Designers In Iowa Still Use These 5 Antique Decor Elements But Avoid These 5

Iowa designers have a unique approach to incorporating antiques into modern homes. They carefully select certain vintage pieces that add character while avoiding others that make spaces feel outdated. I’ve noticed this selective approach creates beautiful, timeless interiors that honor Iowa’s rich heritage while staying fresh and livable.

Let’s explore which antique elements are still beloved in the Hawkeye State and which ones have fallen out of favor.

1. Farmhouse Sinks Still Shine

Nothing says “heartland charm” quite like a classic farmhouse sink! These deep, wide basins originally designed for practical farm life now add authentic character to Iowa kitchens.

Modern designers pair them with contemporary fixtures for the perfect blend of old and new. The porcelain versions resist stains and complement both rustic and refined aesthetics.

Many Iowa homeowners love the nostalgic connection to their agricultural roots, making these functional pieces a timeless choice that won’t be disappearing anytime soon.

2. Barn Wood Accents Create Warmth

Reclaimed barn wood brings unmatched authenticity to Iowa interiors. The weathered patina tells stories of generations past while adding natural texture impossible to replicate with new materials.

I’ve seen stunning accent walls, ceiling beams, and furniture pieces that showcase this versatile material. Smart designers select pieces with minimal warping and proper treatment to prevent insect issues.

The wood’s rich history resonates with Iowa’s farming heritage, creating a meaningful connection between past and present in today’s homes.

3. Vintage Quilts Add Cozy Comfort

Handcrafted quilts remain cherished decor elements in stylish Iowa homes. These textile treasures bring instant warmth and personality when draped over sofas, displayed on quilt racks, or hung as wall art.

The geometric patterns and vibrant colors complement both traditional and contemporary spaces. I especially love how designers incorporate family heirlooms to maintain connections with previous generations.

Many homeowners rotate their quilt collections seasonally, keeping spaces fresh while honoring the impressive craftsmanship of these functional art pieces.

4. Antique Hardwood Floors Endure

Original oak and maple floors remain prized features in Iowa homes for good reason. Their warm tones and natural patina simply can’t be replicated by modern manufacturing.

Professional designers often recommend refinishing rather than replacing these treasures. The slight imperfections – subtle dents, color variations, and character marks – tell stories of the home’s history.

Many Iowa homeowners appreciate how these floors have withstood decades of use while developing a rich personality that anchors their interior design schemes.

5. Cast Iron Fixtures Stand The Test Of Time

Heavy, durable cast iron pieces bring industrial charm to Iowa interiors. From ornate radiator covers to sturdy staircase balusters, these elements add architectural interest that new materials simply can’t match.

Savvy designers repurpose items like vintage bathtubs and farm equipment as statement pieces. The dark, substantial nature of cast iron creates beautiful contrast against lighter elements.

Many homeowners appreciate how these pieces connect to Iowa’s industrial past while providing functional beauty that will outlast trendy alternatives.

6. Bulky Entertainment Centers Get The Boot

Remember those massive wooden entertainment centers that dominated living rooms? Iowa designers are happily showing these bulky dinosaurs the door.

These oversized units were designed for outdated technology like tube TVs and stereo components. Their heavy appearance overwhelms today’s streamlined spaces and prevents the flexible furniture arrangements modern families need.

I’ve helped many clients replace these pieces with wall-mounted screens and smaller storage solutions that free up valuable floor space while maintaining a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic.

7. Doily Overload Creates Visual Clutter

Grandma’s collection of intricate doilies might hold sentimental value, but covering every surface creates visual chaos. These delicate crocheted items collect dust, yellow with age, and make spaces feel fussy and outdated.

Forward-thinking Iowa designers might frame a special doily as art or incorporate one statement piece, but the days of doily-covered furniture are firmly behind us. The maintenance alone makes them impractical for modern lifestyles.

Most homeowners prefer clean surfaces that allow statement pieces to shine without competing with unnecessary textile clutter.

8. Matching Furniture Sets Feel Uninspired

Cookie-cutter bedroom and dining sets purchased as complete packages scream “catalog showroom” rather than thoughtful design. Iowa’s best interior spaces now showcase carefully curated pieces that complement each other without matching perfectly.

The personality-free matching sets lack the character and story that make spaces interesting. I encourage clients to mix periods and styles for a collected-over-time feel that reflects their unique taste.

Even budget-friendly spaces benefit from this approach, incorporating thrifted finds alongside new purchases for a much more personalized result.

9. Heavy Floral Wallpaper Overwhelms Spaces

Dark, busy floral wallpaper once dominated Iowa homes but now makes spaces feel smaller and stuck in the past. The small-scale repeating patterns create visual fatigue and compete with other design elements.

Modern designers might incorporate floral patterns through accent pieces or a single statement wall with contemporary botanical prints. The heavy, all-over application popular in previous decades feels claustrophobic compared to today’s lighter aesthetic.

Most homeowners prefer neutral walls that create flexibility for changing accessories and furniture arrangements over time.

10. Fussy Valances Block Natural Light

Heavy, ornate window treatments with multiple layers of fabric have fallen firmly out of favor with Iowa designers. Those fussy valances, swags, and jabots block precious natural light and collect dust while making rooms feel smaller and more dated.

Today’s window treatments emphasize clean lines and functional beauty. Simple panels that frame views rather than hide them allow Iowa’s beautiful landscapes to become part of the interior experience.

Most homeowners appreciate how this approach creates airier spaces while simplifying maintenance and cleaning routines.