COLLECT VINTAGE SUITCASES

This collectible is one Karen is always ready to hunt down and display in her home.

Vintage suitcases play an important part in Karen’s décor. “It’s kind of a theme throughout the house,” she says. Whether part of a vignette or used as a table, Karen’s suitcases are versatile. “I love them because they can add height, open and fill with things and are just very functional for decorating,” she says. In addition to their variety of uses, their colors and textures add warmth and interest, as well as vintage charm. “I’ve always loved looking at the inside of these suitcases—they have a story because they’ve traveled places,” she says.

In finding her vintage treasures, Karen has found great success in thrift shops and small antiques stores, though she doesn’t recommend high-end boutiques. “I love shops that have collections from different vendors because I always find interesting things, and it's always eclectic,” she says. Prices can vary based on the material of the suitcase and where you find it. “Some of my suitcases are leather and some are wicker, and these are really different price points,” she says. “Some I found at thrift shops, while others are more expensive with leather and brass finishes.”

From the kitchen, an archway leads down several steps to the family room. It’s the primary space where the family relaxes, so Karen wanted to make sure it was both stylish and comfortable. “All the furniture is located in the middle of the room, and we have a built-in bar and doors leading out to the patio,” she says. The color palette also plays an important role, providing pops of color that create a cozy atmosphere. “I don’t do bold color, but I like this slate-blue tone, and it works well in the overall palette of the house,” she says. Continuing her theme of vintage suitcases, Karen chose the coffee table because it reminded her of an oldfashioned steamer trunk.