THE KMI GUIDE TO
Sourcing vintage for your home.
At KMI, we love incorporating vintage and found pieces into our projects, and we’d love to share our best tips with you.
Creating a collected home takes time.
Incorporating vintage and antique pieces into your home is a lovely way to make it feel storied and unique.
It can be tough to know where to start with antique furniture and accessories. It's a hunt! This guide will give you a head start on how to approach sourcing vintage, adding layers without clutter, and where to look.
FIND VINTAGE FABRIC YOU LOVE AND HAVE A SEAMSTRESS MAKE YOU A PAIR OF CUSHIONS.
UNDERSTANDING ANTIQUE VERSUS VINTAGE
The main difference between antique and vintage comes down to age. Antiques are pieces which are at least 100 years old. Vintage is anything newer than that. The term "found object" is sometimes used as a stylized term for used furniture and accessories. Our approach is to find and collect the pieces that we really love and that our clients love, regardless of provenance (or a lack thereof!).
Tips for Sourcing Vintage & Antiques
HAVE A GOAL (BUT STAY OPEN)
The hardest part of vintage sourcing is the potential for overwhelm. I find that having a goal in mind (a category or material) can help to ease that feeling. But also keep yourself open to vintage magic!
KNOW YOUR FACTS
Keep your measurements on hand so that you don't end up with pieces that don't fit and can't be returned. Oftentimes you'll be in person and want to act quickly. Be ready.
DO A LITTLE RESEARCH
Take the opportunity to learn about design periods and styles. This will help train your eye, and even if you're not purchasing something original, it can help with search keywords and ideas.
REFINISHED WOOD FURNITURE CAN GIVE OLD PIECES A NEW LEASE.
Every space benefits from the timeworn.
No matter what style you gravitate towards, vintage and antique pieces will add something special. Mixing in something old, even if your style leans more modern, will add character and keep a space from feeling one-note or falling flat.
Old things add character and a sense of history.
WHERE TO LOOK
Our Favourite Sources
ETSY
We love Etsy for sourcing vintage paintings, lighting, accessories, and hard-to-find pieces from abroad.
ANTIQUE SHOPS & MARKETS
Find a few local antique shops or markets and become a regular (or when you're traveling!). Wandering around is a great way to learn more about styles and periods.
FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE
If you're willing to hunt, you can find incredible treasures for a really great deal. We love it for tables and lighting.
1ST DIBS
1st Dibs is an amazing source for learning about designers, finding pieces with real provenance, and training your eye.
INSTAGRAM SELLERS
There are some extremely well-curated vintage accounts on Instagram where they either sell directly through IG or through their website. Find and follow the ones you love.
Kendra found this antique painting on a recent trip to London while perusing an antique shop in Notting Hill.
A FEW BEAUTIFUL THINGS TO INSPIRE
