Vintage ART FINDS
Looking to add a touch of Old World feel to your home? Try following Deb’s example and use
vintage paintings.
WHAT: Traditional paintings will bring interest to your space. “I grew up in an Italian household, and my great uncle was an amazing oil painter who would gift the paintings to our family,” Deb says. “I wanted that one-of-a-kind feel.” Deb suggests portrait and landscape paintings, as they are especially evocative of that classic, vintage vibe.
WHERE: There are many places you can find a special piece of art for your space. Deb recommends local flea markets, as they often have a good mix of eclectic and unique pieces. You can also find beautiful, affordable prints online at shops like Etsy. Deb recommends Facebook Marketplace as well, as there is a large mix of pieces and potential for a great bargain find.
HOW: Try to get a good sense of what you need for your space before you go shopping. Create a mood board to help you firmly grasp what you’re looking for, whether in the color palette or overall vibe of the piece. However, you may find something when you aren’t looking for it, as is often the case for Deb. “I found these really cool floral prints, and I didn’t find a place for them until I did my bedroom makeover— they work perfectly there,” Deb says. In these instances, if the painting is within your color scheme and is a great price, get it and find someplace else for it in your home. If all else fails, you can store the art until your next renovation project.
These elements produce a welcoming and timeless feel, allowing Deb to continue to reinvent or add to the space as she desires. “My taste and ideas change almost daily around here, so for such a big budget project I wanted to make sure I chose something that would stand up against my impulsive design changes,” she says.
With its warm tones and classic pieces, Deb’s European farmhouse design is both relaxed and elegant, providing the comfort and beauty that epitomizes the meaning of “home.”
SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.