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

Kittylester - I did smile at your comment about opinionated daughters. I have three and, yes, they do tell us when it's time for a revamp!

We sold a lot of my MIL's china at auction recently. Top seller was the set of three flying ducks from the dining room wall - started a bidding war!

If I were to get rid of things because they were old fashioned, first out would be DH!!

I keep things I like.
Most things I have are old, either because I’ve had them a long time or because they came via my parents.
If you like these lamps but the shades are getting tatty, either get new shades made on the old frames, make some yourself or get new shades.

Only if I don't like them any more.

If I can upcycle something I will do by painting or spraying it, but if I don't like it anymore I take it to the charity shop.

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. ?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 !

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.

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

Warmthlover

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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....

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.

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.