Touches of vintage style

This was a guest post i did over the summer at Rachel's beautiful blog Lovely Clusters. Just thought i'd re post it here, incase you havent seen it before and also so i can refer to it for all the links in the future.

credits for the top mosaic: 1. anniversaryselfportrait, 2. vintage, 3. ., 4. Rest)

So I thought i would talk about one of my passions today as thats always a good place to start isnt it.
One of my favourite things is collecting interiors books with vintage or flea market styling. I am sure we all have our favourites, among mine are Bazaar Style, Shabby Chic Interiors and Easy Elegance I dream of decorating in this style someday and like to be inspired by the vintage decoration i see in people's homes.

Inside the pages of our favourite interior books, we see a complete look. Sometimes its a little daunting to achieve the same. Maybe as its not practical, affordable, or the items are hard to come by in the area we live. Maybe too, the people we live with, wouldn't be too happy with a full shabby-chic-d abode!

Luckily the thing about vintage, is it can find a home quite happily amongst any style you may already have. You don't have to spend a great amount and add much, to still bring the essence of vintage to your home.

Little touches such as old china,(like this set i got from Scotland lately) crochet throws, or repurposed fabrics can blend into your rooms and add a unique touch. Think of it like fashion where there has been an ever growing trend for mixing vintage with modern pieces. The secret is always to follow what you love and by adding only that, well, you can't really go wrong.

1. miniature, 2. I love cooking.... , 3. part of drape..., 4. Guest Bedroom

I have gathered together some images here that inspire me with ways to add in touches of vintage. Old books, cushions, a pottery jug....china, bedding and postcards.

1. sofa, 2. Cath Kidston roses, 3. Handknit socks, 4. windowsill

But where to source these items, especially if there are no local flea markets or antique shops to hand....luckily we now have the wonder of online shops! Clever people who can come by the most special of old treasures and we get to browse them from our sofas!

Rachel has done a beautiful job of highlighting just the type of shops we are looking for in the decor section of Lovely clusters. Here you'll find sections for wall decoration, cushions, ornaments and linens.

As i live in England i wanted to include some Uk based websites that have vintage homewares, but here are also some in the States. I'm sure all will be happy to cater to international buyers.( Just bare in mind the postage cost for weightier items and any import duties.)

Sources for vintage online: Uk based shops

Decorative Country Living

Hen House Emporium which is where these Union jack cushions are to be found...