How To Upcycle Vintage Finds
Ever look at that heirloom dresser and think, "How am I supposed to fit this into my modern home?"
You're not alone! Mixing old and new is our favorite way to make your space uniquely yours, and we’re here to show you how.
In this blog, we will help you repurpose vintage furniture that you already own, find new vintage pieces, and lastly, how to style them. We will also share our favorite paint colors and hardware to get a look that will excite and delight!
We loved the combination of this vintage dresser piece with modern elements under a canvas by local artist Catherine Freshley (10% off with code TEALANDSCOTT).
We’ve always loved seeing beautiful vintage pieces transformed, but our friend Casey takes it to the next level.
Meet Casey from Casey Grace Studios. She specializes in rescuing and restoring antique pieces, bringing new life to forgotten treasures. With her maker mindset and relentless attention to craftsmanship, Casey is revolutionizing the industry.
Her antique finds are thoughtful and curated. So how do you “get the look” like she does? We have you covered!
Following Casey’s advice, we took this unloved side table and painted it this beautiful high gloss pink that added instant personality to the living room at Treehouse.
SOURCING
Identify what style of antique furniture you have or want to purchase for the space.
Measure to make sure your finds fit your space and needs appropriately.
Ensure the vintage find is salvageable. Is it made from real wood?
PRO-TIP: Don’t overthink it… if you like the shape and style, it will work!
Incorporating a print by Catherine Freshley in the back of this hutch brings new life to a well-loved piece.
TRANSFORMING
Select what stain or color you’d like to use. What wall color will this furniture be going on? What colors are the floor? Use those colors to figure out what your furniture color should look like.
Here are some of our favorite paint colors that will make an amazing statement piece of furniture in your upcoming project:
Pink Cup
Farrow & Ball
Folly Green
Farrow & Ball
Aegean Teal
Benjamin Moore
Essex Green
Benjamin Moore
Upgrade with beautiful hardware! Swap old knobs and handles to instantly elevate your furniture's style.
Below is some of our favorite statement hardware:
‘Aegean Teal’ by Benjamin Moore offers a pop of personality painted on the cabinets in the kitchen at Raleigh Hills.
STYLING
Start with lamps, books, plants, and trays to display your evening cocktail fixings. Think of making small moments throughout a space with combinations of your favorite items. And don’t forget ART!
EXAMPLES:
A stand-alone piece of art
A lamp paired with a tray holding glasses or books
Art combined with stylish props
These elements can instantly elevate your space!
In 2024, if you aren’t thinking about repurposing materials and sustainability, you are late to the party! At Teal & Scott we celebrate old pieces taking on a new life and are thrilled when clients are excited to incorporate this practice and look into their spaces.
At the end of the day, we believe mixing vintage with modern makes your home truly unique. It can be large pieces like a dresser and a lamp or as simple as an old book on the shelf paired with a new one.
Happy Styling!
Wendy
P.S. If you missed our feature in 1859 Magazine about how to mix old and new, take a look at how we mastered that at our Sweet Flag Cabin!
HELPFUL LINKS
Watch our YouTube video where we dive in with Casey Grace Studios about the art of mixing old and new!
Check out more of Casey’s work on her website!
If you’re looking to bring your vintage finds outside, check out our blog on Sprucing Up Your Outdoor Living Space.
Another great way to blend old and new items is on a bookshelf! Follow along with us in our blog on Bookcase Styling as we show you how to create the perfect look.
