Vintage is the new luxury and consumers are searching out beautiful imperfections.  Simple, natural, authentic. Is it the times? Is it a modern backlash? The aged looked is definitely making a comeback. 

We've realized that material wealth is not the answer to happiness.  2009 has been a year of reflection as to what is really important.  2009 has been a year of redefining luxury as we consumers have changed our buying and spending habits. 

Vintage furniture (be it a reproduction or from an antique store, resale shop, or a tag sale) infuses character and history to a room.  It is casually elegant, blending with most any décor . . . for it coexists with both antique and contemporary decor.   It's a new definition of beauty with a lot more character allowing for individualized looks.  A vintage piece can anchor a room, looking like it has always been there.  Painted, it can act as a bridge connecting other colors and elements in a room. 

Vintage pieces become conversation pieces for they possess legitimate flaws (pre-dinged, pre-scratched or pre-dented) making a room comfortable and cozy.  Everyone feels more relaxed for they won't be the first to blight the finish!  

But, as people we are funny. If we purchase a new piece of furniture that becomes scratched or nicked we attempt to hide or correct these flaws and we'll dearly pay a professional to make it once again, as good-as-new.  Yet, when we purchase a pre-aged piece we proudly display its "flaws" as heritage giving it a sense of history.

With the economy still tenuous, people are taking themselves less seriously and they are less pretentious in their decorating style.  Homes are becoming personal experiences.  More about the authenticity of the home owner than the latest trend.  Vintage pieces offer a "collected" look which is extremely tolerant of change.  And, vintage pieces are easier for our thinning wallets to justify.  You can keep them forever for they are functional, hence, always in style.

The furniture in your home should feel like an old friend . . . someone with whom you are relaxed and happy.  Vintage pieces permit you to put your feet up, be yourself and be loved for being yourself.

Creating exciting vintage reproductions is a talent.  Following are some of the most talented:  GuildMaster, Roost, French Laundry, Creative Co-op, Vagabond, Go Home.

Subscribe now to The Trend Forecaster at www.thetrendforecaster.com for the latest colors and design trends.