Root and Dwell Monthly Challenge | 4. Add Soul to Your Space

Challenge number 4 is dear to me because it’s one of the characteristics of my design style and what I think brings the spaces I create to life and filled with personality! This month I challenge you to add some soul to your space through vintage item(s). This could be a family heirloom, something from an antique/thrift store, a piece you pick up at a tag sale or Facebook marketplace, or something made out of reclaimed or old materials.

There’s a bit of an art to choosing and incorporating vintage pieces to your space, so I’m sharing some tips below!

Some tips for thrifting/adding soul to your space:

• Make sure the piece(s) work with your design style. Try not to add something just because it’s vintage—have it make sense in your space so you will be proud of it and keep it always!

• Have an idea of what you’re looking for when you go thrifting. I like to keep a running list in my phone of vintage items I want so that I can refer to it when I go shopping.

• But be open to pieces that call to you! If you see something that really resonates with you but it’s not on your list, that’s okay! If it’s a piece that fits your style and you have a place for it in your home, go for it!

• Some items that are always good to pick up and have on hand (if it fits with your design style of course!): frames, wooden bowls, baskets, vases and vintage artwork.

• When adding these thrifted items to your space, think about balance. A few vintage pieces mixed with newer items will add that character you’re looking for, whereas too many in one room can be overwhelming and not have the effect you’re after.

• Try adding pieces or having something custom made from reclaimed wood or other old materials. Even though they may be newly made, they still have that soulful feel. We have a beautiful bench made from old hemlock barn wood, the shelves in our son’s room are reclaimed wood, and our fireplace mantel is an old piece of barn wood as well. They both add texture and depth to our home.