3 Quick Tips to Refresh Your Space (with OLD things!)
If you spend any amount of time around me (or following me on Instagram), there are a few things it won’t take you long to notice:
I love figuring out how to use OLD (i.e. antique vintage) things to create stylish, comfortable, and memorable spaces.
I’m usually reading about 47 books at one time (not really, that’s an exaggeration. But not by much).
I can find inspiration in just about anything, like cracks in the sidewalk or random building materials 😁
Of course these are just part of a long list of quirks – because let’s be honest – we all have our “things”, okay?
Anyway – as I was dreaming about this year…and January in particular…I couldn’t help but feel the itch for a total refresh.
Candidly speaking, I spent the final days of 2024 living in a total cliché: eating delicious rich foods, traveling, laying on the couch, spending time with family and friends – just in a total time warp. Even more candidly, I didn’t have a whole lot of motivation to be productive or plan for the new year.
But then January hit, and (still living in the cliché moments, I guess) I found myself READY to dive in and reimagine the things I’m sharing with the world 🤩
💌Part of my refresh is a total revamp of my weekly newsletter, now lovingly deemed LETTERS FROM LUCY. If you’re not currently signed up and want to get a little dose of inspiration in your inbox (I mean, who doesn’t?), click here and jump on the list ✨
No matter how much “refreshing” I do, though, there’s one concept I’m absolutely married to and I’m convinced will always be a part of what I share with you: Building A New House with Old Things.
So while there was a HOT SECOND when I thought I might create a new blog series to kick off 2025, it was barely a blip in time before I laughed out loud at myself and said “Nope. No way.”
Because the world is FILLED with beautiful things, my friend. Things that are composed with quality. Designed with intention. Things that are simply begging us to opt for them versus the run-of-the-mill candlesticks you got an ad for from Wayfair.
I’m considering it my personal mission to continue showing you HOW to find such things…and HOW to incorporate them into the spaces you do life in every single day.
Anndddd though many of these stories will involve a larger, specific item (like an old sink or stained glass window), today I’m switching things up a bit.
In the spirit of the new year, today I want to share 3 simple yet noticeable ways to refresh your space with old things.
The Christmas decor is packed up, pine needles are swept away, and NOW is the time to create a bright, invigorating space to carry you into the months ahead.
TAPESTRY:
By now you probably know how much I adore incorporating different textures into my home. It’s one of the easiest, most fool-proof ways to add color, switch things up, AND elevate the level of comfort in any space.
I’m talking about blankets, rugs, throw pillows, even wall hangings that are created from different types of fabric. The first three are definitely the easiest, and you can find UNIQUE items at most antique stores…or if you’re working to avoid the cold, on Etsy! Try searching “vintage throw pillow covers” or “antique rugs” and be amazed at the stunning colors and textures you’ll find.
I bought my son a rug at Round Top this spring for his room. He is hanging it above his bed as a “headboard.” Maybe, I’ll get a pic for you!
You’ll also be surprised by how much changing out one bathroom rug or adding 3 new throw pillows to your sofa will change the vibe in your space.
CANDLESTICKS & PHOTO FRAMES:
Okay, I know I mentioned candlesticks earlier – and that’s because they’re totally a thing right now. Honestly, I think they should *always* be a thing, because nothing says elegance like a couple of vintage brass candlesticks adorning your mantle. I’ve personally been using this on my dining table and it’s set with a hodge-podge of different-sized brass candlesticks as the centerpiece. I’m thinking this would be fun for a Galentines Day dinner!? I love these candles from Creative Co-op. I bought this color when the cream was sold out and it’s a beautiful warm neutral!
Another almost-too-easy way to incorporate OLD things into your space is to find unique photo frames and add them to surfaces or walls. One of my favorite things to do is find a frame that has a weird, outdated print in it – then either create art on top of it OR punch it out and add a canvas or photo to the frame. I’ve also been known to hang an empty frame on the wall! It just fills up a space!
Anyone can buy that shiny new frame at Target, okay? But nothing says character like a frame none of your friends will have the same of. I found a TON of little frames in Paris at the flea markets! I have them hanging inside an old larger frame in my studio.
VASES:
Is anyone else as obsessed with fresh florals as me? I love walking into a space and seeing a pop of FRESH color.
The reality is, flowers have been a beloved form of decor for centuries, and that’s why vintage markets, antique stores, flea markets, and Etsy shops are filled with unique vases.
I want to challenge you here, too! Because a “vase” doesn’t necessarily have to be, well, a “vase” 😉
Wondering what I’m talking about? Well, I’ve used teapots, milk bottles, glass soda bottles, tin cans, vintage pitchers, apothecary jars, and a WHOLE SLIEU of other random items to present my blooms.
Just trust me here, pop a few stems in an old perfume bottle on your bathroom counter and tell me it doesn’t make you smile every time you see it.
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I hope these simple yet OH-SO-PRACTICAL ideas inspire you to use old things to refresh your space this year. As I continue decorating the new house my husband and I built and moved into last year, I’m continuously on the prowl for character-filled treasures to make it feel like home.
And can I let you in on one of the big announcements I’m sharing in my first Letters from Lucy!? 🤗
I’m SO invested in helping you do this that I’m officially going to be selling unique, vintage items that I’ve personally sourced at markets around the world (Round Top, Paris, and more)!
I’ll be posting what I’m selling on INSTAGRAM, so be sure to follow along so you don’t miss out.
It’s going to be so much fun sharing my finds with you! ✨
So here’s to creating spaces that tell stories. Here’s to another great year of building a new house with old things!