A is for ANTIQUES

September is here, and it’s back to school, back to work, back to schedules and routines. As our children get back into perfecting their ABC’s I thought we would study the ABC’s of Decor! Over the next two months, I am going to talk about each letter of the alphabet and a related decor theme, product, idea or design.

For A, I choose antiques. The term “antique” is really a very broad range of items, ideas and styles. Antique decor could be a retro vintage design or a classic Victorian, depending on your personal style. Antiques have many appealing properties. They bring us memories of simpler times, transporting us into ages gone by. They may be heirlooms, carrying with them years of precious family memories. They are unique – giving your decor something you know your friends won’t have. They are also often a frugal choice, especially if you know how to fix them up yourself. Antiques are also environmentally friendly – reusing old furniture means less new production and less landfill trash!

Antique decor many include everything from an antique collection on display to a full scale decor scheme from a particular era. There are many great ways to find antiques to charm to your current decor.

1. Antique Shops
2. Flea Markets
3. Garage Sales
4. Estate Sales
5. Auctions
6. Thrift Shops
7. Classified ads & Specialty publications
8. Network with like-minded collectors online (chat, forums, message boards, etc)
9. e-Bay
10. Older relatives (their trash may be your next treasure)

Do you have any antique decor items in your home right now? Don’t say no to quickly. I was going to say that I don’t yet, but actually I do! Just last year, my mother gifted me her treasured paino, a upright grand piano from around 1890. It’s gorgeous, and has great sentimental value as well. It fits so well into my overall decor that I forget about it’s age!

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