You know that old wedding rhyme we tuck into brides’ bouquets on the morning of their wedding?
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue (and a sixpence in your shoe).
I suppose I’ve carried that same idea into my decorating. People asked me how I blend vintage and modern pieces in my home, and while writing this I had a late-night realization: my home actually contains each element of that rhyme. Once I noticed it, it all made sense—these pieces explain why my house feels like home.
Bear with me—this might shed light on how my style keeps changing.
Something old—the vintage pieces—represents continuity and memory. I’m drawn to objects that carry stories: a brass dinner bell handed down through generations sits proudly in my kitchen, an 18th-century painting sparks conversation, and stacks of colorful vintage books line our living room shelves. These items give the rooms depth and character because each has its own history.
Something new brings optimism and freshness. Mixing modern pieces with vintage finds keeps the look current and personal. New elements let me experiment and avoid the pressure of perfection; they help the house reflect who we are today while honoring the past.
Something borrowed speaks to generosity and a mindful approach to decorating. I love scouting flea markets and secondhand shops, and I often rearrange or repurpose items we already own. I move accessories, switch rugs, and borrow furniture from other rooms—or from family—rather than always buying new. Those rattan chairs you see were secondhand, painted by me and shifted from house to house over the years.
I collect vintage pots and small objects to reuse and repurpose throughout our home. That practice keeps decorating playful: nothing is permanent, and I can refresh a room’s personality simply by mixing and moving pieces.
A balance of old and new also creates practical opportunities for storage and seasonal decorating. A single modern piece can give a vintage vignette new life, and vice versa.
Something blue is easy for me—blue is a favorite and a timeless choice that bridges eras. Whether in antique textiles or contemporary accents, blue feels consistent and sentimental. It unites vintage and modern elements while evoking qualities like loyalty and calm—perfect for a home that holds family memories.
And the sixpence? In the rhyme it stands for prosperity. Applied to decorating, it’s a reminder that a home becomes richer with every layer and memory you add. Each vintage find, fresh purchase, borrowed item and blue accent contributes to a story that grows more treasured over time.
Music is another thread woven into our home life. My husband is a musician, and our house is filled with songs—old and new. One tune we’ve played a thousand times happens to be by a band whose name nods to the rhyme: Sixpence None the Richer. It feels like home whenever we play it.
Enjoy the music, and then read on to meet some friends whose homes blend vintage and modern in their own creative ways.
So that’s my conclusion: my style is a mix summed up by an old wedding rhyme—something vintage with something modern, something borrowed with something blue, and a little prosperity sprinkled in. It’s a simple framework that makes decorating feel personal and timeless.
Today I’m joining several blogging friends who are sharing how they mix vintage and modern decor in their homes. Below are the links to their posts so you can see their unique takes.