Special Guest Series – Mixing Old With New

Today marks day one for a special guest series "Mixing Old with New".  Isn’t that what "us" vintage lovers do every day?  Well this week our special guest Red Barn Mercantile is here to provide you with some fabulous tips to make it work, and make it work well.

Red Barn Mercantile is a fabulous independent family owned store in Alexandria, Virgina.  If you are lucky enough to live in that area, you’ve got to head over and check it out. They offer a personal shopping experience that’s detailed to your vision. The staff is determined to give you the attention you deserve and is far from a "big box" same old, same old way of shopping.

Each layout is dressed to the "tee" mixing old with new to create perfect landscapes in each room of the store.

I asked store owners Dan & Amy if they would share some of their fabulous tips with VI readers on mixing vintage, antique with modern and sophisiticated.

Tip #1 – Determine your perspective.  Do you want to introduce modern items with your mostly antique furnished room or do you want to bring something old into your mostly modern décor?  You might think that’s redundant, but there is quite a difference.

If you’re looking for accent pieces, consider conversation starters that pop. For instance, a centuries old farm table can warm up a modern eating space, or a modern plexiglass lamp can bring a touch of the 21st century to a vintage bedside table.

Tip #2 – After finding perspective, find one piece – big or small – that truly speaks to you.  It can be as big as an armoire from the 1800’s or as small as vintage wallpaper from the 70’s – whatever it is let it inspire you. 

That’s it for today’s tips! Check back tomorrow for more from Red Barn Mercantile. In the meantime, if you have a chance to check out the store head over and get a peek for us!