Do you get rid of things because they are old-fashioned?

I have always liked a bargain and second hand. Pre-loved is the modern term for it. Much of our downstairs furniture is Nathan, gleaned from charity shops. It is what is known as MCM (Mid Century Modern) and l believe is starting to make a comeback but we bought it because we like it and it is solid wood not chipboard - the quality is far superior to its modern equivalent. What has cost us a few hundred pounds in total would cost many thousands of pounds if it were possible to buy that quality today. Surely by the time we reach our time of life our homes reflect our personality and taste rather than slavery to the latest trends. We keep things we like whether or not they are fashionable. Personally, the very last thing I would want would be that depressing shade of grey paint that has been so popular in recent years, coupled with the "Live, Laugh, Love" plaque on the wall.

If you like the style but not the fact that they are brass, you could have them chromed to bring them more up to date, with new shades they would look very different.

Married for 58 years, with five children, our house was furnished with hand-me-downs and second-hand stuff. DH had to retire early, due to poor health, so nothing much was changed. Now I am finally living alone, after 8 months of harbouring DD GD 2 dogs and all their possessions, while their new house was being renovated. Finally having the place to myself has spurred me on to having a good old clear-out. Things that haven’t been used for years have been ejected. My large dining table and chairs has been replaced by more practical and space-saving ones. The big sideboard has given way to lower and more modern storage, and various other items have been sold or given away. All my new purchases are from our local charity shop, and I’m very pleased with my new look.
The house that DD has bought had only one couple living there from when it was built in 1952. The lovely, but old-fashioned carpets were the ones originally bought by them, at great expense. (She was given all the original invoices) They were still in very good condition, but DD was going to consign them to the skip. I Freecycled them, and a young couple, buying their first home, snapped them up along with some curtains. Amazingly they fitted the new rooms very well,, and they were delighted to have them. I hate to throw anything away!

If I no longer like things, I will get rid of them, usually to a charity shop but sometimes easier just to buy new shades - at least until you get a chance to see if the look good with the new sofa!

I took a leaf out my my Mum's book. She was an artist, and when setting up home in the 1950s went for a very stylish modern look (not the usual 50s stuff). However, she soon discovered that it dated quite quickly, and switched to antique decor, because she said it never went out of fashion! (She did keep one room modern - my parents' studio.) I love antique furniture, and it doesn't matter if it's a little worn and marked - that's part of it's history. Mind you, I do live in a period house - it wouldn't look right in a new-build.

PS. I’m still on magnolia ?

GagaJo

12 years ago, I decorated my house in a style that is very 'in' now. I see it with very different eyes, now I see similar in other places. I haven't redone it yet, but yes, I will as soon as I can. It isn't that I don't like it now it's popular, but I'm critical of it now because I've seen too much of it.

I'm thinking deep green next time. And maybe some black. Knowing my luck, THAT will become popular. It's happened to me a couple of times and rather than being flattered, I find it irritating.

Speaking of which, I desperately need a new kitchen and other than super plain white, which would show every speck of dirt or very Scandi knotty wood, I really don't know what to go for.

I’ve just binge watched a series called Scotland’s Best Home and was surprised at how many of the rooms were painted black or VERY dark green or blue. Then my daughter said she was thinking of painting her front sitting room black so I mentioned the programme and said I hadn’t seen it before. She said it’s all over Instagram, so there’s my answer. Whatever you choose it will soon be everywhere.

I like your wooden furniture, Maw B. I think they are lovely pieces. I also like brass lamps. Not crocheted doilies though. Well not at the moment. I like the idea of perfecting my house for all time but fashions do change in decor as in other things and we do change with them even if some of us more slowly than others.

Yes, carbon footprint! If the lights are functional and you like them just replace the shades. Reminds me of the tale of the philosopher's slippers....

Was it not William Morris who said “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” I try to follow that philosophy rather than follow fashions

I can't afford to change anything unless it no-longer functions - and some things that no-longer function I can't afford to replace so have to do without! I certainly don't worry about whether something is fashionable. I see this as a first world problem! I'm sure I would see things differently if I had the cash to spare so not really criticising - probably a bit jealous.

When we moved to this house we furnished it with very heavy solid oak furniture. Now on my own and planning to move in the next few years I'm thinking of replacing all this heavy stuff (which I can barely move) with more modern lighter stuff that I'll at least be able to move should I want to.

