Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Vintage Musings


Have you noticed the trend in design and collecting? Vintage is absolutely in style! How strange it seems that antique and vintage shops are now filled with items that were common in my childhood. When I was a little girl, I remember asking my mother how old something had to be to be considered an antique. She thought a moment, and then said fifty years seemed about right. Well, now that fifty years have passed, I would prefer that items of that genre be considered vintage, not antique. But, it is all about perspective, isn't it. Just like fashions cycle again after several decades, so do household items and decor. Retro is in. I like the bright colors and stylized patterns of the fifties. But, I am not so fond of the resurgence of avocado green and brash gold. But, by the time that trend is in full swing again, I will probably be happy for the subtle changes in how it is used, and will embrace it wholeheartedly. What is your favorite, retro trend?

11 comments:

  1. Oh Yes. . .I am so glad I kept the tablecloths and embroidered items from my grandmother. It has become more special each year .. .and now it is in style to boot. . .woo hoo.

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  2. Not sure what my favorite trend is but I can say my least favorite fashion trend that's back is skinny jeans~ugh. You won't catch me in a pair of those. Actually, unless you're supermodel thin no one who is past the age of 18 should wear those!

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  3. I love vintage things, too! And you are right that 50 years does not necessarily constitute and "antique." Ha! Sincerely, Susan from writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com

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  4. I had an antique dealer who considered antique to be anything 100 years old.

    Vintage (to her) was 1970s to 100 years old. I think I like that better, too. :)

    I love vintage linens and kitchen accessories. :)

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  5. It is hard to wrap my brain around the "retro" look of the '50s and '60 after living through them the first time around...and not being wild about the look even then, being an antique from 1880 collector since age 10!

    But...the simple vibrancy of the '50s seem rather refreshing at times after the years of crocheted pieces under every item and stuffed to the max sofas and plush fabrics. Sometimes the energy of the '50 look helps get though the busy times of today.

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  6. PS: I was told Retro was 1950-1990, vintage was pre WWII, and Antique was anything before 1900.

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  7. I love so much of the retro trend and loved it before it was a trend. Vintage linens is at the top of my list.

    I had always heard that an antique was 100 years old or more. They are more and more difficult to find at a price affordable.

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  8. I love the 50's bright colors. I have a couple items exactly like the ones in your photo!

    I want my home to be cozy, rather cottage like, and the bright colors seem to fit right in!

    Blessings!
    Nita Jo

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  9. I don't know what my favorite retro trend is, because I don't keep up on trends enough to know what is in. But I do like "vintage" and family things -- and those table linens in the photo are some of the exact ones I remember from my grandmother's house.

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  10. I have always had a love of vintage things but have recently been moving a little more modern in my decorating with two exeptions. I keep my guest bedroom vintage looking because to me that means comfort. The hand made doilies, quilts and art work just feel welcoming. And, of course, my kitchen with all the well loved kitchen aids that have been passed down to me.

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  11. I'm with you--I prefer the colors and items of the 50's. I'm not much of a retro fan. It is fun to see what the younger generation are choosing from vintage eras. We'll let them keep the avocado and gold ;-)

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