Antique Trends . . . repurposing is taking a whole new direction

Trends in antiques are no different than fashion trends, and the antique business has always been geared by trends. So much affects the antique business, the economy, home decor and furniture styles. Today, repurposing is taking a bit of a turn. Things are being repurposed more than ever, and consumers and dealers alike are looking at antiques with a new eye, finding innovative ways to use them iin home interiors.

Mixing industrial with traditional, modern and vintage with no rules other than the basics, can work beautifully. Even when furniture, accessories or textiles are damaged and worn, almost to the point of no return, they are given a new life, dusted off and treated with respect.

Bringing tattered wares back to life is also very satisfying. In years past, things would have been tossed out or put in a shed. Not today, when things are "aged to perfection", as I like to say, it's better than if they're in excellent condition. Time worn elegance, that's what it's all about. There is a character added to a home's decor by salvaging something that would have been tossed out. And what could be a better way to conserve and recycle? There's a comfortable elegance with today's look. My opinion is it's smart and it's wise to furnish our homes in this fashion.

Creative artisans are using old book pages and sheet music to create wreaths, paper flowers, picture frames, jewelry, you name it, their are endless items that can be created. Vintage broken jewelry fragments are used to form new forms of jewelry, and the fobs could not be more popular.

At Remnants of the Past Antique Show in San Luis Obispo last month, this trend couldn't have been more evident. 

Debra Hall Lifestyle

The awning below was made out of cardboard. 

I had to get really close to it to believe it. 

Beyond clever.

Using antique European grain sacks for fabric - for pillows, upholstering chairs, ottomans, sofas. This type of furniture is extremely popular. 3 Fine Grains is an example of how it should be done. 

Kymberley Fraser has an eye for how to do it right, and does she ever! 

From Victoria Stoehr Designs

These Martha Lae tags are made from the cardboard separators in boxes of wine, that Martha gathers from wine stores. Old costume jewelry, is taken apart and used as embellishments along with antique sheet music and string. 

This is a very fun time in the antiques business, at least for me. I'm loving the worn, scrub top, chippy (for real, not forced), finishes with just the right amount of rust.

I bought this shelf last week and can't wait to display merchandise on it for the Remnants of the Past Antique Show coming up in October. I hope to see you there!


Cordelia