There's no bad space to introduce vintage furnishings, but Goldie Hawn has introduced me to the best place: Around the dining table.
An archival image shows the Overboard actress reading her newspaper in her breakfast nook in 1992, and while the whole space offers lessons in nostalgic design, I'm most drawn to the vintage furniture.
Most notably, her wooden dining chair takes center stage. Goldie's piece reminds me of the chairs my grandma used to have around her dining table, but it doesn't feel dated. Instead, it's a reminder that decorating with vintage pieces is the most sentimental, sustainable, and beautiful way to go.
Shop the look
When decorating with antiques, it's always fun to visit local thrift stores, markets, and browse 1stDibs. However, I scouted some more widely available options to tap into the aesthetic of Goldie's breakfast nook.
Crafted from rubberwood, this charming chair features a series of braces that add visual appeal as well as stability. I love its Goldie-inspired curved seatback (in the Windsor style) that completes the aesthetic in fine form, making this chair a perfect pairing for any breakfast nook.
With a sheer design that allows natural light to infiltrate through windows, this lace curtain panel is delicate and simply stunning; the perfect living room addition for anyone with an affinity for vintage-inspired decor.
If you want to add a touch of texture to your table, there is nothing better than this high-quality tablecloth. It instantly looks put together, elevated, and nostalgic, just like Goldie's space.
I admit, I was having a hard time decorating my dining area until I saw this photo. As the place where my guests are entertained, there is a lot of pressure on this room, and consequently, my furniture choices.
While decorating with antiques always felt easier in my living area (where I could accessorize with heirloom pieces), I felt more pressure to make every furnishing in my dining area count. Golide's arrangement proves I can do it all. Her chairs are functional and sentimental, and, better yet, they've already stood the test of time.
Although her pieces are personal, it's still possible to follow Goldie's example. You just need to invest in vintage chairs that speak to you. I love these wooden chairs, as they remind me of my childhood, but there's no wrong way to shop for antiques. You just need to remember to go in with a plan, as Sophie Chapman, the associate and interior designer at The Vawdrey House, explains.
'When shopping for vintage or antique pieces, it's important to go in with a plan. Be open to inspiration but know what you're trying to achieve – it's no good having a tall shelving unit to style and coming back with loads of short bud vases, they will just get lost,' she says.
On the subject of accessorizing our space, Sophie emphasizes the importance of sticking to a certain style or color.
'Try not to buy lots of random bits and bobs that don't work together, and instead collate a scheme,' she says.
'When you are shopping, group things together that you would like to see how they sit together before you buy them. To balance the scheme and add height, use stacks of books or solid objects to hold it all together. Don’t be afraid to mix eras – a modern frame with an antique print creates a beautiful contrast.'
How would you introduce vintage into your breakfast nook or dining area? Let me know in the comments below.
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