The garden is often only given second-thought. First priority on makeovers and renovations is almost always given to the home interior. This is a shame as the patio offers just as viable a living space. This holds true year-round. In fact, you can really add a sense of old-fashion charm to this outdoor living space by adding a few antiques and making some minor rearrangements. We’ll show you some out-of-the-box ideas for outdoor vintage decorating.
Hope you enjoy this whimsical Guest post that was written by Hannah Hutchinson who is a interior designer by day and hobby blogger by night. I know you will enjoy her insights!
1. Add a Wagon or Bike
Anything with wheels looks good in a garden for some reason. This gives you a lot of options to experiment with. You can incorporate a vintage wooden wagon with the oversized cast-iron wheels. This is a good staging area for potted plants or even as a makeshift raised garden bed. If you happen to own a vintage wooden barrel, the two would look great side-by-side for a country cottage appearance.
Aside from a wagon, you may also opt for a vintage bike. Prop it against the wall and let it collect a bit of moss and vegetation overgrowth. A little bit of rust is a good thing, too. If the bike has a basket in the front, place some freshly cut flowers.
2. Vintage Bird Bath
A fountain is a mainstay in outdoor gardening. Add some water, and you’ll attract chirping birds and the occasional squirrel. It also serves as a main piece that serves as a backdrop for smaller décor, such as the typical lawn gnome and plastic flamingos. Bird baths come in so many vintage styles, including stone, copper, ceramic, and much more. Some antique versions come in really creative designs. The pedestal, for instance, may be in the form of an angel, or the edge of the bowl may contain carvings of mermaids or other mythical creatures.
As for the bowl, you can leave it as is or add water. Other options include adding seashells or placing a hand-woven table cloth over it.
3. Circular Bench
Some public parks include vintage benches made from wrought iron. These have very ornate designs similar to what you would see in a wrought iron fence. You can get one of these for your garden. Better yet, if you have a tree on your property with a sizable trunk, look for a semi-circular bench that partially wraps around the tree. You can take this concept even further and get a custom-made model that wraps entirely around the tree.
If you stick with a semi-circular bench, then consider adding a homemade tire swing in the opposite end if there is a sturdy branch to accommodate one. The old-style bench combined with a tire swing really brings about that summer-at-your-grandparents’-cottage feel and vibe.
4. Wall Hangings
If you have a fence surrounding your property, make use of the interior portion. Hang items that you would normally hang in an interior wall. Consider anything made of aged and rusted metal, which blends perfectly with an outdoor landscape. Other ideas include antique photo frames without any photos, discarded license plates, old oxidized mirrors, and old wall clocks that have long since stopped working.
5. Antique Garden Tools
Since you’re renovating a garden, then why not make the tools of the trade part of the décor? Use vintage tools that are clearly showing its age. A good example is a rusted tin watering pot, which you can use as a makeshift planting pot. You can do the same with a seed distributor. You can also incorporate a number of weeding and cultivating tools and display them here and there. For more extensive projects, you can add bigger tools to the backdrop, such as a metal plow with wooden handles or an oversized pitchfork that you can prop against the wall.
6. Sundials
Hardly anyone is aware of a sundial’s purpose. In the days before the modern clock, sundials showed the user the approximate time of day. Today, they are relegated as artifacts and collectibles. Add a giant stone sundial for an old-world effect. You can place it smack in the center of your main patio table or keep it on the ground surrounded by shrubbery. Some of the more elaborate designs come with engravings, inscriptions, and ancient language. Some even come with a built-in compass.
The garden encompasses such a large area of a portion of your property that is often under-attended. Give it some much deserved attention with a few props from decades past. You’ll be surprised how much more vibrant the yard becomes.
Hannah Hutchinson is an interior designer based in London, currently blogging for Westland London. She’s always chasing new ideas and likes thinking outside the box when it comes to incorporating fresh ideas to her clients’ new homes.
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Carol Woodard says
Oh happy day! Thank you for this inspiring post. Ideas just popped into my head as I read. Now I need to be patient for the weather to cool a bit and hope the garden centers still have a few fun plants I can put in my child’s wheelbarrow. Hugs to you!
Andrea says
Hey there Carol! How are you. Soooo happy that you enjoyed today’s post! Tons of ideas and inspiration for sure! I love the idea of putting pretty plants in a child’s wheelbarrow…bet you it is going to look FANTASTIC!!! Sure hope you are staying cool and enjoying the Summer! Sending tons of hugs and wishes for a picture perfect day!