With the first proper heatwave out the way, we’re even closer to the official start of summer – which means that it’s time to educate yourself on the hottest vintage and antique trends of the upcoming season.
Below, secondhand pros reveal the antique and vintage finds that will be all the rage over the coming months. Be prepared to say yes to whimsical accents, bold pattern and more as you embark on your summer treasure hunt.
Fruits and vegetables
Once you fill your kitchen with fresh summer produce, don’t forget to bring some fruits and veggies – of the decorative variety – into your main living spaces. “Fruit and vegetable motifs in home decor have cycled in and out of fashion for centuries, and right now they’re experiencing a major resurgence,” says Will Hunt Lewis, the founder of Hunt & Bloom.
He recommends keeping an eye out for these designs on ceramic jugs, salt and pepper shakers, and decorative objects crafted from ceramic, tole, and iron, in particular.
Mediterranean summer-themed accents
Even if you won’t be travelling abroad this summer, you can easily bring chic Mediterranean vibes into your abode. “I’m seeing people thrift colourful vintage glassware, hand-painted china, woven baskets, pottery, shell motifs, crocheted throws, hand-embroidered tablecloths and linens, and vintage water pitchers being used as vases,” says Nancy Cavaliere, the creative behind Casa Cavaliere.
And if Italy specifically is on your mind, look no further than splatterware, she adds. “Splatterware is also having a huge moment right now, especially the Italian style splatterware coming out of places like Puglia,” Nancy shares. “I think people are craving spaces that feel collected, relaxed, and effortless, like you’ve gathered pieces over time instead of just pulling out the matching wedding china set.”
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Garden-inspired items
This summer is all about blurring the lines between indoor and open-air spaces. “Gardening and bringing the outside in has really been trending lately,” Nancy says. “Garden antiques such as vintage watering cans are having a huge moment, especially whimsical ones shaped like animals or ones with special hand-painted details.”
Repurposing antiques in the garden is also in vogue. “I'm also seeing people thrift old shelves, tables and cabinets and turn them into potting benches or little gardening stations instead of buying new outdoor furniture,” Nancy adds.
Marbled books
Marbled designs are popping up everywhere lately, and if you’re fortunate enough to come across vintage or antique books with marbled detailing, you’ll want to pick them up. “Antique books with marbled covers and exterior pages feel like little works of art,” says Betsy Jones, the founder of Betsy Goes Antiquing. “Not only do they hold so much history, but each one is completely unique with vibrant swirling colours and movement.”
Plus, she adds, the styling possibilities are endless: “Whether stacked on a bookshelf or styled on their own, they bring a layered, colourful, and collected look that feels both intentional and effortlessly timeless.”
Wide stripes
As you shop for furniture and textiles alike, don’t be afraid to go bold with thick cabana stripes this summer, says Rikki Kanellopoulos, who finds that these give off major Palm Springs or French Riviera vibes. “Whether it’s upholstery or painted furniture, bold stripes are trending,” notes the founder of Sourced by Rikki. “Pair them with contrast piping on upholstery for a crisp summer statement.”
Burnt bamboo
While truly stunning all year long, antique burnt bamboo furnishings are especially striking to weave into the home this season, Rikki says. “Sometimes referred to as tortoise bamboo, it has a rich, scorched finish and natural texture that layers beautifully in summer spaces,” she says. “It’s naturally chic and does a lot of styling work for you!”
Party servingware
Summertime is all about leisurely nights spent entertaining alfresco, and Jayme Ritchie notes that many people will be on the hunt for stylish servingware to use at home.
“I love to look for drink trays and punch bowls,” says the founder of Jayme Ritchie Interiors. “Nothing elevates a barbecue like a silver-plated tray of lemonade glasses or a glass punch bowl filled with something spritz-y!” She finds going the secondhand route with such items “can also make them feel less precious – so, you can go ahead and feel good using them outside and for parties.”
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
