The art of creating a beautiful home
A house is only a home when there is a personal touch. When it comes to decorating some people are drawn to buying sets or sticking to just one overall theme that can result in a look that seems straight out of a catalog or showroom. I have always believed that a beautiful home is one where each piece tells a story. Where your personality and life really shine through. I am a self-confessed flea market bunny and being a history major I love anything vintage. I’ve been known to rummage through my parent’s garage and my lola’s closets and take home random items that I’m not really sure where I would put them! In the end it all falls into place. But how do you throw in the old without being old-fashioned?
It’s all about contrast. You don’t need to embrace the entire shabby chic look just to indulge in some vintage furniture, in fact, I find that contrast can make the pieces look even more beautiful. A handcarved antique wooden console against a stark white wall paired with a modern abstract painting. A sleek steel and glass table with mid-century wooden chairs and industrial cement floors. A chinoiserie chest with contemporary Italian furniture in the living room. I have always believed that when you choose pieces you absolutely love, with some proper editing and styling in the end things will turn out harmonious and each piece will find its place.
In our last episode of Modern Living TV, I took you through the streets of Bangkal with furniture designer and dear friend Nix Alañon of Phoenix Home where we scoured for those perfect vintage accent pieces and figure out how to best meld the old and new. He expertly showed us how to transform a rickety old chair into a chic new one! Here are my tips on how to score the best finds when you hit the flea markets or segunda manos.
• There are only two reasons to go vintage hunting: you are looking for something specific or want to explore. If it’s the latter let yourself be guided by impulse and instinct. Go for the “love at first sight” piece. If it’s the former, don’t distract yourself by looking at too many other items, go straight to vendors who specialize in what you are looking for.
• Always set a budget. And try to stick to it! If you’re like me, the longer I stay in a flea market the more the junk turns into great finds and I end up purchasing way beyond what I need. I always bring cash and leave my checkbook behind or in the car. That way if you want something that is above your budget you can think twice or simply make a down payment and come back for it later.
• Learn to haggle. When it comes to these things, apart from fine antiques and rare collectibles the old adage holds true: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. There is no right nor wrong price, only what you are willing to pay for it. If you find that it’s too expensive for what it is, it probably is. You should always come away feeling like you found a good deal or at least a fair one.
• You may find broken pieces that are easily repairable. However stay away from pieces that need to be completely redone or broken beyond repair. It will just give you headaches.
• When buying light fixtures make sure to test the electrical wiring if it’s working. Also have an electrician look over it to make sure the wiring is not old and faulty and could electrocute you or start a fire.
• For some smaller pieces like décor or chairs, always try to find a pair. You may choose to use only one but it’s nice to have the option to balance things out if necessary. You also don’t want to regret later on and say “Shucks! I should have bought the other one as well!” If you really have no use for the second one you can always keep it as a nice present later on.
• Try to see beyond the piece. Imagine it in your home, where it might go. Or how to repurpose or refurbish. A coat of paint? New upholstery? From a bookend to a lamp? Get creative to make this already unique piece truly your own.
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Watch Modern Living TV on ANC every Saturday at 6 p.m.
