Today is going to be fun! I’m excited to join my friends in their monthly post, Thrifting With The Gals. We’re sharing where we’ve been and what we found while thrifting/antiquing/junking. And if the gals are anything like me, they’ll also show off what they bought because it’s difficult to pass up a treasure. I’m also sharing how to mix charming old finds with new pieces in home decor.
The Antique Company Mall in McKinney, TX
Recently I realized that my decor vibe is called Cottage Core. After all the decades of wondering, it’s nice to finally have a name for it. That made me want to go shopping! A couple of us went to McKinney, TX. A favorite place to find more treasures than a person can fit in a truck.
How to Mix Charming Old Finds With New Pieces in Home Decor
A key element to Cottage Core is mixing old with new while maintaining a cohesive look. I keep myself in check with 2 rules. They are – unify with color and the 80/20 rule.
When you choose to blend eras, reserve 20% of your pieces for vintage or antiques and the rest (80%) for up-to-date pieces. Then they will work beautifully and you won’t look like you’re channeling grandma for everything. Even the most eclectic rooms need harmony and balance.
Combining that with the rooms main colors (rule 2), you have the easiest approach to creating a look that seems intentional.
If the thought of mingling styles intimidates you, start small. Like accessories. I just bought the green table foot last week. It works because it’s green which coordinates with the other colors going on in the room and there are a few more newish pieces on the table too.
Now, I said “rules” but when it comes to your home, there are no rules. If you like 50/50 or 70/30, that is fine. It’s your home and you are the creator of your own niche. Like for instance, these 4 coasters I found last week as well. They may not fit my style but who cares! I love them!
Here’s a good example of the two rules. The hutch itself, the blue jars, and bottles are vintage. The rest is all from the last decade. As you look closely, you can tell everything is basically 3 colors.
I find the most beautiful and livable homes are the ones that mix styles but can’t be pinned to a certain decade or era. A home should be a collection of things you love and find meaningful. If you want character then don’t buy everything from a big box store.
That’s how to mix charming old finds with new pieces in home decor. Can you see how fun and unique it can be? Just follow the 2 simple rules and you’ll get it! Once you’ve mastered the small accessories, then move on to larger pieces.
Before I go I want to say this – just because you inherit a piece of furniture doesn’t mean you need to keep it in its original state. The person that gave it to you loved it and thought you would too so if that means changing it to fit with your decor style, then do it. I have a lot of friends that can’t bear to paint wood or use a piece in a way it wasn’t intended so it’s sitting in the garage or it’s stuffed in a back room. That is a sad situation.
Up next in Thrifting With The Gals is my friend Lora Bloomquist. You are not going to want to miss her stash or her post on thrifting for craft supplies. I promise!
After that, hop on over to Rachel’s blog, The Ponds Farmhouse. She’s going to give you 5 secret tips for styling shelves. Is it gossip to say or want to hear some secrets? Cuz, I’m all in.
Boy do I have a crush. Just look at that silverware! Be sure to pop in to see Ann from Dabbling and Decorating with her post on vintage silverware decorating. I’ll be there wiping up the drool, taking notes and pinning like crazy!
And last but certainly not least, you’ll want to check out Robyn’s French Nest and how to use thrifted art in your vintage home decor. I can hardly wait to see it! So many pieces in her home have my heart.
Thanks everyone for visiting today. Remember to create your own niche and have fun while doing it!
Cindy, thanks so much for joining us today. I love your beautiful cottage core style, and that quilt is gorgeous; I have a thing for them, too.
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I appreciate that Ann, thank you. The quilt you saw was Lora’s. I agree with you though – it’s gorgeous and I too have a thing for them. 😉
Cindy,
I love mixing and matching. Although I’d love to have all vintage in my home, it’s not practical. Your tips are spot on and I’m so glad you joined us this month.
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I’m grateful to have the farmhouse. I try and keep it more authentic but it’s extremely impractical like you said. There’s something about spending time down there and then walking in the door back home. It’s refreshing. Keeping up with the farmhouse and everything being old is a chore! Thanks for the visit Rachel and I love TWTG!
These are such great ideas! Beautiful vintage finds! Thanks for joining Thrifting with the Gals today!
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Glad I could do it. Thank you Robyn.
I love your thrifted odds and ends. They add so much personality to your pretty vignettes! By the way, I see a green wall. Is that the new color in your kitchen? 😍
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I forgot about that! Yes, we painted it a couple of months ago. I LOVE IT! Seems like we both have new pretty green kitchens. I wish we (by we, I mean professionals) could paint our cream cabinets but it’s not in the cards just yet. I can’t even touch them up because there’s a glaze over the top. Anyway, thanks so much for noticing and thanks!
So are you changing your identity from farmhouse to cottage core? 😉 Great design tips. Yes, I love old things, but don’t want my house to look like an antique store. Balancing with new items is definitely essential. And I totally agree-if a piece isn’t the color/style you want, but you’re sentimental about it, switch it up. Unfortunately, Mr. Fix-it thinks some of his family old things can never change…and therefore they’re out of sight:( Loved having you join us today!
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Yes! Since I have the old farmhouse to visit each month and can keep it as authentic as I can stand (some things are just to old), I am switching our everyday house to cottage core. When I look at the definition, it totally fits me and the vibe I’ve had for years. Plus, unless you are able to visit our home in Dallas, people get confused about which house I’m blogging about. So, hoping this will clear things up for many readers.
I laughed out loud when you said Mr. Fix-it’s family things our out of sight. 🙂 Been there done that. LOL! Thanks Lora. Loved joining you again this week.