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Houzz Tour: Kay Loves Vintage
Step Inside the Amsterdam Home of a Mid-Century Modern Collector
If the thought of living on the outskirts of Amsterdam, collecting gorgeous Mid-Century furniture and (in my mind at least) pedaling around on a bike with a basket full of tulips sounds nice to you, then this Houzz Tour should be right up your alley. Okay, so I don't actually know if bike rides and freshly-picked flowers are routine in the life of Kay from the blog Kaylovesvintage, but the location and furniture collecting most definitely are. She offered us a peek into the charming home she shares with her husband, daughter and four cats.
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| The two-bedroom house the family shares was built in 1901 and sits in a small village a few kilometers outside of Amsterdam. Both Kay and her husband are avid Mid-Century Modern collectors, so naturally their small home is filled with treasures from the period. |
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Kay works as a personal vintage and antique shopper (dream job!), and on the side runs an Etsy store selling many of the pieces she finds on her hunts.
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| Because space is at a premium in the family's home, they try to stick to one rule: "For every item that comes in, something else has to go." |
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They also now try to focus their collecting on smaller items from the '50s and '60s, rather than large furniture.
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Kay has the right idea: She puts her favorite finds in the living room, as it's where the family spends most of their time.
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| The collection continues outside with retro patio chairs and servingware. |
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In addition to scouring flea markets and yard sales, the family travels to England, Denmark and Germany once or twice a year to look for interesting pieces.
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| A vintage Ericofon peeks out from behind the family's contemporary media setup. |
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| Interested in starting your own MCM collection? Kay has some good advice. Most important, "If you don't like the hunt, don't start collecting unless you have a huge budget." Furniture from the '50s and '60s is very popular right now, so you've got to really put in the sweat work to find something you love at a great price. |
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Getting a good price works twofold: Not only is it easy on your wallet, but if your tastes change down the road, you'll likely be able to sell it for what you got it for.
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| You may have to wait a while to find what you're looking for in your price range. As Kay points out, "...you will always find an item for the right price if you are patient enough. Realize that prices are going up and down rapidly. Some hot item that will cost you a fortune could be quite affordable in two or three years time." |
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Kay currently has her eye out for a radio — preferably a Tesla 308U Talisman or Nordmende Transita. Her husband? A CH28 sawhorse chair by Hans Wegner.
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"Also, learn about the big MCM designers and the items they designed," she says. "We spent hours reading books and browsing the internet for information. This is also good for developing your taste in design."
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| A collection of hyacinth vases and vintage cameras. |
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Kay stores many of her pieces upstairs, but daughter Nila's room is open for a view. An Eames rocker holds court near a wall of contemporary prints.
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| A vintage garden bench from the 1950s makes for a cozy spot to enjoy the backyard. |
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Thanks for giving us a peek inside your home, Kay!
You can follow Kay's collecting adventures at her blog, Kaylovesvintage.
More Houzz Tours:
'70s Condo Gets Extreme Makeover
Abbey's Aesthetic Outburst
Lauren Liess's Pure Style
You can follow Kay's collecting adventures at her blog, Kaylovesvintage.
More Houzz Tours:
'70s Condo Gets Extreme Makeover
Abbey's Aesthetic Outburst
Lauren Liess's Pure Style
Comments
jadeplatinum Lovely
2 years ago · Like
Esther Reyes What a fun, quirky place filled with beautiful collectibles. One of my favorite Houzz posts, ever!
2 years ago · Like
shoegrrrl Really great look!
2 years ago · Like
Christina Ebbers Um, can I please have your life Kay? I have always been intrigued by Amsterdam, I adore Mid-Century Modern (& your home!) and biking with a basket full of tulips sounds PERFECT. Husband, daughter, and 4 cats? Awesome. Traveling? Awesome. We are seriously kindred spirits.
2 years ago · Like
Elaine M. Rushlow C.K.D. This is just fantastic nothing looks too shoddy and everything seems to have it's place. Nice job.
2 years ago · Like
tina herald This is wonderful. Very upbeat with a really positive attitude.
2 years ago · Like
sojourn1960 My taste lean more toward the romantic but I can see myself living very comfortably in this home. The clean lines and well chosen pieces make it a true beauty.
2 years ago · Like
jamie bushnell Love every bit! Beautiful home. The outdoor areas are as fabulous as the indoors.
22 months ago · Like
clintonbeattie So much warmth, personality and superb selection if chairs!
3 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Feb. 12, 2011.
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