Text by Elizabeth Czapski
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and no matter your feelings on the holiday, there’s no denying that it offers a heartwarming reprieve in what is often the coldest time of the year. Embrace the festivity in your home décor without falling into its kitschy side by taking a subtle, sophisticated approach, using classic accents that are tried and true. So, whether you celebrate with your significant other, your best friends, your children, or yourself, use the occasion to bring cheer to your home’s interiors for winter with sweet vintage details. When infused with a lovingly time-honored touch, these thoughtful elements are sure to brighten spirits and tide you over until spring.
Sugar and Spice
Quaint cottage collectibles—particularly items bearing happy pastel hues—are an ideal accompaniment to Valentine’s Day merriment. The Lenox Spice Village line is especially fitting thanks to its many houses with confectionary connections. This adorable kitchenware, which was originally produced between 1989 and 1993, was recently rediscovered on social media and launched into a second golden age. Learn more in our Spring issue—hitting newsstands Tuesday—and visit At Home with Ashley to see more of our featured collection.
Get the Dish
From transferware to cabbage ware, a mix of vintage china patterns that spans a spectrum of pink and burgundy shades can lend itself to a variety of Valentine’s Day vignettes. Think beyond traditional table settings—though that’s, of course, a great use, too—and try incorporating the dishes in displays around your home. From wall art to bookshelf accents, the creative presentation options are endless.
Romantic Renaissance
Given the holiday’s roots in romance, it’s no surprise that Valentine’s Day décor and romantic style go hand in hand. Rosy palettes, feminine florals, and layers of cherished collectibles encompass just a few of the detailed designs of this swoon-worthy aesthetic that bridges the gap between old and new and has gained much popularity in recent years. Once you’ve outfitted your space with the essential elements of romantic style, sit back, relax, and enjoy the perfect ambience to pen a letter to the one you love.
Take Heart
A basketful of vintage heart-shaped pillows makes a darling seasonal addition to this farmhouse foyer. Incorporated into a neutral scheme with organic materials and natural accents, their subdued pink provides just enough pop to stand out without overwhelming, as the fabrics draw interest primarily from their distinct textural patterns rather than color.
Love for the Ages
Borrow from winter’s soft palette and the enduring elegance of days gone by to create an enchanting scene to celebrate a romance that grows greater with time. Weathered wares hold flowers and frills that add fanciful touches to a sentimental affair, while vintage Valentine’s Day cards and treasured mementos further the retro charm. Fruit pies shaped like love letters deliver a delightful finale as you sip on decadent White Russian Coffee and relish the company of your sweetheart. Find the full spread and menu here.
Painted Treasures
What’s better than getting a bouquet of flowers on Valentine’s Day? Capturing said blooms alongside cherished heirlooms in a still life painting you can appreciate long after the day. Interior decorator turned oil painter Kristie Shelton finds distinctive inspiration in antiques and other well-loved accents that she’s collected over 35 years in the design industry and inherited from the artistic women in her family who came before her—giving the time-honored pieces a second life as she depicts them on her canvas. “Flowers, particularly roses, in a pretty vase always inspire me to paint,” Kristie says. See more in our Winter issue on newsstands now.
Enchanting Teatime
Wedgwood’s renowned jasperware carries a captivating air of whimsy, and while any of its signature pastel shades would work well in a Valentine’s Day display, its sweet pink tone is especially on point. A tea set from the collection, paired with a vintage tray, old-fashioned linens, and a few florals, results in a lovely spread for a special afternoon get-together with “galentines.”
Cameo Creations
The history of the cameo is shrouded in distinction, with origins that date back to the beginnings of Egyptian, Grecian, and Roman cultures, and this ancient art form has proven its universal appeal and unparalleled staying power as it remains ever-popular today. If you enjoy a little DIY and plan to craft your own valentines, try adding the iconic motif to your personalized cards for an extra dose of sentimentality and chic originality. Find simple steps for the project from our sister publication Victoria.
Traditional Elegance
Set a romantic table that is both stunning and serene with timeless elements and a hint of feminine flair. Layers of winter whites and tone-on-tone décor offer a seasonal foundation, while ripples of soft blush lend a restrained nod to Valentine’s Day. Under a whimsical runner of free-flowing tulle, a branched candleholder with an antique gold finish bears classic pink tapers that cast a warm glow upon nostalgic colored glassware in the same hue. See the rest of this tablescape here.
