Quick Tips: Revamping Antiques

Remember Alyssa and her awesome magnets? Well, her Etsy shop is stocked with other brilliant revamped pieces. And since she loves scouting and revamping so much, I thought she should share some of her Quick Tips:

Best places to scout for pieces:
Flea markets, estate sales, garage/yard sales, antique shops and markets, curbside finds, grandparent's/parent's basement and/or attic. (These last two are by far my favorites!)

Whether or not a piece should be revamped:
Always look for important clues on your furniture and decor-- any signatures? dates? company name? If so, research this information before you start revamping it. You never know; it may be worth a lot more to leave it be. If you still are unsure, you can always talk to a local antique collector or an appraiser for a professional opinion.

Simple ways to revamp:
Apply a coat or two of paint (black or white is always a safe choice) to old and/or worn furniture. Replace drawer pulls and hardware. Re-cover outdated and worn fabric with fresh and classic patterns. Brainstorm new ways to use furniture pieces and decor (i.e. put caster wheels on wooden crates; use antique frames to make message boards; antique floor grates can be turned into shelves, etc)

How to combine the old and new aesthetic:
Decorating is such a personal thing, but here are a few of my tips on blending old with new:
• Keep it simple. This is key when blending old and new pieces in the home. A simple, clear layout and design should highlight the forms of your items, not detract.
• Make sure to keep the scale similar.
• Achieve compatibility by pairing items with same color paint or similar wood tones.
• The straight, simple lines of modern pieces often go well with ornate decor and furniture. If you have a traditional or ornate sofa, look to pair it with a simple, straight lined glass coffee table, for example.

--Alyssa, Revamp Boutique

(images via revamp boutique)