How Can Something Old Be Brand New?

What a Mother's Day treat I had last Sunday!

My daughter, Tiffany, gave me a great painting that we had admired at an antique shop last March. The picture was from the 1940's and it showed skiers gliding down a beautiful mountain.

It was thoughtful of her to note that I liked this piece of art and to go back and purchase it for me. The other wonderful gift she gave her dad and me this week was the joy of watching her graduate from college. She has had a wonderful experience at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and reluctantly leaves behind the role of student. It's an exciting time as we watch her future unfold.

An Antique Lover Is Born

Tiffany loves things with a history. At a very young age, she begged me to take her to antique stores. To her, they were like museums. She would seek out objects and ask the shop owners to tell her about them. She fell in love with the details on vintage clothing. The patina of old furniture delighted her. All of these found treasures were incorporated into the decor of her room.

Everything Old Is New Again

I bet you also have collected or inherited vintage items. Using them in creative ways will bring unique touches to your home. The trick to decorating with antiques is to combine their original purpose with a new twist. Fill a cut crystal tea glass with a variety of silver spoons and display on a butler's cart or buffet. The hooked rug that Grandma kept beside her bed will be beautiful hung on the wall, creating a headboard over your bed. Collect old plates and use them to make a border around your dining room.

Three Great Heirloom Decorating Ideas

1.) Do you have boxes of old hats? Pull out your favorites and hang them on a free-standing coat rack. You can also attach pegs to your wall and place the hats on them . The colors, fabrics and decorative features of the chapeaus will give you instant art. If you have pictures of your relatives wearing these creations, frame them up and hang them in the same area. Wouldn't that be a fun display!

2.) Antique toys and sports equipment look great in a man's office. Try to find your husband's little league glove and give it a place of honor in your den. Frame old baseball cards or sports programs (ask his permission first!) so that he can enjoy the memories daily.

3.) I love the sweet handkerchiefs that women carried in the past. Tiffany and I created a valance for her window by hanging a group of them from an inexpensive curtain rod. Just overlap them (corner pointing down) across the rod. Sheer panels will complete the window treatment. There is no sewing involved. When you are ready to change the look, your handkerchiefs are still in their original form.

I encourage you to decorate with your favorite heirlooms. They are especially great for decorating a new home. Whether they were handed down from your grandparents or you bought them at a flea market, they should be enjoyed everyday.

To Delightful Decorating,

- Melisa

Home Decorating

Melisa J. Verch