Redesigning your living room can make your home feel like new, being the first thing you see when you walk through the door. Your updated space can start a conversation with guests and bring a new sense of energy and pride.

Making wood the key feature of your room doesn’t have to create a rustic vibe based on the type of wood used. Going outside the box means looking for vintage furniture, where each piece has its own story and face, plus the detail found in antiques is not found in newer models. So what do you do when you choose vintage pieces? Go to a store where you feel the authenticity as soon as you walk through the door. When shopping, don’t get sucked into finding the same wood tone because I’ll tell you now that it’s hard and the piece probably won’t have the same vibe. So, avoid the matchy-matchy and collect multiple shades and when you place it in your room it will flow effortlessly.

There’s nothing like that real wood smell. Finding 100% wood furniture can be difficult and expensive, but buying antique furniture will save you a few bucks and still stand out from the crowd. By adding a vintage table or bookcase, the space is colored to your liking, even if you keep your old sofa and chairs. Hand-painted accents on a bookshelf can help you bring the color you want into your space that can flow with other accents. You can also change your space by keeping the neutral colors in style. With antiques you can find a variety of styles that speak to you. Are you looking for the lightness of the Indian bohemian style? Place a carved elephant in the center of your coffee table that brings luck while bringing a smile to his face. So you’ve found your perfect piece…or two (you can’t help it because vintage shopping will draw you in), now how do you style it? A coffee table with a washed blue color and carved legs speaks for itself and place it where you need it. Remember, you know what works best in your living space! Empty wall? Hang a hand-carved, colored or simple wood panel that will make people look twice. By adding pieces that are patterned or textured, you won’t have to fuss with adding a ton of detail to make the room feel complete.

The next thing you know, your living room looks eclectic with a new vibrancy that will reflect on you. Take the chance and walk into an antique furniture store and you might be inspired to start over.