Come shop my upcoming Vintage Keepers Live on Wednesday, November 1st. This week we will be switching it up and having an ALL CLAIMS sale which means MORE vintage! There will also be opportunities for prizes! Watch my stories and posts on @vessel_vintage for more information. Now, let’s go hunt down some vintage and antique elements that say “Quintessentially English”!
Now before we begin, I’ll have to introduce myself again! I’m Shayna Morehouse of Vessel. I love to curate vintage collections around themes and design styles. If you were to ask my niche, I’d first say how dare you try to put a label on me. Then I might begrudgingly say if I have to choose just one- it would be English!
England is one of my favorite places to travel to with my husband and two boys. We like to visit every other year and travel to a different part of the country we have never been before. This summer we will be spending a majority of our time in Cornwall. My husband is a history teacher and an itinerary extraordinaire. We pack a lot of traveling with an emphasis on history into our month in England-with two little dudes! We traveled to England the first time when my oldest was only 7 months old, he loves travel as much as us now! I always come back inspired by the many beautiful places we’ve visited and stayed. Our last trip, we stayed in a 14th Century cottage!
I had my first Instagram live auction sale with Vintage Keepers last March. I named it, THE HUNT. I had hunt scenes galore, antique transferware, toleware- It was quintessentially English in every way.
My second live auction collection was The Coast, which was inspired by the English coast and our travels to Dover the previous summer. Vintage and antiques included lobsters- both the Royal Bayareuth crustacean kind AND the British men in uniform, seaside creatures, and an antique oil of a castle! (Which was to die for!)
This next collection I’m bringing to Vintage Keepers is The Hunt II. I wanted this collection to feel like an English study or hunting lodge. I’m not an interior designer, I’m a vintage and antiques dealer- so my “products” tell the story! Four words came to mind when I was putting this “quintessentially English” collection together-Traditional, Historical, Masculine, and Timeless.
TRADITIONAL:
Just a simple google or Pinterest search of “English decor” the first images you will probably see are hunt scenes! Black and red coats on horses in the English country, their beloved dogs, and the ever elusive FOX! Nothing is more traditional or quintessential in English decor style than a hunt scene. Remember hunt scenes are not limited to framed art. One of my favorite pieces I’m bringing to the live is this painted fox tray- not a traditional hunt scene, but the object of their affection!
HISTORICAL:
I love curating pieces that bring a historical element to a space. History has a huge influence on English decor style. If you have any interest for interior design you know that trends are just history repeating itself. In one little corner of Instagram we’re back in the Hellenistic Revival movement. While in another corner of social media, designers and influencers are being influenced by the Art Nouveau or Deco periods. I love to see all these design trends! In the right crowds, it comes hand and hand with an appreciation for history! English decor is influenced by its’ own history. War, imperialism, even the Roman Empire! I love adding a historical element through British men in uniform. (Don’t ask. It’s a long story.) Here’s a pair of hand- colored lithographs coming to the live sale!
MASCULINE
It is essential to have masculine elements in your English design! One of my favorite follows on Instagram is Mathew from @matt_made_home who often adds these English masculine touches to his home! I find so much inspiration from his designs!
hese are some masculine elements I’m always on the lookout for!
•Wool plaid or tartan throw blanket or rug. (Immediately add to cart.)
•Leather-bound books, I love warm brown leathers!
•Wooden chests and boxes! Hello functional vintage!
•Nature or nature-inspired elements like horns or mounted antlers. If taxidermy isn’t for you, there are so many faux options!
•Metals, what’s more English than a collection of trophies!
TIMELESS
English decor is also timeless. Staffordshire and Wedgwood are synonymous with quality and are as “old as the hills” of England herself. Staffordshire ware, lead-glazed earthenware and unglazed or salt-glazed stoneware made in Staffordshire, England, from the 17th century onward. Staffordshire was one of the foremost pottery centres in Europe. And Wedgwood is an English fine china, porcelain and luxury accessories manufacturer that was founded in 1759 by a potter and entrepreneur named Josiah Wedgwood. Look at this gorgeous Wedgwood pitcher I found recently, with a hunt scene no less!
When you add decor with age, quality and value you’re adding a timeless element to your English-inspired design! Look for those hallmarks, people!
I hope you’ll join Deb and I this Wednesday for The Hunt II! To snag some vintage or if only to chat English decor style, come spend some time with us! It will be a quick claim sale NOT an auction! How exciting!! Are you ready for The Hunt?
