Vintage Finds, Modern Moves

Tariff talk is exhausting. With imports from Asia getting more expensive and shipping no longer cheap, more people may start avoiding fast fashion (and home goods)—and it’s about time; I’ve been doing that for years (long live Poshmark and The Real Real). It’s a good time to turn toward secondhand everything, beyond clothing. We’re certainly not the first to catch on to secondhand goods in the interiors space (hello 1st Dibs & Chairish)—just pointing out the growth, and the resale market is having a well-earned moment. While my own home is almost entirely vintage, many clients are initially skeptical and tend to lean toward brand-new pieces. Let’s change that.

Some stats: the entire market grew 14% last year, its biggest leap since 2021. By 2029, its targeted to hit $74 billion—or more, depending on how global trade policies play out. The vintage aesthetic is cool again (did it ever go out?), and most importantly, unique pieces are uncopyable… making your home uncopyable. These are exactly the kinds of vintage home decor ideas that bring depth and originality to a space. Let’s look at how vintage can elevate your home, avoid extra costs—and maybe help the planet, too.

We Love Curves

In our Concord project, the house itself set the tone. It’s historic, with original millwork and woodwork worth preserving. We kept those old details and added select vintage furniture that matched the character of the structure. In one space, we included a curved desk with sculptural lines. In another, we placed a vintage cane bench—also curved, and just as beautiful. Craftsmen rarely build curves like these anymore, so when you find one, keep it. These pieces help historic homes feel layered and modern and we love the quiet tension that comes from mixing eras.

Family Heirlooms in Brookline

In Brookline, the homeowner’s mother—an artist with a great eye—left behind a small but meaningful collection of furniture. During the full renovation of this historic home, we found thoughtful ways to incorporate those special pieces. In the game room, an ornate chair with its original fabric now sits proudly beside a traditional pool table. To keep the space feeling current, we added a pure white plant stand and fresh greens. In the primary bedroom, we reupholstered one of her mother’s chairs in deep teal Pierre Frey cut velvet and paired it with linen drapery panels in the same rich tone. What’s old is new.

Affordable Art in Edgartown

Secondhand (AND affordable) art is an easy choice. In an Edgartown bunk room, we built a gallery wall entirely from Etsy finds, mostly odd piecs from the 70’s (but who really knows). Each piece cost under $200, and all worked together to reflect the home’s unique roofline. We aligned the frames to match the angle of a sloped ceiling and exposed beam. Together, the prints feel layered, personal, and more interesting than a single oversized canvas.

Personal & Vintage

In one of our Boston brownstone projects, the home came with a hidden gem: the previous owner left behind an antique hall tree. A tall piece with an integrated mirror, small shelf, and a few carved hooks. These pieces are rare in the homes of our younger clients, which makes this piece and space stand out. We styled it with an oversized fern, and above you can see the original light fixture from the 1860s. A vintage rug below pulls everything together.

In the formal living room, a piece from the client’s parents’ home anchors the space—proof that we love personal just as much as vintage. Extra dining chairs sit on either side, joined by a few thoughtful sit-abouts: candlesticks, vases, fresh flowers. Above, a pair of contemporary prints rest against classic trellis wallpaper. Original plaster molding frames the room, along with an elegant brass double sconce.

Vintage Home Decor

Curved furniture. Affordable prints. Family hand-me-downs. These are the layers that make a house feel like a home. Pro Tip: start with an aged area rug. We always return to this favorite vintage home decor idea: the perfectly imperfect runner. A vintage carpet appears in nearly every home that we have worked in, instantly adding color, history, and a little soul. Below, at our Edgartown Bay Road project, the client took it all a step farther and went for the vintage Wagoneer—wood panels and all, nothing beats a red car! If you’re looking to bring a little vintage into your home, learn more about our decorating services here. And here’s hoping you dodge those tariffs.