The Staying Power of Vintage Furniture

The process of designing the Tudor was about crafting a larger narrative. Although the bones of the home only date back a few decades, the 1980s, to be exact, my vision focused on creating rooms that exuded a rich, storied quality, as if they’d existed long before us. To bring this sense of history to a relatively new structure, we incorporated vintage elements throughout the majority of the home. This delicate balance of old-meets-new involved carefully selecting antique furniture and aged finishes that seamlessly integrated with the modern framework. The result was interiors that feel both fresh and familiar, timeless yet time-worn.

Tobacco Leaf Mirror sourced from Litt Concept House

Sourcing Vintage & Antiques for The Austin Tudor

The entire Austin Tudor renovation project was driven by a strong commitment to sustainability. Our approach prioritized reusing materials wherever possible, minimizing waste, and reducing our environmental footprint. I knew from the get-go that sourcing forever pieces was an integral part of aligning with the Tudor style and injecting character and history into the space. Vintage furniture was more than just a design choice; it was a conscious effort to marry aesthetics with sustainability.

I traveled to LA to meet with Litt Concept House to begin the sourcing process. As someone who’s long admired this family-owned business, it was such a treat to connect with Dina and the team and shop their entire selection in person. What drew me to LCH was their impressive 50 years of industry experience and the down-to-earth atmosphere they’ve cultivated. Shopping for vintage furniture can feel intimidating and even cost-prohibitive for many projects. But as a direct importer of antiques and rugs, Litt Concept House can offer an impressively vast selection at very accessible price points. Their landmark store is a treasure trove of antique chairs, tables, rugs, and decor pieces with heirloom quality. It’s a place where antiques aren’t just beautiful; they help connect the past to today.

One of the highlights of this experience was exploring The Rug Room within Litt Concept House. This haven for vintage rug enthusiasts houses hundreds of work-of-art rugs, each brimming with character. They’ve curated a diverse collection featuring hundreds of selections, from Vintage Overdyed to Moroccan to Traditional and even Modern. I could have spent all day exploring The Rug Room, but as luck would have it, I found my perfect dining room rug right from the onset.

Vintage Persian rug sourced from Litt Concept House

Final Selections & How I Styled

Let’s take a closer look at what came home with me to the Tudor.

Vintage Rug

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Our dining room leans distinctly masculine in style. It has sort of a ‘library meets bar room’ vibe, so I wanted to look at vintage rugs with a more feminine appeal to add balance. During my trip to Litt Concept House, I came across the most stunning floral rug with shades of pink, purple, and blue. Meticulously hand-knotted Vintage Overdyed carpet, the rug dates back to 1970s Persia and combines timeless design with contemporary charm. It acts as an anchor piece in the dining room and really became the catalyst for the entire design concept.

Tobacco Leaf Mirror

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Also located in the dining room, this nearly four-foot-wide mirror is just what we needed. While I love the dark and moody essence of the space, I wanted a way to bounce more natural light with a mirror opposite the window wall. Handcrafted by Indonesian artisans using dried tobacco leaves, it has the coolest worn, textural look that plays well against the green woven wallpaper from Elitis France.

Painted Early American Antique Primitive Cabinet

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The Tudor doesn’t have a formal entryway, so creating a dedicated “drop zone” was essential. While shopping at LCH, I came across an 1820s handmade cabinet and knew it was perfect for the job. The cabinet style exemplifies early American craftsmanship, with its enduring, layered paint finish marrying aesthetics with everyday functionality.

Decorative Box

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While I was primarily sourcing furniture during my L.A. trip, I also wanted to keep an eye out for smaller decorative pieces that exuded lots of character. I happened to spot this antique burl wood collectible box that I knew we’d put to good use. At the time, I wasn’t quite sure where it would live, but it’s since become a permanent fixture on our dining room bookcases—you know, the ones we found on Facebook Marketplace for $50. We use it to hold all our playing cards, dominos, and poker chips for easy access on impromptu game nights.

Natural Oaxacan Pottery Plates & Bowls & Red Oaxacan Pottery Tiny Bowls 

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I fell in love with these Oaxacan pottery pieces minutes after walking into Litt Concept House. They exemplify the Oaxaca region’s artisan tradition, using black clay and natural materials to create a smooth surface in black, red, and natural tones. They’re such an important reflection of cultural heritage, and I have them displayed on our dining room bookcases and kitchen open shelves.

Antique primitive cabinet sourced from Litt Concept House

My biggest takeaway from sourcing vintage furniture for this renovation has been the lasting impact of quality craftsmanship. While procuring these vintage and antique pieces, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for heirlooms that I hope will become forever fixtures in our home. Antiques are such a sustainable choice, not only due to their longevity but also because of the incredible stories they carry with them.