Now that Memorial Day weekend has passed, we’re even closer to the official start of summer, which means that it’s time to educate yourself on the hottest vintage and antique trends of the upcoming season. Here, secondhand pros throughout the country reveal the antique and vintage finds that will be all the rage over the coming months. Be prepared to say yes to whimsical accents, funky patterns, and more as you embark on your summer treasure hunt!
Fruits and Vegetables
Once you fill your kitchen with fresh summer produce, don’t forget to bring some fruits and veggies—of the decorative variety—into your main living spaces. “Fruit and vegetable motifs in home decor have cycled in and out of fashion for centuries, and right now they’re experiencing a major resurgence,” says Will Hunt Lewis, the founder of Hunt & Bloom in Houston. He recommends keeping an eye out for these designs on ceramic pitchers, salt and pepper shakers, and decorative objects crafted from ceramic, tole, and iron, in particular.
Euro Summer-Themed Accents
Even if you won’t be traveling abroad this summer, you can easily bring chic Euro vibes into your abode. “I’m seeing people thrift colorful vintage glassware, hand-painted china, woven baskets, pottery, shell motifs, crocheted throws, hand-embroidered tablecloths and linens, and vintage water pitchers being used as vases,” says Nancy Cavaliere, the content creator behind Casa Cavaliere in New York City. And if Italy specifically is on the mind, look no further than splatterware, she adds. “Splatterware is also having a huge moment right now, especially the Italian style splatterware coming out of places like Puglia,” Nancy shares. “I think people are craving spaces that feel collected, relaxed, and effortless, like you’ve gathered pieces over time instead of just pulling out the matching wedding china set.”
Garden-Inspired Items
This summer is all about blurring the lines between indoor and open-air spaces. “Gardening and bringing the outside in has really been trending lately,” Nancy says. “Vintage watering cans are having a huge moment, especially whimsical ones shaped like animals or ones with special hand-painted details.” Repurposing furniture to then use outside is also in vogue. “I'm also seeing people thrift old shelves, tables, and cabinets and turn them into potting benches or little gardening stations instead of buying new outdoor furniture,” Nancy adds.
Marbleized Books
Marbleized designs are popping up everywhere lately, and if you’re fortunate enough to come across vintage or antique books with marbleized detailing, you’ll want to pick them up. “Antique books with marbled covers and exterior pages feel like little works of art,” says Betsy Jones, the founder of Betsy Goes Antiquing in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Not only do they hold so much history, but each one is completely unique with vibrant swirling colors and movement.” Plus, she adds, the styling possibilities are endless: “Whether stacked on a bookshelf or styled on their own, they bring a layered, colorful, and collected look that feels both intentional and effortlessly timeless,” Betsy shares.
Cabana Stripes
As you shop for furniture and textiles alike, don’t be afraid to go bold with thick cabana stripes this summer, says Rikki Kanellopoulos, who finds that these give off major Palm Springs or French Riviera vibes. “Whether it’s upholstery or painted furniture, bold stripes are trending,” notes the founder of Sourced by Rikki in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Pair them with contrast piping on upholstery for a crisp summer statement.”
Antique English Burnt Bamboo
While truly stunning all year long, antique English burnt bamboo furnishings are especially striking to weave into the home this season, Rikki states. “Sometimes referred to as tortoise bamboo, it has a rich, scorched finish and natural texture that layers beautifully in summer spaces,” she says. “It’s naturally chic and does a lot of styling work for you!”
Festive Servingware
Summertime is all about leisurely nights spent entertaining alfresco, and Jayme Ritchie notes that many people will be on the hunt for stylish servingware to use at home. “I love to look for drink trays and punch bowls,” says the founder of Jayme Ritchie Interiors in Springfield, Virginia. “Nothing elevates a barbecue like a silver-plated tray of lemonade glasses or a glass punch bowl filled with something spritz-y!” She finds going the secondhand route with such items “can also make them feel less precious—so, you can go ahead and feel good using them outside and for parties.”
