Contributed by Info Guru Terri Wallace
Everything old is new again, as evidenced by the new rage in all things vintage for the home.
But vintage items can be hard to come by, and it often comes at a steep price. In order to bring the grace and old world charm of vintage pieces to your home, you needn’t look any further than the hardware store.
10. Fireplaces
Fireplaces make a big impact in the home and often serve as the focal point of the living room. A mantel piece that has seen the passage of time lends a certain strength and stability to the room. Mantels come in a variety of hardwoods to suit any décor, and can be custom built to capture the grace of times past while taking into consideration the wallets of modern day decorators.
9. Doors and Hardware
Doors don’t need to be slammed to make a big statement. Rolling doors can have a big visual impact. Whether you choose a casual barn door style, or an ornate Victorian confection, rolling doors hearken back to days when doors were more than utilitarian items used to separate space.
8. Hinges
Retro items for the home don’t need to break the bank. Even simply replacing the hinges in the kitchen or bath can give a room a vintage feel. Hinges come in a variety of styles and price points and are quick way to bring a bygone era into a room.
7. Brackets
Brackets are another item that can rise above the daily drudgery and become a thing of beauty. Brackets can be used to hold shelves, as part of window treatments, or as an architectural detail.
6. Columns
Another detail that can add timeless elegance to a home is a well-placed column. Columns can be used to visually divide a space and to transition from one living area to another. Whether used as a formal adornment or to add a spark of whimsy to a room, columns can add a lot of drama with minimal effort.
5. Wood Moldings
Wood moldings lend a sophisticated flair to a room. Whether utilized to add ageless grace to a library, to give a retro style to a dressing room, or to jazz up a music room, wood moldings come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit any décor and budget.
4. Door Knockers
Door knockers are just the thing to add personality to a front door without a big investment or long-term commitment and, since they come in a variety of designs and finishes, they can easily be changed out to reflect changing tastes or seasons.
3. Knobs
Door and cabinet knobs can be quickly changed out to alter the feel of a room and can take the feel of a room from one era to another. Vintage knobs can also be repurposed and used to hold tie-backs as part of a window treatment or to hold a hand towel or a robe in a bathroom.
2. Carved appliques
A certain artistry can be introduced into a room by using carved appliques to interject personality into an otherwise bland space. Appliques can be used to embellish furnishings or add architectural interest to a room without a spending a lot of time or money.
1. Ceiling Medallions
Ceilings are often overlooked in modern rooms, but the rooms of yesteryear often took full advantage of ceiling medallions to add drama and draw attention to light fixtures.