If you read this column on a regular basis you know that my décor tastes run toward character homes and vintage items. As I've said before, there's something about an item having a history before I owned it. It gives me comfort somehow to know that prior owners lovingly used these items and that they are now in my care. If you're like me you know that it's getting more and more difficult to find the perfect older piece of furniture or what have you. There are just so many items out there to be had and there aren't any more being made....or are there?
What's new is old again
Home furniture and appliance designers are starting to realize that many consumers love the vintage look in their home. They are coming out with more and more new items with an antique or vintage look. Just like this rustic Kohler sink, you can now purchase many new items with an old flavour. Items like this give you the convenience of new technology with the beauty of a vintage design. If you were trying to find an actual old sink like this it would probably be a losing battle. If you did manage to find one you may have trouble having it retrofitted to today's plumbing standards. Having the option of purchasing a 'new' old piece gives us a lot more opportunity to create an amazing décor. An item like this vintage sink doesn't necessarily have to go into a rustic room like the one pictured here. This lovely sink could work in your kitchen or laundry room with a little planning. The stylish brushed chrome faucets are reminiscent of a different era with their double taps in the familiar cross pattern along with a bar soap holder fashioned right into the set. The great thing about these faucets is that they will be rust free, leak free and won't require an overhaul before they are placed like an actual older faucet would. Vintage plumbing fixtures in useable condition are very rare so buying a new piece that looks old still gives you the charm of the past without the headache.
Vintage look appliances
There is a company out of Elmira Ontario that produces awesome vintage or antique looking appliances. Their Northstar appliances have cool retro automotive colours like turquoise and boast lots of chrome details. Of course the actual workings have all of the modern bells and whistles you'd expect from a new appliance. Their website has a great feature that allows you to design your own antique appliance from a variety of finishes, colour and styles. This feature also provides you with the cost of your desired design which allows you to adjust for budget and style. In their antique line of stoves they also have other appliances that match their antique stove so you'll be able to keep your entire kitchen in the same antique style. Elmira offers other appliances that have a matching antique look, including microwaves, stoves and built-in ovens. One of their newest products is a replica wood burning cookstove (circa 1840) that allows you to cook with wood but also has optional gas burners. This cook stove also provides up to 50,000 BTUs so it would be great for a cottage or country home as well as a home in the city. Check out their website at www.elmirastoveworks.com . It's great to have a Canadian company that offers these stylish products.
Small appliances
If you don't want the investment of a large appliance you can still have a retro feel in the kitchen with items like KitchenAid's 90th Anniversary Edition stand mixer. This item comes in Candy apple red with lots of chrome accents. They also offer other retro stand mixers in colours like pistachio, green apple, ice blue and majestic yellow so you're sure to find something that suites your décor. Even everyday items like toasters and blenders come in retro designs. If your small appliances are sitting out anyway you might as well choose a design that's stylish and functional.
Furniture
Replica antique or vintage furniture is also out there for the taking. Places like Bombay Company offer replica furniture that is affordable and stylish. Most furniture stores have lines that have some flavour of either an antique or retro style with a modern twist. So if you just want a hint of the retro style there are tons of options for you. Another advantage of choosing a new piece is that you aren't dealing with decades of musty stuffing or faded fabric. If you're not of the mindset of have your old pieces reupholstered it's nice to have the option of purchasing a replica.
Other vintage stuff
Even everyday kitchen items like mixing bowls can be found in a design that has a retro flair. While there are lots of actual vintage pieces to be found, one does have to be careful that they are safe for everyday use. Items like Melmac dishes (remember you used to get them in Biz laundry detergent?) were not made in the times of microwaves and may not be microwave safe. There's no harm in using these real vintage items for display though. They make great accessories and accent pieces and will help your other vintage look items blend in. Vintage lighting is another item that can be difficult to introduce for safety reasons. You can purchase new lighting in a retro style or a hint of retro flavour at most lighting stores. Colours, pattern and textiles can also be found in replicated antique or retro styles that will help you pull it all together. Other new accessories that can be found in great old styles are things like clocks, mirrors and area rugs. In the flooring arena the only retro pattern that has stood the test of time is the black and white tile which works as well today as it did in its heyday.
If you find yourself drawn to another era you can find comfort in knowing that achieving the look and feel of period is not all that difficult and might even be a fun venture. Do a little research and keep your eyes pealed for great rustic, retro or vintage styles in whatever you buy for your home.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
