Jim Midtlien. Photo: Chris Emeott
Jim Midtlien of Vintage Nostalgia & Things, LLC, finds that people of all ages are shopping for antique and vintage home décor and housewares. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, Jim answers a few questions on how to seamlessly incorporate these pieces alongside modern items.
For someone who’s never bought vintage before, where should they start?
It depends on where you are in your journey and what you’re looking to do [and] how much space you have. Not everyone has space for larger items, so it might be small treasures that they’re collecting … Embroidery is popular, [and] Tupperware was huge for a while. [It’s] things like that, which you can have on your countertop that are quality, bring great memories and bring joy.
What’s the easiest way to mix antique pieces into a modern home?
The best thing that older pieces can do is give you that collected look. There’s no rules against mixing modern with an antique. You can go to a [regular store] and buy a ceramic ginger jar, then come to our store and find a beautiful brass antique lamp with a black shade, a handful of 1920s hardcover books, throw a 1930s Staffordshire bowl on top of the books, and you already have an incredibly beautiful look. I don’t think modern and old fight with each other anymore. I think it depends on how it’s displayed.
What are your thoughts on refinishing or modifying antique furniture and décor?
It’s completely up to the buyer. They know their home. If a piece will look better as a painted piece, that’s their choice. If there’s a beautiful wood piece of furniture in pristine condition, I would hate to see it painted or changed. But, there’s older furniture that’s damaged, and it’s best to fix it and paint it. What I like about that is that you’re changing the look of it with paint or a stain, but you’re still getting the beautiful quality of the item.
Nostalgia Vintage & Things, LLC
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