Guest Curation: Embracing Vintage Charm in Your Kitchen with Méabh's Secondhand Finds

In a world where trends come and go, there's something comforting about surrounding yourself with beautiful, timeless pieces that have stood the test of time. For Méabh Cooney of @cooneynest, a mother of five and primary school teacher from Ireland, vintage decor isn't just a hobby – it's a passion. 

Méabh has handpicked her favorite items from our marketplace to help you create a vintage kitchen that's both functional and stylish. From vintage furniture to retro-inspired gadgets, join us as we explore Méabh's picks and discover how you can bring a touch of vintage charm to your own home.

Méabh’s AuctionNinja Picks

1. Preston Marble Top Kitchen Island (Clearing House Estate Sales)

2. Jean Paul Courchia (France, B. 1955) Oil on Canvas, Chair with Printed Cushion (Black Rock Galleries)

3. Vintage Coca-cola Wall Clock with Key (Arapahoe Acres Antiques and Collectibles)

4. Beautiful Solid Wood Hutch by Broyhill (Best Treasures)

5. Americana Painted Wooden Egg Collection (Clearing House Estate Sales)

6. The Montebello Haviland & Co France Limoges 25 Cups 16 Saucers (Laceys Place)

7. Vintage Richard Ginori- Italy- Oval Porcelain Hand Painted Covered Casserole (Let It Go Tag Sales)

8. Copper Teapot, Shaker & Cupid Tray (Girlfriends Estate Sales)

Q&A with Méabh

Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself and what inspires you?

My name is Méabh and I am a primary school teacher and a mother of five living in Ireland. 

I have always had a keen interest in upcycling, antiques and thrifting. As the children grow older, I find our home transitioning into a new phase also, probably more in keeping with my true style which reflects a love for beautiful, timeless pieces and a decor inspired by times gone past.

What got you interested in secondhand, vintage and antique items?

I have always had a love for vintage pieces and indeed vintage eras. As a child I read voraciously and my fascination with the classics and the fashion and decor of the times described in these books fostered my love for pieces that held a story and stood the test of time. 

I relish the prospect of reusing or reimagining preloved pieces of furniture, and celebrating their craftsmanship and beauty. This also lends itself to supporting sustainability which is important to me.  

What are the one or two things that you always find yourself bidding on/looking for when shopping secondhand? 

I have a particular soft spot for vintage china. My teacup, teapot and tableware collection is ever growing and I think it's quite incredible to hold these very fragile pieces in your hand and realize that as fragile as they are, they have seen many years and have passed safely from table to table. 

I love to wonder how many events they have been part of, how many problems have been solved around this teapot, how many secrets have been shared clutching those cups!

I also love to gather chairs! I like pretty wooden bedroom chairs in particular and I love the effect a little seated area creates in a room, beckoning visitors to sit for a while and have a chat or ponder- the world will wait!

What's your absolute favorite item ever purchased at an estate sale or online auction?  

As I've said I absolutely love my china collection so possibly my favorite purchase is a cabinet I bought in an auction in which I display most of my china, glassware and table linen. 

The piece itself was not very expensive and was not particularly antique, but it was sturdy, well made and had a beautiful shape and I knew that I could take those bones and create something special by upcycling it and giving it a more vintage look.   

Any tips or advice for online auction or estate sale newbies?  

I would say go in with an open mind and always employ the mindset of "possibility". You may not find the exact thing you thought you were looking for but sometimes an item will speak to you and become what you love. 

Keep your budget in mind of course, and do a little research beforehand.

Written by:

AuctionNinja Staff

March 23, 2023     Updated 01:06 PM

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