This week's prompt for Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop is Vintage and I have to tell you that when I first read about this week's prompt...I wasn't feel too inspired! Vintage is tough to pull off and so for me I instantly feel a "cringe" at the mention of the word...visions of dirty and worn come to mind. Perhaps it's because I lived through the 80's and the "Country Sampler" rustic side of vintage...you know...before Shabby Chic ;} Now Shabby Chic is an improvement but it borders on frilly "clutter" and that also turns me off. I prefer the refined, controlled, European version of vintage where form and function are the first priorities over design. Where you don't see alot of knick-knacks and doo-dads laying around ;} That being said...I have been surprised by a few rustic, shabby pieces this week...where function and form are also well designed.
First up...is this GREAT revolving, library table...aka coffee table according to Country Living magazine. OMG...my Dad worked for the telephone company and I had one of these cable reels in my first apartment. Only mine was much larger and I had a custom table skirt made to cover it and it became my TV stand...used it for years to come. Read more: DIY Home Decor Crafts - Easy Home Decorating Craft Ideas - Country Living
Vintage pink cart that I pinned off of Young House Love's blog. The soft pink metal and the white marble shelves are fresh and not frilly and Victorian looking...more Shabby Chic. I would absolutely love a piece like this for my art supplies...especially with it being on casters and able to push out of the way.
Last...my favorite form of vintage is lots of patina (worn leather) and texture (architectural elements and linen fabrics) as in this New Orleans row house that was a Cottage Living design house.
It shows how a small house can have lots of storage and style without sacrificing space that can truly be lived in. It is also NOT about having frilly, lacey, smelly (as in mold from old books and fabrics) things hanging around that have no purpose or artistic appeal AND that I no longer have room for OR care to clean/maintain anymore (i.e. dust ;).
How about you...how do you feel about vintage...is it a love/hate thing like mine?
Please share!
Fondly, Roberta
I love vintage anything. There's a story, history and maybe even a bit of someone attached to every piece. Now if I could just convince my husband it IS a decorating style :-) I notice the studios that catch my eye most in STUDIOS are the ones with a vintage/ feminine flair.
Posted by: Kelly | September 14, 2011 at 04:25 PM
LOVE vintage....but then again, the word has many connotations. I love pretty, vintage things like classic jugs and pretty china, vintage fabrics. I don't necessarily like old doily's or granny panties!Or like you said, old useless things that are past their sell-by date and just hanging around collecting dust. I also love vintage books, especially poetry books So I guess it depends!! ha ha. Love that revolving book table-have never seen something like that!
Posted by: Bonnie | September 04, 2011 at 01:41 PM