How To Be Inspired: The Collected Kitchen
I recently stumbled across this home tour and fell in love. The gorgeous kitchen is filled with trinkets and treasures found and gathered over time, and because of that, it’s filled with character and charm. It’s the home of John Derian, decoupage artist and decor shop owner, but what I admire the most about all his work and his home, is how collected and natural it feels.
You may remember my previous post about How To Be Inspired - French Greenhouse, and in this next installment, I want to use John’s gorgeous, collected kitchen as a jumping off point for how you might reinterpret the space for your own home. John’s home was left mostly un-renovated to appreciate the timeworn finishes - history is spilling from every corner, so most of the items are vintage and one of a kind. Below are some of the ways I was inspired by his kitchen. I’d really like to hear what you take note of in the comments. Studying the images as art helps us to conceptualize them in our own way.
CITRUS STILL LIFE
Inspired by the painting above the mantle, vintage still lives are timeless, and the fruit focus is perfect in a kitchen. This citrus piece was recently brought back from France and is available now in The Prop Shop!
Here’s another vintage painting that would work quite well.
WOOD CANDLESTICKS
Inspired by the antique candlesticks on the mantle, these turned wood ones have a lovely rich color and curvy lines. I love lighting candles in the evening and turning off any harsh lamps, it creates a wonderful, cozy glow that feels very old-world.
A few more wood candlestick options if these aren’t perfect for you.
VINTAGE BATIK PILLOW
Inspired by the soft yellow and blue of the wallpaper and paneling, this pillow is made with vintage Batik fabric and has so much great texture. Remember, the idea isn’t to replicate what you see, it’s to be inspired by what strikes you - and to think of ways you can make it your own!
As a former sea captain’s home, there are nods to the ocean throughout, from a seashell collection in the glass cabinet to the nautical artwork on the walls. Natural collections are best gathered during your own explorations through nature, and they only add to the layered, collected feel of a vintage-filled home.
VINTAGE GLASSWARE
Glassware is one of the easiest types of vintage items to find, walk into any antique store and you’re guaranteed to find hundreds. They are also widely available online - keep an open mind and use search terms and filters to your advantage! Here’s a search results page for you to start browsing.
STRIPED THROW
Inspired by the red and white pillows in the dining nook, this throw blanket has a much more muted color so it doesn’t grab too much attention. I have to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of red, but this soft brick red is lovely! Stripes also tend to have a nautical feel, which ties into the inspiration.
OVERSIZE VASE
This is a staple to have in any home - the design is timeless and it’s very practical. Large enough to display long branches, but also useful to display flowers or a collection of smaller items like vintage thread spools or sea shells.
VINTAGE NAUTICAL ARTWORK
Artwork depicting sailboats and harbors can add a sophisticated beach element to a space. It’s also fun to collect artwork in a theme, it gives you something to focus on when searching websites and antique stores. Here are some nautical paintings to peruse. Side note: I personally love nautical gallery walls!
ANTIQUE HEMP TOWELS
Antique hemp towels have the most amazing texture, and they’re extremely absorbent. Hemp and linen are often used interchangeably, but hemp typically has a bit more texture and sturdiness. Despite their age, don’t be afraid to use antique hemp towels everyday, they are durable and meant to be used! Just be sure to hang dry them.
BRASS SCONCE
Inspired by the brass faucet above, this sconce has a gorgeous aged finish and a vintage, timeless style. Keep in mind, you don’t need to recreate inspiration exactly as you see it. By reimagining the brass feature through a different type of accent - you make the design your own!
RECLAIMED WOOD STOOL
Inspired by the natural wood elements in the space, this stool has a lovely texture and rich color, but still feels a little bit modern thanks to the neatly squared off edges. The design style of this simple stool will never be trendy. I consider pieces like these a good investment for any space!
MISMATCHED DINING CHAIRS
Mismatched vintage dining chairs are such an easy way to add some charm, but also a great small way to be more sustainable by appreciating furniture that already exists, even if it’s not a full matching set. There are so many lonely dining chairs out there looking for a place to call home - I’d highly recommend checking out your local thrift stores if you can.
VINTAGE HEMP RUG
Inspired by the flat woven rug in John’s kitchen, this is a simple hemp rug in a neutral brown color. What’s nice about hemp rugs is that they’re very low profile, which means they’re easier to clean and great for high traffic areas. I also really love this one in a more saturated brown, and this one in black if you’re looking for something even darker.
Here are some more vintage brown hemp rugs.
I hope that this post leaves you feeling inspired to bring a little bit of vintage character into your own home. Remember, it’s not about replicating exactly what we see in others’ homes, it’s about figuring out what we truly love about them, and incorporating it into your own personal style. Please leave your thoughts in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!
Inspiration Photos: Alpha Smoot Styling: Kate Jordan for Cup of Jo. | Privacy & Affiliate Policies
