The Vintage Booth Makeover: How to Design Like a Pro

Design styles are so pretty, aren’t they? The challenge is honing in on just one! As a vintage booth curator, I know the importance of having a style that vibes with your customers. It’s the feeling you get when you walk into a well-designed, cozy, and welcoming space. But how do you recreate that space for your customers? It’s all about styling. In this blog post, I’ll share some tips and tricks for designing your booth, why it’s so important to have a design style, and some examples of different design styles.

Why Design Style Matters:

First and foremost, having a design style for your vintage booth helps you stand out from the crowd. In a sea of booths at an antique mall, having a cohesive and visually appealing booth can attract customers with similar tastes. It also helps you focus on what to curate so you don’t wind up with a hodgepodge of mismatched items that don’t go well together. Your design style will inform the items you select to sell, ensuring that they fit the overall aesthetic of your booth.

Planning Your Design Style:

Before diving headfirst into designing your booth, planning it out beforehand is essential. Start with simple sketches and drawings, create mood boards, and gather inspiration. I like to take pictures after each booth reset and study them so that I can implement changes. I also keep a journal with notes about what worked and lessons learned (thus, the inspiration for these blog posts). It’s helpful to take a step back and evaluate your space from a customer’s perspective. What catches your eye? All this planning can help inform your booth’s design.

Design Style Examples:

Now that we’ve covered why having a design style matters and how to plan it out, let’s talk about different design style choices. Some popular design styles include:

1. Mid-Century Modern – characterized by clean lines, bold colors, and organic shapes.
2. Boho is a relaxed and eclectic style incorporating natural materials, patterns, and textures.
3. Farmhouse – a rustic and cozy style that combines vintage and antique pieces.
4. Industrial – a style incorporating raw materials, exposed brick, and metal accents.
5. Art Deco – is characterized by bold geometric shapes, metallic accents, and a sense of glamour.

Of course, many other design styles exist, so feel free to use this list. Research and find a style that speaks to you and your customers.

Tips and Tricks for Styling Your Booth:

Now that you have a design style in mind, it’s time to start styling your booth. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:

1. Keep similar things together unless you can make a style while blending pieces into your design style.
2. Style and organize your booth to draw customers in and keep them there as long as possible.
3. Add fresh candy or small treats to create a welcoming atmosphere.
4. If you have to style during business hours, plan what you want to do, and get in and out quickly.
5. Remember that design is an evolving process and ever-changing. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Some Parting Thoughts 

Designing your vintage booth is all about creating a space that feels welcoming, visually appealing, and on-brand for your business. Remember to plan your design style beforehand, keep things together, and don’t be afraid to have fun with it. If you need help, research and find a design style that speaks to you and your customers. Leave a comment below on your experience designing your vintage booth – I’d love to hear from you!