We were honored to be featured in Southern Living for their piece on what designers prefer to buy secondhand! Being asked to share insights on vintage styling accessories was such a treat—this is one of my favorite topics because it perfectly combines sustainability, character, and that collected-over-time aesthetic that makes Southern interiors so special.
Publication: Southern Living
Article Title: Things Interior Designers Would Never Buy New
Publication Date: April 11, 2025
Author: Heather Bien
Southern Living explored which design elements are better sourced secondhand rather than purchased new, and why designers consistently turn to vintage and thrifted pieces for certain categories. The article highlights how thoughtful secondhand sourcing adds authenticity, sustainability, and personality to homes in ways that new items simply can’t replicate.
The Complete Insight I Shared:
When Southern Living asked which design elements I prefer to buy secondhand, here’s what I recommended:
At The Intentional Design Studio, I love sourcing vintage and secondhand pieces, both for their character and their sustainability. One category I rarely buy new? Styling accessories for tables, shelves, and bookcases. These finishing touches are where secondhand sourcing really shines. From vintage pottery to small-scale sculptures, these pieces add the warmth, texture, and personality that make a space feel layered and lived-in.
What I’m Always Hunting For:
Handmade Ceramics with Interesting Forms or Glazes
Vintage pottery brings an organic, artisan quality that mass-produced pieces can’t match. Look for unusual shapes, reactive glazes, and pieces with makers’ marks—these add both visual interest and a story to your shelves.
Woven Bowls or Trays for Natural Texture
Vintage woven pieces, whether they’re sweetgrass baskets, rattan trays, or hand-woven bowls, bring warmth and texture to any surface. They’re perfect for corralling smaller items while adding that collected, natural aesthetic.
Vintage Books with Beautiful Spines
Old books add visual height, character, and instant sophistication to bookshelves and coffee tables. Look for interesting colors, gold lettering, or leather bindings. Stack them horizontally to create varying heights in your styling.
Brass or Stone Objects
These grounding elements add weight and contrast to vignettes. Vintage brass candlesticks, stone bookends, or small marble pieces provide the visual anchor that keeps styled surfaces from feeling too lightweight or precious.
Small Framed Art or Old Photographs
Vintage frames with original art or black-and-white photography tell stories without dominating a space. These pieces add personality and history in a subtle, sophisticated way.
Styling Tips for Vintage Accessories:
The Rule of Three:
Group objects in odd numbers (3, 5, or 7 pieces) for the most visually pleasing arrangements. Vary heights and textures to create interest.
Mix Old & New:
Pair vintage accessories with contemporary pieces to keep the look fresh rather than museum-like. A vintage brass candlestick next to a modern white vase creates beautiful contrast.
Create Visual Weight:
Balance delicate items (like vintage frames or ceramics) with heavier pieces (stone objects or stacked books) to ground your vignettes.
Tell a Story:
Group items that share a theme—all brass objects, all natural textures, or pieces from the same era—to create cohesive, intentional displays.
Leave Breathing Room:
Negative space is just as important as the objects themselves. Don’t overcrowd surfaces—let each piece have room to shine.
Why This Approach Matters:
These pieces bring warmth, history, and visual weight to styled surfaces. That collected-over-time look is a hallmark of classic Southern design, and sourcing secondhand is one of the most authentic ways to achieve it. An added bonus? Shopping secondhand supports sustainability and gives me the chance to introduce one-of-a-kind finds that reflect my clients’ personalities.
When you style with vintage accessories, you’re not just decorating—you’re curating. Each piece has lived a life, carried meaning for someone else, and now gets to be part of your story. That layered, personal quality is what transforms a house into a home.
We’re so grateful to Southern Living for the opportunity to share these insights with their readers!
Read the full article on Southern Living →
Secondhand Garden Finds: Thrifted Treasures for Southern Gardens – More ideas for shopping secondhand!
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