Decorating Guides
Vintage Style: General Store Decor
New Ideas for Old Glass, Whitewashed Wood, Worn Metal and Vintage Cloth
Though I find myself enjoying a fast life in the city, I often allow my thoughts to wander into the country. As a child, I remember traveling to the small town of Milledgeville, GA with one of my best friends. Her family owned a general store that reminded me of the ones seen in movies. We often wondered who in the world would want all of that old, worn stuff. Little did we know that this old stuff would later be treasured family heirlooms, and that we would soon have an appreciation of reclaimed woods, handmade vases and patinaed metal buckets.
My how times have changed, while some things remain the same. What I like to call general store decor remains just as popular now as it was then. Here are a few examples in homes across the country. Please feel free to add your own photos, too!
My how times have changed, while some things remain the same. What I like to call general store decor remains just as popular now as it was then. Here are a few examples in homes across the country. Please feel free to add your own photos, too!
Whitewashed wood furniture co-mingles with a fragrant melange of lavender and daffodils while the crystal chandelier makes dining with mason jars feel like more than just a casual meal. Among this eclectic mix of rustic and country, the old ladder in the background does not look as foreign as it seems.
Recycle, reuse and reinvent something beautiful. In this lovely vignette, a book tree crafted from old torn pages naturally coexists with salvaged palladian windows. A repurposed cloche reinforces the shabby chic aesthetic.
Vintage grain sacks and antique ironing cloths inject a feeling nostalgia and history into the room. Notice the chair seat has also been reupholstered with a vintage grain sack.
Old glass bottles become instant decor when arranged in attractive clusters. The worn shutter against the wall helps to create an appreciation for this collected look.
Reconsider vintage fabrics. This memo board upholstered in a gingham print reminds me of a summer of Southern country picnics.
Be playful by using vintage signage in unexpected places. This "Use at Your Own Risk" sign adds a little humor to a bathroom.
A vintage file holder has found a new life as a plate rack. Preserving the patina on a piece like this allows the character of the home to shine through.
In this hardworking pantry, perfectly organized mason jars beautifully display the season's harvest.
This glossy red kitchen scale puts some fun into portion control.
Burlap curtains take on a softer persona when paired with dreamy whites and watery hues.
Apothecary jars turn everyday items — or an assortment of coral, seashells, and sea salt — into interesting discoveries.
Do you have a little general store style at home? We'd love to see your photos!
Next: Browse more home design photos
Do you have a little general store style at home? We'd love to see your photos!
Next: Browse more home design photos
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