Decor of the Week: Gardencore

Welcome to this week’s edition of "Decor of the Week," where we showcase the latest transformations and inspirations in home decor! Each week, we dive into the heart of our latest decorating projects, sharing the creative process, the unique pieces we've chosen, and tips for incorporating similar ideas into your own space. Whether you're looking to refresh a single room or overhaul your entire home, you'll find plenty of inspiration and practical advice right here. This week, we're excited to reveal how we've infused new life into my (Kelly’s) Hutch blending Gardencore style and vintage charm. Let's dive in and explore the details!

So what is Gardencore you ask?

Gardencore is a whimsical and nature-centric aesthetic, draws inspiration from lush gardens, quaint cottages, and the serene beauty of the outdoors. It embraces a blend of rustic charm and botanical elegance, creating a space that feels both cozy and invigorating.

To decorate with gardencore, start by incorporating natural elements like wooden furniture, stone accents, and plenty of greenery—think potted plants, hanging vines, and floral arrangements.

Vintage items such as wrought iron garden furniture, weathered planters, and antique botanical prints add to the nostalgic feel.

I found 3 vintage flower seed pack plaque signs while out antiquing in my local town! They were only $3.00 each and they were the inspiration that sparked my Gardencore Hutch.

Soft, earthy color palettes featuring greens, browns, and floral hues help to cultivate a serene, garden-like atmosphere indoors.

Textiles like floral-patterned cushions, linen tablecloths, and lace curtains enhance the cottagecore vibe. By blending these elements, you can create a tranquil, enchanting space that brings the essence of a flourishing garden into your home.

Adding vintage items to a hutch can infuse it with a sense of aged character and charm, transforming it into a focal point of nostalgia and elegance in your home.

Begin by selecting timeless pieces such as Dundee Marmalade Jars as shown above. Dundee Jars originally used for marmalade from James Keiller & Son in Dundee, are prized for their charming vintage appeal. Many Dundee jars have been recovered from Victorian-era dumps, where they were discarded after use.

Another favorite element we love to add are Flower frogs! If you aren’t familiar flower frogs they are used to arrange flowers in vases or bowls, date back to ancient times, with early examples found in Egyptian tombs. They became particularly popular in the early 20th century, especially during the Art Deco period, when glass and ceramic flower frogs were widely produced and prized for their both functional and decorative qualities.

Displaying vintage glassware, like old-fashioned bottles or goblets, can add a delicate, whimsical touch. Vintage seltzer bottles, often made of glass and encased in protective wire mesh, were widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to dispense carbonated water. Originally a staple in soda fountains and households, these bottles are now coveted collectibles, celebrated for their industrial charm and unique designs.

To decorate with vintage seltzer bottles, place them as striking standalone pieces on shelves or mantels, or group them together to create a nostalgic vignette. They come in vibrant colors and varied shapes make them ideal for adding a touch of vintage flair to kitchens, dining rooms, or home bars.

I found these Seltzer bottles this weekend while antiquing in Red Bank, NJ. I can’t tell you how excited I was to find these after searching for them for what felt like forever! This is your sign to keep searching for the items you want, they will turn up when you least expect it!

Incorporate heirloom items or flea market finds like lace doilies, old flower pots, or a collection of vintage postcards for a personal and eclectic vibe.

I found a few of these aged flower pots for this hutch at the Good Will! The best part was I found 8 different pots that I paid $5.00 for!

Last but not least: my FAVORITE new element are the living flowers I added to the hutch.

Incorporating living flowers into your decor can significantly enhance mental well-being by creating a more vibrant and soothing environment.

The presence of flowers has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, as their natural beauty and calming fragrances foster a sense of tranquility and relaxation.

The act of tending to flowers can also provide a mindful, meditative activity that helps to divert attention from daily stressors, promoting a sense of accomplishment and joy. Moreover, the bursts of color and life that flowers bring into a space can elevate mood and boost creativity, making living flowers a powerful addition to any decor for both aesthetic and psychological benefits.

Arrange these treasures thoughtfully, balancing them with more contemporary pieces to create a harmonious blend of old and new. The patina and imperfections of these vintage items tell a story, adding depth and history to your hutch, making it a captivating showcase of timeless beauty.

Written By: Kelly