Gathering the Past
Sandie Maldonado finds herself drawn to primitive and Colonial American antiques, which beautifully complement the furnishings she and her husband, Henry, handpicked for their 1870-built Ontario home. Here, Sandie shares her top tips for selecting and dis
Metals are big in any style story, whether you’re incorporating several types or sticking with a single finish. In primitive homes, pewter is a great way to add shine to a cabinet or table setting via either just a few pieces or a large assortment. Pewter also comes in many shapes and sizes, from plates and platters to teapots and tankards, which ups the visual appeal. “It’s very simple, yet elegant,” Sandie says.
Line up stoneware crocks or jugs on a cabinet top or bucket bench, and fill them with dried berries, wood kitchen tools or even towels. These sturdy containers are versatile enough to stand on their own, become the foundation for a centerpiece or serve as a savvy storage solution.
Antique trade signs—such as those from restaurants, barbershops and other blast-from-thepast businesses—inject personality into your wall decor. Although there are many quality reproductions available (and she owns a few), Sandie recommends looking for old signs with the wear and the patina that come with age. It can be especially meaningful to find signs that hail from an area that you live in or have visited.
Buy what you love, but don’t be afraid to move on to something new if you change your mind. “Change is wonderful in primitive homes,” Sandie says. “If you no longer like or have space for something, sell it and start a new collection.”