Professional designers and homebodies can agree: There’s something about spring that gives our decorating game a little pep in its step. We’ve shedded the physical and metaphorical layers of winter, completed our spring cleaning, and now? It’s time to have some fun with our decor. Of course, one of our favourite ways to do so is with antique finds.
Sure, you could stock up on furniture and accessories at a big-box retailer, but time-honoured pieces always manage to give your space a unique (and completely compliment-worthy) flair. But hurry! As if finding the perfect vintage piece for your space isn’t challenging enough, there are some items that are poised to sell out this spring faster than others. Spoiler alert: It’s time to divert your attention to your garden.
'As people begin refreshing terraces, patios, and gardens, we see an increased interest in architectural and garden elements and accents,' says Meg Harrington owner of home goods shop Huff Harrington.
So, where to begin your search? To help, we chatted with a few antique insiders to share the decor that’ll be all the rage this spring.
Planters
April showers bring May flowers, but if you want to get a head-start on your gardening? Buy antique planters now. Will Hunt, owner of Hunt & Bloom, says there’s a huge demand for Willy Guhl’s shape-shifting vessels, any planter you can get your hands on is certainly worth the investment.
'I always search for vintage and antique planters and pots in all styles: Terracotta, concrete, cast iron, and more,' he says. 'People get excited about spring and summer planting, and I am so excited we are seeing more people looking for older pieces to use for their container gardens.'
Garden statues
According to Hunt, outdoor offerings don’t stop with practical planters. 'People don't consider the outdoors when thinking of antique trends, so they may be surprised by this new demand,' he explains. Topping Hunt’s wish list? Old-school statues. 'I always look for pairs of concrete lions, pineapples, or other great pieces that help accent outdoor spaces,' he says. 'I especially love those that look completely weathered and mossy, speaking directly to their age and the many places they have lived before.'
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Bistro sets
If you’re going to outfit your garden, don’t you need somewhere to enjoy the view? Harrington says spring’s the time to stock up on pedestal tables, garden tools, and bistro sets. '[They] can transition seamlessly from indoors to outdoors,' she says. 'These pieces can live in multiple environments and are always popular this time of year.'
Though these items have indoor-outdoor appeal, look for options in weather-resistant materials like teak, powder-coated steel, and iron.
Sophisticated serving dishes
With the winter blues in the rearview mirror, we are finally ready to flex our hosting muscles once again. So, shop accordingly, says Liz Williams. The designer (and antique enthusiast) says spring is always a great time to stock up on those entertaining essentials. 'Small items repurposed as flower containers, silver pitchers, and ironstone pieces are all very popular. You can even use an antique wooden breadboard that can serve as a cheeseboard.'
Faux bois furniture
If you want to bring a storybook touch to your interior and exterior, keep an eye out for faux bois furniture. The popular, 19th-century style is best known for its seemingly wooden and branchy details that evoke the magic of The Secret Garden. But in reality? These are typically made out of durable materials like iron, concrete, or resin. 'It’s a category that never lingers long,' Harrington says. 'The craftsmanship in vintage faux bois feels whimsical yet timeless—not to mention durable in the elements!'
