Creating a Functional & Stylish Entryway With Vintage Charm: Tips & Picks from Heather Taylor

As a lover of all things vintage and antique, Heather Taylor of @victoriannerdess has a knack for turning her historic Queen Anne Victorian home in North Carolina into a stylish and functional space. 

Her passion for preservation and restoration has led her to curate a beautiful entryway that combines practicality with charm. In this blog post, we’ll explore Heather’s tips for creating a functional and stylish entryway, and showcase the 8 items she picked from AuctionNinja's marketplace to bring her vision to life. 

So, whether you're a historic homeowner or simply looking for some inspiration, keep reading to discover how to make the most of your entryway space.

Heather’s AuctionNinja Picks

1. Victorian Eastlake Marble Top Walnut Commode Washstand (21st Century Antiques)

2. Lot of Milk Glass: Candy Dishes, Candle Holders (Heritage Estate Sales and Liquidation)

3. Junghans Walnut Vienna T&S Regulator Wall Clock - Key Included (Elles Auction House)

4. Antique Side by Side Secretary Bookcase with Glass Door (Black Rock Galleries)

5. Victorian Silver Plated Cake Basket (Auctions By Smith's)

6. Antique Arts And Crafts 4 Light Brass Hanging Chandelier (21st Century Antiques)

7. Antique 1940's Italian Marquetry Mirror w/ Scalloped Edges- Gold Trim (Let It Go Tag Sales)

8. Paint Decorated Flower Basket Doorstop (Edward B. Beattie Auctioneers)

Heather’s Tips & Tricks

1. Use furniture with built-in storage. An antique hall tree or washstand can be both functional and stylish, providing a place to sit and also storage space for items like packages, keys, and dog walking supplies.

2. Invest in a large basket with a hinged lid. This is a great way to store frequently worn shoes and keep them organized while allowing them to breathe. Plus, adding a dryer sheet occasionally can keep them smelling fresh.

3. Include a mirror and wall clock. These functional accessories are great for checking your appearance and keeping track of time as you head out the door.

4. Add a touch of greenery: An antique plant stand can add a touch of natural beauty to your entryway and make it feel welcoming without sacrificing square footage.

5. Use trays and dishes: Small trays or beautiful serving dishes can be used to catch keys and change, keeping them organized and easy to find.

Q&A with Heather

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

I’m a historic homeowner who’s been obsessed with antiques and Victorian homes since I was a kid. Preservation and restoration are my passions and we moved to our small North Carolina town because of their incredible historic districts. 

We bought a wonderful Queen Anne Victorian that had been in the same family for about 100 years before changing hands a few times. I’m not a professional designer by any means but decorating a historic home gives me the chance to play in that space.

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

My grandmother’s attic and basement were chocked full of vintage items, and I would “shop” to put together play areas and vignettes. She was so creative and really inspired me to express myself through interior decor. I was always collecting antique furniture and trinkets, even when I was a 20 something living in an apartment. I think I was always an “old lady in training”.  

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

I have a real problem leaving behind Victorian furniture that can multitask like secretary desk/side-by-sides and washstands. Those make such perfect entry and hallway pieces that can hold and disguise mail, packages, keys, items that need to go to your car…you name it! 

I am always stunned that people don’t consider items like that before buying a new pressboard or a mass produced piece that won’t last. Our area of the country is lucky to have a wealth of reasonably priced antiques. They’re almost always less expensive than new.

What's your favorite AuctionNinja purchase?

I’m actually waiting to see if I’m going to win it as we speak, so I don’t want to jinx myself!

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

This is such a tough question but it’s probably an incredible bow front tiger oak buffet that I use as a cocktail bar. The upper section fits liquor bottles perfectly while the bottom sections hold my glassware. It turns a back hallway into a useful space where people gather. If I ever decide to switch it up, there are endless possibilities for where it can go and what it can hold.  

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

Learn what you’re comfortable fixing and what you’re not. So many things look awful onsite but clean up beautifully with minimal effort and some Old English Scratch Cover. 

On the other hand, I’ve brought home several items only to realize the repair was beyond my skill level and more expensive than I anticipated. I’m much better now about realistically sizing up a piece.

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Written by:

AuctionNinja Staff

March 15, 2023     Updated 01:06 PM

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