The Remix of Brimfield

Yesterday was my first visit back to the Brimfield Antique Shows since the beginning of the current recession. Somehow, it all seemed fresh and reinvigorating to me, maybe it was because I skipped a few years - but now my interest has been rekindled. Forgive me for use of these cliche RE words, but this is a venue where they truly apply. Reuse and recycle truly mean something where everything that is offered has a past. Frank Luntz says in his book Words that Work: "…The so-called “re” words… are incredibly powerful because they take the best elements or ideas from the past and apply them to the present and the future.”

This applies to the wonderful world of Brimfield and the antiques and collectibles that have past lives - from parts of farming machinery that become enormous outdoor sculptures, to vintage fabrics applied to create charming lampshades to tin ceilings made into mirror frames along with the expected antiques that are looking for another home.

I have always looked to Brimfield to supply some of the ingredients that go into the stew that I consider as sources for home furnishing trends. The shelter magazine editors are always there, so expect to see many of the things that they find at Brimfield incorporated into future stories.

Trend-wise, of course antique shows are tradition, but more recent decorative objects, such as the recycled metal sculptures, could also be found. Although a constant throughout the decorative arts, there is a renewed interest in the influences and trade objects of the Silk Road as large selections from Pakistan could be found at various booths. After a decade of neutrals, the bold colors seen in the fall couture could be found here and there and I will address that in a separate post.