Summer.

 

 

NEUTRAL KNIT SWEATERS

You can’t go wrong with these styles all year round. And did I mention I like to drape them over my shoulders yet? The perfect outfit for when you’re a little chilly on the beach in the Hamptons 🙂

 

 

WOVEN BAGS

I actually love these styles for this time of year no matter what aesthetic you’re going for. And the idea of filling them with produce for a farmers market, then walking to your beach house afterward makes me want to pick up and move pronto.

 

 

A BREEZY DRESS

Another piece so crucial to a comfortable spring/summer wardrobe. And dare I say, a great piece to pair with a sweater draped over your shoulders?!

 

 

 

LINEN DRESS  |  CARDIGAN

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PROJECTS
5.8.23

HAVERFORD MANOR: THE LIGHTS

 

I don’t think I realized how crucial light fixtures would be in a flip before I built Haverford Manor. The character and details have to appeal to a large demographic so while I’d like to do trim and wallpaper all over the house, that’s not exactly the best route. So the light fixtures not only have to stand out in regards to design but also the ability to envision the furnishings and complete picture. And every single light fixture selection in Haverford Manor was intentional and thought out, so I thought we’d take a closer look.

 

THE KITCHEN FEATURING THE MORRIS LANTERN

 

The overall designs of the house was warm and neutral and we accomplished that with warm finishes like brass and gilded iron. There are several different finishes in bathrooms like polished nickel and some iron accents but in general stayed with brass.

And I wanted to make sure that even the small areas were taken care of. I didn’t want a whole wall of cabinets when you looked back from the living room, so instead of inserting the hood between those cabinets, I opened it up and added more lighting with these sconces. Kitchens are a naturally colder place because of the appliances and countertops so I wanted to make sure the lighting counteracted that, creating a warm place to gather as a family.

 

THE MUDROOM FEATURING THE BOSTON LIBRARY LIGHT

 

Then there were other areas like the mudroom (or as we called it the Boot Room) where I got to have a little fun. Sure we could have thrown a ton of recessed lights in here and been done with it, but that’s too boring. And since this area was a nice size, I was able to incorporate several different styles, including the library light pictured above. And when we hung the flush mount (in size grande) my GC said “now that’s a statement”. Add that with the vintage artwork and portrait light above the sink and you have a glorious mudroom!

 

SHOP THE MUDROOM

 

I spent so much time designing the bathrooms, mostly because it was an amazing opportunity to show off some style! And lighting was a huge component of that. Once I had the tile selected, next was the lighting. While every bathroom is a little different, there is a consistent transitional and classic style to each of them. I brought the same fixture from the kitchen as a focal point in the primary bathroom, but with frosted glass. It paired so beautifully with the custom shades we had installed and we were so pleased with the end result.

 

PRIMARY BATHROOM FEATURING THE CAMILLE SCONCE

 

SHOP THE BATHROOMS

 

And last, but certainly not least, are the exterior lights! I certainly hope people don’t think of these last because it can be such an easy way to elevate your curbside appeal. I wanted a focal point above the front door, and matched them with the wall lanterns above the garage doors as well as the ones above the patio doors. Fun wall sconces or even gas lanterns are an amazing way to instantly elevate your exterior game, and it illuminates the beautiful exterior of your home! Making everything pop. I mean, just look at that lantern/house number combo!

 

FRONT PORCH FEATURING THE FREMONT LANTERN

 

SHOP THE EXTERIOR

 

So if you’re wanting to redo something in your home, but not looking to do any big construction, start with your light fixtures. A room that relies solely on recessed lights is going to feel builder grade and colder than one with a beautiful light fixture. It can be a focal point in your room and bring together all of your beautiful furnishings and decor.

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LIFESTYLE
5.3.23

A GUIDE: WHY YOU SHOULD SHOP VINTAGE

 

I mean, there are so many reasons to love and shop vintage, but I’ll try not to write a novel about it.

 

THE DINING ROOM IN HAVERFORD MANOR FEATURING LOADS OF VINTAGE/REPURPOSED PIECES

 

People have been catching on to the love of strolling through an antique store and finding a unique piece that no one else has. And to be honest, I resisted it at first! My own sister will tell you that when I was in my early 20’s I used to make fun of her for shopping for antiques. Chalk that up to another time she knew more than me. But vintage shops picked up in popularity a ton in the last few years as well when the cottage core aesthetic gained in popularity. And the resourceful folks out there realized it was a much better way to shop than waiting for 2 years for something to make its way through the supply chain.

And as I have slowly developed my own style and dream of our own forever home, I’ve realized how these unique one of a kind pieces really do set my home apart from the rest. I was watching one of my absolute favorite Instagram accounts the other week and their stories of adventures through their local antique stores and a few recent finds they got for their new house. And the last few slides were a light fixture that they made, and a chair they are getting reupholstered with the captions “if you can’t find it, design it yourself”, and that really hit me! Why would I just settle for what retailers are offering?

 

THE SHELVES IN OUR SITTING ROOM FITTED WITH VINTAGE BOOKS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND ARTWORK BY JOSH YOUNG

 

THE CHARACTER

Which leads me to my first point about why everyone should shop vintage; the character. To find a piece of furniture with that perfect amount of patina, or maybe that set of Harvard Classic books to decorate a bookshelf, or a set of vintage glasses for your bar cart are the perfect ways to bring timeless character into your home. There is a depth to vintage that you can’t get by buying new. It’s a depth to its story and its wear that will expand across your home. Our sitting room shelves are full of almost all vintage items, as well as a sideboard from Chairish and a soon-t0-be-received Louis XVI Buffet turned bar cart as well! By layering these pieces with neutral upholstery and new items brings that balance of old and new but enhances the timelessness of these older pieces as well.

 

THE POSSIBILITY

This is one aspect that I don’t think I have ever talked about on here, but have recently been loving! I first experimented with this with a 6 foot camelback sofa that I got reupholstered for the dining room settee in Haverford Manor, and let me tell you, the transformation was lovely! So it got me thinking about all of these vintage chairs that I see on Chairish and 1stDibs and how amazing they would be with new upholstery or maybe even a new finish. This is exactly what Josh Young was talking about in his stories, ‘if you can’t find it, design it yourself’, and I think I’m going to take his advice. I’ve got my eye on two vintage Martha Washington chairs that would look just lovely in our sitting room with new striped upholstery.

 

 

THE SUSTAINABILITY

Unfortunately cheap + fast furniture is just as damaging to the environment as fast fashion, and unfortunately loads of it ends up in the dump anyway! So instead, shop local with something that has already been made! Use a beautiful piece that has already been handcrafted and sitting down the road instead of trying to get something cheap that you’ll end up throwing out in a few years anyway because it will likely break after two seconds.

 

THE SPEED

Again, no need to wait 2 years for a custom piece of furniture when you could get something with just as much character that is ready to go! Now, I still advocate for refreshing a piece when it needs it, but I waited for our coffee table for almost 10 months! And while I love custom pieces because I think that they also can elevate your home, I also know that they are pricey, and take a very long time. So you can get something that also elevates your home and style, but without the long lead times.

 

THE GUEST ROOM IN HAVERFORD MANOR FEATURING A VINTAGE SIDE TABLE, MIRROR AND ARTWORK

 

So if you’re looking for a special piece for your home, start at some local vintage shops. And if you don’t have any great ones around you, be sure to follow Chairish and 1stDibs which are both amazing online vintage retailers.

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