According to the website Southern Living, your grandmother’s house is likely filled with pieces that have stories to tell — and many of them are still extremely relevant to today’s interiors. Instead of assuming everything is too old for everyday use or too worn to be displayed, it’s worth taking a closer look.
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As Lisa Graham, founder of Laurel Alexander Interiors, who works in the southeastern United States, states, “The most meaningful homes feel like they were built over time with old pieces, full of layers and deeply personal — not bought in a single afternoon.”
Below, designers from the southern United States interviewed by Southern Living highlight 10 classic items from grandma’s house that add charm, elegance, and personality to contemporary homes, even in the mid-2020s.
Porcelain
For designer Bailey Ward, founder of Bailey Ward Interiors, a good porcelain set always deserves to be preserved. According to her, even patterns that don’t immediately appeal can gain new life when creatively mixed. Ward says she inherited a Limoges porcelain set with a gold rim and loves pairing it with more modern plates or patterned napkins to create an updated look.
Designer Martha Midgette, founder of Martha Midgette Designs, also defends the importance of family porcelain. According to her, delicate cups with slightly worn gold edges and floral serving platters carry far more history than today’s mass-produced pieces, bringing authenticity and memory to the table.
Brooke Cole, founder of Brooke Cole Interiors, suggests a creative alternative for those who don’t often host guests: turning antique plates into a decorative wall arrangement, creating a sentimental and stylish focal point.
Glassware
According to Southern Living, vintage glasses — such as martini glasses, coupes, or crystal — are perfect for those who enjoy entertaining. Martha Midgette explains that these pieces add instant charm to the table and, surprisingly, are often quite durable. Finding a complete set makes the experience even more special.
Silver
Real silver never goes out of style. Bailey Ward says she loves using the dinner sets, trays, and serving pieces inherited from her grandmother, noting that creating new memories with meaningful objects makes any occasion more special.
Old portraits
Even if you don’t know exactly who is depicted in an old painting, Martha Midgette emphasizes that these works deserve prominence. According to her, classic portraits spark curiosity, encourage conversation, and help anchor a space with a timeless and sophisticated character.
Embroidered pillows
Embroidered pillows are making a strong comeback. According to Midgette, pieces with floral designs, witty phrases, or embroidered animals offer a level of craftsmanship that is hard to find today, adding personality and texture to interiors.
Handmade quilts
Lisa Graham highlights that handmade quilts are true treasures. Many were made from scraps of family clothing, becoming emotional and historical records. Even off the bed, they can be used on decorative ladders, armchairs, or even framed as textile art.
Cast iron cookware
According to Graham, southern U.S. kitchens and cast iron are practically inseparable. She recommends restoring and re-seasoning these pieces before putting them back into use, whether for bread, pies, or tradition-filled Sunday lunches.
Old magazines
Southern Living also highlights the value of old decorating and lifestyle magazines. Martha Midgette says they are a true goldmine of inspiration, offering a glimpse into times when interiors were slower, more intentional, and full of personality.
Solid wood furniture
All experts agree: solid wood furniture is no longer made the way it used to be. Lisa Graham explains that quality joinery and solid wood are rare and expensive today, and that an antique piece can easily be given new life with a new finish or contemporary upholstery.
Wooden frames
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of old frames. According to Midgette, framing artwork today is expensive, and sturdy wooden frames are hard to replace. In addition, pairing them with modern art creates an interesting contrast that adds visual depth to walls.
Source: Southern Living. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
