8 Vintage Finds to Create a Warm & Cozy Home: Guest Curation with Maria Hilsenbrand

Mariah Hilsenbrand is a vintage stylist who specializes in mixing old and new pieces for a uniquely eclectic look. She loves styling interiors as well as fashion and got her start in display coordination for independent boutiques and major stores like Anthropologie. She now runs the blog, Worcester Run, showing people how to mix modern and vintage styles and giving advice for thrifting and vintage shopping.  

In this week’s edition of Collected Perspective, we asked Mariah to pick her favorite antique and vintage pieces throughout our estate sales and online auctions. Here are her 8 picks to create a layered look for a warm aesthetic that’ll make everyone feel at home.

1. Guy Chaddock French Country Coffee Table (Trading Post Estate Sales)

Classic, elegant, and not too over-the-top, this French Country coffee table can be matched with a wide variety of décor styles.

2. A Large 19th Century Pine Parson's Bench (Clearing House Estate Sales)

Whether it’s on the ends of beds or perched in a living room, in an entryway and even outside, this bench will be a great addition to your space.

3. Victorian Embroidery In Wood Serving Wall Tray ( Associated Estate & Appraisal Co.)

It’s pieces like this one that set your space apart from others! Imagine displaying this as a piece of art on any bare wall that needs some extra vintage charm or placing it as a serving tray on your ottoman or guest bed. You’ll instantly have a space that looks magazine-worthy!

4. Antique Heriz Room Size Oriental Rug (Auctions By Smith's)

Why not bring some color and style into your living room by incorporating this interesting antique oriental rug? It can also be placed in your bedroom, or you can even group it together with some other furniture and create a nice and pleasant arrangement.

5. A Vintage Steamer Trunk (Modern Day Auctions)

In the bedroom, this trunk can be placed at the end of the bed where it would serve as a great place to store blankets, pillows and other similar items. It can also be used as a coffee table in the living room. It would be an exquisite accent piece and, since it’s usually placed in the center of the room, it would also be a great focal point for the décor.

6. Diminutive French Ticking Upholstered Sofa (Auctions By Smith's)

Ticking stripes on this upholstered sofa is a subtle-enough pattern to work well with a multitude of other prints and gives your space a casual vibe. 

7. 19th C. Oil, The English Ship Earnest (Auctions By Smith's)

 Popping this oil painting in an unexpected space such as a newly remodeled bathroom or in a kitchen is such a great way to add something with history and character to the space once it’s complete. 

8. A Pair of Art Deco Wall Sconces (Clearing House Estate Sales)

These Art Decor sconces are such conservative and traditional pieces that you can add to any room to strike the perfect balance between modern and timeless.

We also had the opportunity to chat with Mariah about her love for antique and vintage hunting and what’s her tip when shopping secondhand through estate sales and online auctions. Check it out!

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

Mariah: I come from a long line of vintage-lovers and was raised going to antique stores and thrift shops regularly. It was normal in my house to restore a chair found on the side of the road or drive several hours to pick up an antique dresser. I’ve always loved treasure hunting for unique pieces with a story. 

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

Mariah: I have a weakness for vintage accessories like jewelry and purses and I can never pass up original art. I ran out of wall space a long time ago, but that hasn’t stopped me from building my collection! 

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

Mariah: It’s so hard to pick a favorite, but my bed frame has a special place in my heart. I had a pretty specific idea of what I was looking for and searched for months for the perfect one. When I finally found it, it was an amazing price and totally worth the wait. I don’t think I’ll ever part with it.  

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

Mariah: Look often, especially if you’re searching for something specific and enjoy the process. The hunt is half the fun of shopping second-hand!

For more vintage styling tips, visit www.worcesterrun.com or follow Mariah on Instagram at @worcester.run.

Written by:

AuctionNinja Staff

April 27, 2022     Updated 03:06 PM

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