Whilst the cost of high street rents is changing the way vintage and antique furniture is bought and sold in the UK, it turns out that Madrid is a city with a thriving retail secondhand scene. Last weekend, with just over 48 hours to spend in Spain’s capital, I came across the El Rastro street market (La Latino metro) with more vintage and antique shops than even I could speed-prop my way around! Here’s a few that caught my eye along the way…

Madrid’s modern antique styling

For me, the mini room sets or vignettes made all the difference to presentation. I think a ‘less is more’ approach is really effective when styling antiques for retail – even if that means changing showroom stock more frequently. It was interesting too to see similar styling themes to the UK and France but also to discover the things that characterise an interior as Spanish. Which also got me thinking about exactly what are the ingredients you need to create a successful interior decorating scheme…

Styling Box interior decorating recipe

Regardless of size, I believe there are many styles you can adopt to create a home with personality. The basic ingredients include a general mix of books, art, interesting and varied lighting options, rugs, textiles and, finally, at least one piece of vintage or antique furniture for good. The texture, history and design of an antique offers an anchor to a decorating scheme – particularly in a modern context. If you are lucky enough to have inherited a bit of ‘brown’ (antique dark wood furniture) or any other interesting piece  – hang on to it!

Homes with good bones are a blessing but character can easily be added. For those homes with four walls but not much else by way of architectural detail, fear not. There is always panelling, murals, paint and wallpaper.

Clever hanging of unusual objects, mirrored panels (to increase a sense of space), wall hangings and gallery walls are all a cost-effective way of creating interest too. (Just for info, I have recently launched a new affordable design service called Styling Box where I help clients design and refresh their interiors.)

Modern Antique style

Vintage greenhouse on wheels

Parador style meets French Chateau

Spanish antique style

Spanish Modern Country Style

Ecclectic retro style

Blog rewind

For previous blog posts on antiques you might like to take a look at:

• Affordable Antique Chic
• Styling with Antiques
• Creating Chalet Chic With Bobbin Furniture
• What’s The Secret of Howe’s Interior Design Recipe?
• Arts & Crafts
• Best in Show at The House & Garden Art and Antiques Fair

Thank you

Thank you so much for reading, I hope you have been as inspired by Madrid as I was. Finally, I thought you might like to see an example of a Styling Box clients receive as part of my new affordable home design service. It’s a great present either to give to yourself, to your friends and family! With best wishes, Charis x