Howdy friends! Lots of people get depressed in winter or suffer from “the winter blues”. The medical name for this winter depression is seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Do you like winter or does it seem to drag on? I tend to want to get out of the house but to a place of comfort and happiness. One place I enjoy going (by myself) is to an antique mall. I went last weekend and want to show you what I bought. So, here’s how to add new pieces to create a charming hutch.
How To Add New Pieces To Create A Charming Hutch
I can spend hours in an antique mall when I’m alone. Sometimes I might stand inside a booth for 15 minutes examining several trinkets. Other days I’m on a mission so my eyes give the booth a quick look-see then I’m off to the next one.
On my last trip I found a few steals. In my book, a steal is when something is cheaper than I’ve seen in many booths, it’s in my price range, and it’s been on my wish list for a while.
Something that is always on my list is ironstone. And my word, it is extremely hard to come across in my neck of the woods. Honestly, I feel lots of things I like or want are hard to find. I blame that on the recent surge in decorating styles.
Do you feel that too? We’ve loved vintage treasures for many years and now it seems everyone else does too. And the people scooping it all up are in their 20’s! What the cuss people. You aren’t supposed to know what’s cool or what you love until your 40’s – at least!
Nevertheless, a few new serving bowls were added to the dining room hutch. When I opened the doors I thought I wouldn’t have room. Mostly because I don’t want the hutch to look overcrowded, muddled or disorganized.
5 STEPS TO CREATING A CHARMING HUTCH
This is where symmetry helps. That’s the first step. Keep your shelves symmetrical if possible. It doesn’t have to be exactly even on both sides, just close.
Next, keep the heavier pieces on the bottom, to the back or in corners. That helps tremendously with visual weight.
Step three is keeping the smaller items corralled. If you notice in the fabulous clear pitcher, there are several small cupcake holders inside. Using the cake plate to hold the measuring cups is another example.
If you have a hutch that has shelves all the way to the floor or ceiling, keep your favorite pieces at eye level.
Step four is fill in the gaps. Use your single pieces like the vase with silverware or small ones like the handmade (by me) sugar bowl and creamer to fill in the gaps.
Last step is don’t be afraid to use items that you think may not belong. Adding prints, books, candles, greenery or seasonal items can all make a hutch look darling.
Well, that’s how to add new pieces to create a charming hutch. One of these days I’m going to need another hutch for all my goodies. But until now, I love walking by and seeing the new vintage treasures that look like they’ve been there for decades.
Your hutch looks gorgeous! I love the hunt so much. It’s my happy place as well.
Author
Thank you Renae. Do you have lots of places to go where you live? I have to drive pretty far to find some. Happy hunting!
I love “say stuff it to 2024” lol something I have always said.. and done. So happy you guys are the first ones to come right out and say it out loud. Your article made me feel so good…thank you!
Author
I’m so glad Marylee! I hope this blog is always a place of feeling good. We have enough sadness and judgement in our lives. Hope you have a great start to the year. And I hope you comment again soon! Thank you.
Haahahaha!!! I’ve noticed that here too….seeing lots of YOUTH out and about in vintage shops and thrift stores…but I’m actually totally cool with that because they are shopping sustainably!
Your hutch looks amazing and you scored some beautiful pieces. Happy New Year!
Author
You are much nicer than I am and I can see my selfishness oozing. I better tuck that back in. 😉 Thanks Rachel.
Gorgeous hutch and great tips Cindy!!! Ironstone is almost non-existent nowadays. Painting your hutch black inside is so dramatic and really shows off your wonderful pieces. As usual you’ve inspired me to do an all-white hutch.!
Author
It makes my day to hear I inspired YOU! Thank you and I’m looking forward to seeing your all white hutch. Happy decorating!
Love your hutch and all those beautiful ironstone pieces. I love them and the way you have placed them. I also have trouble finding ironstone but, I still like to look, and a lovely way to spend the day.
Author
It truly is a way to spend the day. I wish I could find more places to go. Are there any places you’d recommend near you? I’m always up for a day trip when antiquing is involved!
I love your charming way of displaying your ironstone Cindy! You always inspire me and I wish I had room for a hutch like yours! Happy New Year!
Author
Girl, I bet you have room. You’re just to clean and organized to picture it. 😉 Thanks so much Michelle. Looking forward to seeing all of your fabulous ideas this year.
This looks amazing, Cindy, and I am so excited that you were able to find a few new pieces too. It’s hard to find in Florida as well so when I find something special it feels like such a treat. I love how you have styled everything and created vignettes on multiple shelves. It’s a total show stopper! Sending you hugs and can’t wait to find out what you have in store this year, CoCo
Author
I couldn’t put my finger on the feeling I get from a hard-to-find piece but a treat is exactly it! Thanks CoCo. Hoping 2024 brings lots of new treasure hunting stops and finds. 😉