With 2018 filed away and a brand new year ahead of us, I thought it a good time to take a look at what will be trending for the next 12 months. While it will vary on who you ask, the majority of the experts in the field of collecting and design appear to be predicting a stronger than ever market for 1950-1970’s vintage items for the home. Not certain if this is the style for you? Let’s take a look at what is available.
Home Decor — Starburst clocks, mirrors and wall art from designers such a Curtis Jere, George Nelson and the Eames brothers are at the top of the “must have” list for home decor. Coming in a close second are globes from the 1960-1980 time frame and maps, both framed and the old schoolhouse pull down type. Vintage luggage, old dresser drawers and hat boxes will hold strong again this year as popular modes of “visible” storage, with the thought being, the rougher the better!
Lighting — Lamps take on a new meaning in this genre of decorating, not only lending warmth to a room but also serving as a focal point. Pendant lights, adjustable goose neck lamps in both floor and desk models, and hanging fixtures in wild geometric shapes are a great way to add a vintage touch to your room without breaking the bank. Reproduction lighting, as well as authentic MCM-era pieces are both popular. Just remember, if you are planing to use a lamp or fixture from 40 years ago it is always a good idea to have it rewired.
Kitchenware — Everyday kitchen utensils from 1950-1970 are fun, affordable and in many cases more durable than their modern counterparts. Top selling items include Pyrex nesting bowls and casserole dishes, measuring cups and baking dishes by Anchor Hocking and Fire King, and food-prep items from potato mashers to paring knives. We are also seeing an increased interest in small appliances like toasters, blenders and hand-held mixers in original vintage colors like Harvest Gold, avocado and turquoise.
Collectibles — In a world bombarded by the latest in high-tech gadgets, vintage collectors seem drawn to the technology of the past. Manual typewriters, table top telephones and cameras are finding an audience. Leisure time collectibles such as board games, marbles, and decks of playing cards are in demand and there has been a huge resurgence in collectible vinyl and turntables. A word of caution if you are looking into a turntable for your album collection. So as not to damage your records always have your “flea market find” checked out by a refurbishing specialist. Or, better yet, lay down a little extra cash and purchase one from an established dealer that has been refurbished.
In preparation for this column I turned to my longtime friend, and local Vintage Guru, Adam Hampton, for his expertise. Adam’s latest venture, Hampton Design Shop and Studio, located in the Historic Masonic Lodge at 5515 E. Washington St., in Indy, is attracting buyers from around the city and beyond with its eclectic mix of vintage furnishings and collectible treasures.
Hampton believes the key to the popularity of vintage lies in the both the practicality and the sentimentality of the pieces he sells. “Most of my top selling vintage pieces are useful pieces. Items one can use daily,” he said, citing Pyrex, table top phones, luggage and Thermos bottles among his top sellers. “I believe that vintage continues to thrive because people connect with the things that remind them of the past that can be adapted to everyday living.”
Practical, durable and a great way to preserve the past. Vintage! It’s what’s hot for 2019! Until next time….Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com.
