Sarah Ives has been decorating her home with vintage finds for over twenty years. She scours flea markets, estate sales and thrift stores for unique pieces to give her home a one of a kind look. Her look is Upscale Downhome–upscale taste on a downhome budget. Recently, she designed her own unique line of window treatments which allow you change the look of your decor quickly and easily. She sells them at her website and etsy shop along with other vintage treasures she finds along the way during her adventures in decorating.
1. Handmade Antique Quilt
I purchased this handmade, antique quilt at an estate sale for $45. I was immediately drawn to its graphic qualities and knew it would make a fabulous head board in my master bedroom. I painted the wall behind my bed a bright white so it would contrast with the neutral but bold colors in the quilt. It’s truly a one of a kind look for my home!
2. Seascape Gallery Wall
I purchased all of the various nautical and sea themed works of art at various estate sales and thrift stores. None but the large painting of the ocean cost more than $10. Some are original oils and some are prints but grouped together they make a definite impact in my son’s bedroom. Using similarly themed items in groups maximizes the dramatic effect.
3. Holiday Vignette
All the items for this Holiday vignette, which decorates my front entryway, were purchased second hand. I purchased the chair at a used furniture shop for $25. This is more than I usually would pay for a chair but I loved its lines which are reminiscent of Chinese Chippendale. I spray painted the chair a bright, cheery red and added a tartan plaid seat for the Holidays. The pine cone wreath was purchased for $2 at a different second hand shop. I added glitter and the vintage reindeer ornament for some holiday bling. The lamp was $8 and the antique trophy was a great score at only $1. The desk is an antique but this vignette shows that one quality piece can carry a whole look when enhanced by inexpensive but tasteful touches.
4. Vintage Organization
This vintage blue cupboard is in my design studio/office and it holds the supplies I need to make my curtain tie backs. Vintage jewelry and findings are corralled in glass jars all purchased for less than $2 each at thrift stores and garage sales. The glass jars make it easy to see what you have and thus, saves time. The open shelf cupboard itself was purchased at an estate sale for $40 and it is topped by tins collected the same way as the glass jars. I love the bright and cheery punch the vintage advertising adds to the space.
5. Dutch Bombe Cupboard
I purchased this amazing piece at an estate auction. It cost $650 which may not seem like decorating on a dime but in relation to its retail value of over $2000, it was a bargain. This is an antique made in the early to mid 18th century in the Netherlands. It features a bombe front and still retains its original finish. It would have originally had doors to cover the shelving but they somehow got lost along the way. I use this cupboard in my living room for seasonal displays.
Check out Sarah’s website, www.upscaledownhome.com
Blog: www.upscaledownhome.net
Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/upscaledownhome