We talk a lot about what makes something “dated” or not timeless and today’s post I think is a great conversation starter for that. So I recently stumbled upon an old post that had been WIPED from my brain. I suppose when you write/create over 300 blog posts a year for now 15 years you can’t mentally retain everything (OH SHOOT I FORGET TO CELEBRATE OUR 15 YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY!!!!) I showed the team, none of whom were here when we published this post 10 years ago, and we all agreed that some of them are still so fun and worth reposting, with some fresh commentary. This was when I had a photo studio and we spent so much time and money creating non-sponsored original content, like not in a home, just a set strictly for content purposes. We moved away from this, choosing real homes instead (thus all my friends and family makeovers). We also changed gears because these take so much labor (which is money) and money (which is actual money). These days (well, the last 8 years) we try to “create content” in real homes where we can leave everything all styled out, versus spending time and effort on styling out spaces just to unstyle them (feels wasteful) but there are times where I wish I had the time and resources to do, say, one mantel four ways. Anyway, without any further ado please enjoy some Vintage EHD content with 2025 eyes:)
Ok so I rented this credenza, I think from MidCentryLA or Amsterdam Modern – two of my favorite dealers in LA.
“Coastal”
I think my point was to show you how you could bring any vibe or context through styling, not just furniture (the piece of furniture is obviously mid-century Scandinavian). If you’ve been following along for a while (THANK YOU) you know that I actually love every single style (which you can see in my portfolio). It’s honestly way harder than sticking to 1-2. Would I say I’m “coastal”? I mean, technically I am from the Oregon coast, and I CERTAINLY love vintage seascapes, but no, I’m not particularly “coastal” and yet here we are.
I think the only thing that is a tiny bit dated is the Manzanita branch – not that anything is wrong with it but there was certainly an era where we, stylists, used these on EVERY SINGLE BOOKSHELF. I think they are still very appropriate in a coastal setting for sure. Additionally, that lamp is boring, but it’s also kinda fine.
Not sure what I did with that bluge piece of pottery but sure wish I had it now!!!!!!
“Mid-Century”
Ok, probably my favorite. I still have some of these pieces (which I’m both proud of but also, hoarder much??). This vignette was driven by this incredible Stephanie Vovas photo which despite how awesome it is we never could seem to land it anywhere permanently. I think it’s rad, but it’s very specific and intense (and fun fact, I ended up finding out who the actual model was, she was the ex-wife of a friend of a friend and once I found that out it was even weirder to own it).
I’m sad to say that I don’t have that blue pot anymore – WHY??????? Maybe these vintage posts are going to be harder on me emotionally than I thought – not that I need more things, but it does make me miss them (and I have strange nostalgia for the years when I was building the company so relentlessly).
“Glam”
UGH. I love this, too! But I think I’d call this a bit more traditional now. Those paintings are incredible (I have no idea what I did with them but hopefully I sold them for enough). This is also a reminder of how good the thrifting and vintage shopping is in LA – up here it’s just a lot of antique/primitive/country but in LA you get a real variety of styles.
Remember when I collected so. many. heads???? And that blue vase that you see there on the right? Still one of my favorites ever.
Def more regency than “glam” or even “traditional” but I’m still into this look (except for that picture frame – it’s fine, but meh).
“Eclectic”
OH WAIT…. now THIS is my favorite!!!! The art is incredible (I still have the huge piece but I’m devastated to say that I must have sold or gave away the cubist lady painting). The blue lamp I just sold to my brother for his bedroom (the pair with new shades) and the string art is long gone (which I don’t need but I’m still sad to see it and not own it).
One of my favorite pots ever was/is that vessel with the aloe in it – if anyone knows who owns it now let me know (I might vaguely remember it breaking, but I’m not going to let my head go there today). I think the colors in this vignette are just so exciting and fun to look at.
Which One Is Your Favorite?
I think the only thing to do next is vote – like which do you like the most and which vignette do you think holds up the best 12 years later? I would honestly own ALL of this stuff again, which I think is a great sign. What say you??? “eclectic”, “glam/traditional”, “midcentury” or “coastal”???
*Photos by Tessa Neustadt
