The Past Is Sneeking Up On Millennials and They Like It

October 26, 2018 2 Comments

The past very well could be sneaking up on millennials as they realize the perks to decorating trends that mix the "old with the new". Millennials who are now on average 36 years old or younger are at the age where they are starting their families, fixing their homes or apartments and displaying their own style. With this style one thing we know for certain is that the design will be individualized and unique while focused on themselves down to the last detail making their dwelling of choice as personal as it can be. This choice of style makes the unique and one of kind aspect of decorating with antiques and vintage pieces fit like a glove. What better way to show off your individuality than to decorate your home with items only you possess. These old pieces offer more personality and charm than anything that can be found that is mass produced at local box stores or heaven forbid on Amazon. With higher prices on mass produced pieces made of poor quality and the drop in price on antiques, older pieces have become a real steal!

Once people get over the stigma of the fact that something is "preowned" and realize the charm of a piece to include it's past and where it has been, antiquing becomes an addiction and you just can't beat the quality. When using items strictly for decorating purposes versus being an avid collector items may be even more reasonable as authenticity isn't always a factor. It doesn't really matter if that decorative antique porcelain wall plate is really authentic Vienna porcelain. You just like it because you do...and at the end of the day that is what interior decorating is all about. People don't necessarily go in and buy a room full of matching furniture anymore. Why not consider putting an antique French style chair next to a modern sofa. You can bet it will be a look that only you have. Pieces can always be re-upholstered to change their charm and offer even more individuality and many times are much cheaper. Even antique dishes, silver place settings or holloware (for holding things like sugars, creamers, etc.) can add charm to a table.

So before you wrinkle up your nose and look the other way when passing by a local flea market or antique shop....consider adding a little kick of charm to your humble abode with vintage or antique accent pieces. If you give it a chance you may find it not only a cheaper way to decorate, but that you also get what you want and have a home with style that reflects only your individual personality and that is something we all crave.

2 Responses

Roy A. Ackerman, PhD, EA

October 27, 2018

I don’t know, Jennifer. That may mean that millennials are hoping I disappear quickly so they can acquire my stuff. Nah- I’m way more into modern motif- so, even my hand-me-downs will be way too recent for them.

Martha

October 26, 2018

I love mixing the old and the new. I actually have a large humpback truck that belonged to my great grandfather and a smaller one that was my grandfather’s. I’m so happy that my 22 year old granddaughter has eyed them and would love to have them when I’m finished with them.