We don’t care what the calendar says: As far as we’re concerned, it’s officially summer. But just because we’re planning to spend the foreseeable future outside doesn’t mean we’re deprioritizing our interiors. On the contrary, the sunny season is actually a great excuse to take an audit on your home decor. Which pieces are not working in your home? What’s missing from your space? And, of course, what do you need to pick up the next time you swing by your local antique store? Because, truth is, you’re not the only one who’s looking to revamp your home this season.
Some people will assume summer’s a good time to stock up on planters and outdoor furniture; however, in-the-know antique lovers already stocked up on al fresco essentials back in the spring. According to Debbie Mathews LeRoy, principal and owner of Debbie Matthews Antiques & Designs in Nashville, summer is all about looking inward.
“People are yearning for ties to the past and unique items for their homes,” she says. “They want a piece with history, provenance, and character.”
But hurry! Antiquing is like a real-life treasure hunt, so it’s safe to say the most covetable items will be snatched up quickly. To help, LeRoy is sharing her predictions for antique items that will fly off the shelves this summer so you can grab them while they’re in stock.
Layered Wall Decor
Looking for a low-impact way to make a big impact? Your walls hold the answer. LeRoy is noticing an uptick in antique French gilded mirrors as they work beautifully in both traditional and transitional spaces.
Another idea: Rework your artwork. “Dark and moody portraits, still lifes, and landscapes are always popular, they can add depth to a space as well as heritage,” she says.
Chandeliers
Lighting can make or break a room, but it can also change the entire vibe of your space. If you’re looking to hit the refresh button on your home, LeRoy encourages you to switch up your fixtures. “Lighting is one of my favorite design elements,” she says. “I always refer to it as the jewelry of the home and I love introducing unique crystal chandeliers, Murano glass chandeliers, and even vintage lanterns into a space.” Bonus points: LeRoy says a vintage chandelier gives you the opportunity to cast a one-of-a-kind glow your neighbor definitely can’t copy.
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Shelfie Acccessories
A beautiful chandelier can be a compliment magnet, but it’s not the only way to give your home an inimitable edge. Smaller details, LeRoy says, can be just as striking.
“One-of-a-kind accessories like stone or brass pieces, antique scales, antique books and bookends, busts, or sculptures can all add patina and architectural interest to a room that is hard to achieve otherwise,” she says.
For a layered, lived-in look, interject these smaller accessories in unexpected places such as a bar cart or bookshelf.
Woven Wares
Haven’t purchased your outdoor furniture yet? Don’t worry, most antique shops will still have a few great options to sift through. That said, LeReoy says you don’t want to dilly dally on buying rattan or wicker pieces. “Bamboo, rattan, and wicker pieces can add an interesting texture, a bit of whimsy, and can add a casual vibe to a space,” she says. “They feel summery and tend to sell more in the summer than the winter.” Bistro sets and armchairs will be in demand, but LeReoy predicts shoppers will be clamoring to get their hands on a wicker bar cart.
Outdoor Tabletop Finds
While you’re at it, you might as well expand your hosting arsenal. “Any items that can be used for outdoor entertaining tend to surge in the summer,” she says. “Whether it be quilts and picnic baskets for outdoor events or vintage drinkware.” If you are going to pick up new tabletop accessories, consider buying items that are built to withstand the elements. For example, a set of durable melamine plates will be far more practical than dainty porcelain.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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