Create a unique vintage design — that you can afford

Come Out of the Woodwork!

Out of the Woodwork was recently given the unique opportunity to display their inventory of home décor at a new concept in Belmar called Pop Shops at 7244 Bonfils Lane in Belmar, which could inspire the inner DIYer in you to redecorate your home with vintage one-of-a-kind pieces from Out of the Woodwork.

The Pop Shops are open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Sept. 29.

By Nicholas Ferguson

We all want to live in a space that uniquely reflects our own idea of beauty. You may be searching for an eclectic side chair for your bedroom, or a vintage ottoman to prop your feet up in the living room.  If you’re like most design enthusiasts, you can never seem to find the perfect combination to fit your concept. You might find a solution that is the wrong dimensions, or not affordable.

This common challenge was part of the inspiration behind a new design store, Out of the Woodwork, located Belmar in Lakewood. There, designers Brandon Coppin, Emily Bernhard and Rachel Hawkins are rediscovering the beauty in vintage home décor.

Artisans and designers by trade, they share a passion for

sustainability, up-cycling and refinishing forgotten treasures. “Beauty has always been there, we are just bringing it out,” Coppin says. “We have a designer’s eye, and an attention to detail.  You can get a one of a kind piece of furniture or home décor, and it is affordable.”

Here are some tips of the trade to keep in mind before you start designing or redecorating your home.

Create a Visual Board: We all can walk into a well-designed space and fall in love with the feeling it creates.  An inspiration board can help you bring together your thoughts on recreating those impressions in your own home.  Find images in magazines, online, or photos you take at your local furniture showrooms.  It will inspire creativity and help you visualize what colors you tend to gravitate towards.

Layer Materials:  One of the secrets to creating an eclectic and unique space is to layer various materials throughout the room for a balance between color, fabric, texture, metal, mirrors, glass and wood.  If you select a vintage wood side table on one side of your textured sofa, pair that with a metal coffee table.  Keeping a balance of materials can add a personal touch to your space.

Start Window Shopping: Although many of us make impulse decisions shopping for furniture, it’s important to explore before buying something. You may see an image of a modern bedroom set that doesn’t turn out to look like what you thought it would in person. Take your color boards, materials and journal with you on your shopping trip.  Write down your thoughts and take notice of items that you would like to include in the final design.

Create a Plan: Sit down with all of your research and begin to plan your space.  Double-check the style, dimensions and materials for each item.  Paying close attention to every detail is the only way to create a well-designed space.