I may be able to off-load some to DD to replace her cheap and cheerful stuff but would probably freecycle or give the rest to a charity.

I've been looking at flats and houses with a view to move. All the kitchens seem to have reverted back to white which puts me off. I suspect its cheaper bought in bulk by the builders.

I don't worry.
I have what I like, or more frequently, what i can afford.

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I have a (dear) friend who took it as a compliment when a visitor said her house looked like a Show Home.
I have a couple of (IMO) lovely antique pieces which I am fond of because they have come down through the generations and everything else is “classic” and a mixture of old, or possibly older.
I think people who worry about being “in” fashion, can too soon find they are “out” again. Whereas if you have never been in fashion…..?

I totally agree Urmstongran. I despair for the human race that so many of us haven't yet woken up to what we're doing to our planet. Consumerism plays a large part in the destruction of our habitat.

Why are some people like lemmings and seemingly afraid to be individual? Perhaps it's because they don't have the confidence to be themselves? All the places I feel most comfortable in reflect the owners' personality. Conversely, those where I feel least comfortable look as though they've been 'copied' from a magazine, often without thought to practicalities.

CanadianGran A quick google search shows lots of companies are still manufacturing brass table lamps, including Laura Ashley. Hang on to yours! Have you thought about recovering your lampshades? I used old maps and they look great - in my opinion . There are lots of websites with instructions.

Warmthlover

No. I quite like my husband's old-fashioned courtesy and consideration!

????
I didn’t get rid of mine either - or his classic style.

No. I quite like my husband's old-fashioned courtesy and consideration!

Can’t say I ever have. We’ve had all our furniture - except perhaps for beds - for ages. Ditto a lot of other stuff.

Our kitchen and bathrooms are positively antique* by today’s standards - when some people seem to think you should replace with the latest every 5 years - but they still function perfectly well, so I’m in no hurry.
*over 30 years old now.

If you like the lamps, keep them but maybe get new shades. I have a couple of brass based lamps (inherited from parents) but they are in the loft. I have considered spray painting them to update them a bit - maybe off white or silver. It is easy to do.

It's funny what is considered 'vintage' and what is 'naff'.

I inherited my grandparents Beswick flying ducks 30 - odd years ago. Everyone thought I was bonkers to want something so 'old fashioned'. Now they are fashionably vintage.

I like having a mix of old and new. I am currently looking out for a GPlan dining table - now fashionable again! I also like Lloyd Loom and have a couple of side tables and chairs - also repainted - that I love.

However, I have also inherited my parent's Welsh dresser, which I don't really like or have room for. I have painted the bottom half (upcycled ) off white but the top half is in the loft. I can't bring myself to get rid of it although my mother wasn't in the least sentimental about anything !

I often see things on the antique shows that I threw away years ago as fashions changed. I guess that's why they are collectable now because so many were thrown away. However, it would not have been possible to keep everything.
Canadian Gran, why don't you buy some nice new lamps but put the old ones in storage or look on ebay to see if you can get idea if similar ones are selling at a good price.

I get rid of stuff when I don't like it or I upcycle it. Life is too short to live with stuff you don't like if you can afford to replace it. I often give stuff to charity so it might get a new home for people less fussy!

What does old fashion mean now a days, when vintage, is so on trend anyway? I have a small emporium near me thats sells all sorts of “old fashion” items to very fashionable people.
I upcycle, recyle, and repurpose things, that I already have and things people have thrown away. It’s my hobby. I keep what I like and sell or donate what I don’t like. I don’t buy anything new ( not even clothes) and I never ever throw anything into a skip. I am not an aging hippy, my home is on trend, I dress on trend but I do teach sociology and politics including something called environmental politics. I just refuse to live in a fast fashion, throw away world that is harmful to the environment.

When we downsized we had to either sell or bin quite a lot but I still have my 1970's bed-lamps, duvet covers and 1980's furniture. Just because I love them.

Oh dear, that reminds me of when we moved into a bungalow and had the kitchen done. We went to IKEA and chose a lovely new kitchen. I don’t particularly like marble, I like wood so that’s what we ordered. . Anyway we had to go back for something else and a different young woman served us and said “Oh, this is the kitchen we had ripped out when we moved and a modern one put in!” ? Hey ho. ?