Furnishing a Vineyard Home: My Love Affair with Antique Furniture (and What I Learned the Hard Way)
When we moved into our Italian-inspired country home nestled in a vineyard, I knew I was entering a new season—one filled with sunlight, space, and so much potential. This home is more than just a change of address; it’s three times the size of our first place, a cozy LA apartment by the beach, and it’s full of character and charm. But with all that square footage came a very real challenge: furnishing it.
This has been the chapter where I finally get to explore and define my interior design style. I've always loved design, but this time I have the room—and the reason—to make it mine.
Antique Furniture : My First Love
Naturally, I leaned into the existing soul of the house. Its rustic elegance and patina felt like an invitation to fill it with furniture that had a story to tell. I quickly fell head over heels for antique furniture—and went overboard. Suddenly I was sourcing from every antique shop, thrift store, estate sale, and Facebook Marketplace listing I could find. I still stand by most of those finds.
But here’s the truth no one talks about: when you go all-in on vintage and antique furniture, your house can start to feel a little… grandma chic. And not always in the good way.
What I Did Wrong (and What I’d Do Differently)
Looking back, I can see that I made two big mistakes.
I bought too much, too fast. I let my excitement lead, and instead of curating a space, I collected one. Without restraint, the house started to feel stuffy and overly traditional.
I shopped with someone else’s style in mind. I became fixated on recreating Pinterest-perfect rooms instead of listening to my own intuition. I’d see a photo I loved and buy pieces to match that space—not my space. And I found myself trying to “make everything match” instead of blending styles in a way that felt authentic and elevated.
The Key? Mixing Old With New
Now that I’ve stepped back, slowed down, and lived in the home a bit, I’ve discovered the secret: mixing vintage with new, modern pieces creates the perfect balance. That’s where the magic lives. It allows the space to feel fresh and layered, collected and intentional—not overly styled or frozen in time.
This isn’t about trend-hopping or buying new just for the sake of it. It’s about finding thoughtfully designed, well-made pieces that complement the soul of the home while elevating the overall aesthetic.
Where I Am Now
These days, I’m approaching the home with a much slower, more intentional mindset. I’ve learned to give each room time to breathe, to evolve naturally. I’m no longer rushing to fill every corner or check off a to-do list—I’m curating a space that feels layered, warm, and lived-in.
I still love antique pieces and the soul they bring, but now I’m balancing them with clean-lined, thoughtfully designed newer items.
What I’m still searching for?
A streamlined textured sofa that brings people together to connect by next to the cozy fireplace.
Sleek or feminine wall sconces to give more mood lighting. It’s that contrast—old and new, rough and refined—that makes a space feel personal and elevated.
Statement seating to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning with the sun spilling through the windows.
I’ve also started thinking more about function. With two young kids, it’s important that things are not only beautiful, but durable. I’ve found myself drawn to newer pieces that bring comfort, structure, or practicality to a room without sacrificing style. Sometimes, it’s the newer additions that give those vintage finds the space to really shine.
This house is teaching me that style isn’t something you copy—it’s something you discover over time. And right now, I’m loving the process of letting this home—and my design voice—reveal itself, one piece at a time.