Anything But Boring: Tips to Decorate with Neutrals by Stacey Turner

Stacey Turner’s passion for home decor started at a very young age. She told us how “I would move my toy baby doll crib around and style objects in my room." After obtaining her interior design degree and working in the field for many years, Stacey now uses her skills to preserve and infuse her family heirlooms into her own home. “These items are my absolute favorite treasures," explained Stacey. 

In this week's edition of Collected Perspectives, we had the opportunity to chat with Stacey about her love for antique and vintage items, and how she decorates her home. Stacey also selected some recommendations from our marketplace for you to achieve a fun and interesting design, even when neutrals are the main character. Let’s check it out!

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

Stacey: I enjoyed visiting my grandmother's house and seeing her collected vintage decor on every square inch of her home. The character and stories of those antique, vintage and second hand items is something that can’t be found with something new. 

AN: What are some items that you always find yourself bidding on/looking for when shopping secondhand?

Stacey: I usually look for art, books and furniture. 

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

Stacey: My favorite item would be an antique metal US postal box. It's 5’ tall, and I bought it for $15.00.

AN: How do you accomplish a tasteful mix of different woods in the same design?

Stacey: I scatter the wood tones through the space. By doing this, your room feels cohesive. Using the same wood tone in a space can make everything look flat, which is why I try to stick with wood tones that both compliment and contrast. As you decorate your home over time, you pick up pieces along the way. These pieces won’t match — and that’s the best part.

AN: How do you incorporate so many neutrals while still maintaining a fun and interesting space?

Stacey: By adding layers of accessories with color and texture this will help give your room life, character and energy. Since I decorate mainly with second hand, vintage and antiques, these accent pieces stand out because they are unique, weathered and they have their own personality.

Stacey’s AuctionNinja Picks:

1. "The Non Explosive Lamp" USA Oil Lamp and Chimney (Drumm’s Antiques)

2. Davis Francis Schwartz (1879 - 1969) Large Original Oil Painting - Western Mt Valley River Landscape - CA (Orfantiques)

3. Antique Salt Glazed Stoneware Crock (Rehome Estate Sales)

4. Antique Victorian Brass George II Style Candlesticks (Hassle Free Estate Sales)

5. 2 Vintage Silverplate Pitchers (Rehome Estate Sales)

6. Glass Numbered Plaques (Hassle Free Estate Sales)

7. Fine Quality Regency Style Flat Top Desk (Auctions By Smith’s)

Other Picks Not to Miss:

1. Antique White Marble Top And Wood 4 Drawer Dresser with Hand Carved Pull Handles ( Barton Co.)

2. Depression Era 6 Piece Green Glass Labeled Canister Set (Drumm’s Antiques)

Written by:

AuctionNinja Staff

March 9, 2022     Updated 03:06 PM

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