Classically Colonial

As a devotee of genuine Colonial houses and owner of Collectors’ Choice Antiques Gallery in New Oxford, Pennsylvania, it naturally follows that Andrea Hollenbaugh’s home is brimming with early collectibles that would make any antiques lover drool. Here are a few examples of period decor that will pump up the Colonial appeal in any home:

Think outside the frame.

Walls can be adorned with all kinds of Colonial artifacts, not just primitive portraits and samplers. Hunting accoutrements, cookware, clothing and more can provide Colonial flair. The Hollenbaughs’ front hallway is a perfect example: Stan’s collection of antique hunting bags, pouches, powder horns and even guns fashion an arresting display.

Cast a glance at iron.

Cast iron was commonly used to make cookware, irons and trivets, and many of the items are quite decorative. Andrea filled her large, open kitchen fireplace with plenty of iron pots, and she hung trivets from a pegged rack to show off their lovely designs. One special heart-shaped trivet that dates from 1787 has Stan’s initials—SRH—on it. “It’s original and it was expensive, but we had to have it,” Andrea notes.

Say it is sew.

Petite sewing collectibles, including pincushions or spools, may seem too small to make a big impact, but displaying a collection en masse can draw attention. Andrea shows off some of her many pincushions in a wooden bowl and in a large glass leech jar. The jar has a practical purpose, too. “I put my more expensive pincushions in there,” she explains. “A lid protects them from moths.”

Be small-minded.

Small pieces of early antique furniture—for instance, stools, boxes and small hanging cupboards—will generally be more affordable than large ones. You may find some inexpensive items with distinctive detailing that will really make the furnishings stand out in a room. For example, Andrea has a few small hanging cupboards that feature original elements and hardware, such as rat-tail hinges.

Above left: This early cupboard in the kitchen hosts a collection of small painted woodenware that showcases well against its warm wood tones.

Above: In the living room, an unusual wood bowl originally made to hold sewing notions brims with antique pincushions. Opposite: Antique hunting bags, pouches, powder horns, and hats hang from pegged molding to adorn the front hall. Old baskets and...

Above top: The cast-iron heart-shaped trivet, dating from 1787, and early tulipshaped trivet contrast beautifully with the texture of the miniature rag rug on a side table in the dining room.