This past weekend, my older sister began moving into her new and very first house. I’m so happy for her and her fiance, and I was pretty bummed that I didn’t get a chance to go home and see the new house. Although, I definitely didn’t miss lugging box after box into the abode.
I called her up and asked how everything was going. We got on the topic of decorating. I realized after speaking with her that I have no idea what type of decorator I am. This called for a Google search.
I ended up finding a quiz on HGTV’s website, titled “What’s my style?” After taking the quiz, I was told my taste is, “Old World, New Way.” It described it as “deep, rich and regal but muted for a time-worn effect. Finishes are distressed, woodwork is rough-hewn. A lived-in but luxurious old world.”
At first, I didn’t really think that fit me very well. But as I went to go put on my Mumford & Sons vinyl on the record player and looked up where to purchase a Polaroid camera, I thought maybe that statement was actually pretty accurate.
I have to admit that I’ve always had a love for vintage items. I love my record player. I want an old-fashioned typewriter so I can feel like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. Not to mention my love of older novels. My dream car is a 1973 Volkswagen Beetle; I’m not picky about the color. Last summer, I purchased a bike that looks like it’s from the 1950s.
Aside from actual items, I love old music, which I have my dad to thank for that. He was the first person to introduce me to The Beatles, Bad Company, Boston, Journey and Foreigner. I’m also a fan of Elton John, Billy Joel, Phil Collins and Fleetwood Mac just to name a few.
It’s not necessarily that I think all of these things are better than what we have nowadays, but I think it’s important to be aware and recognize the cool, vintage things as well.
It feels good to talk to my dad about records and what he remembers of them growing up. He introduces me to music from when he was growing up and I introduce him to some of my favorite bands. That’s something just he and I share and I love that.
Especially with music, it’s interesting to listen to some of the influences of present-day bands. At times, you can really tell what song other artists influenced.
John Chacona, who works in Gannon University’s marketing department, described me as an old soul and I definitely believe that to be true.
I don’t necessarily wish to have been born in another decade – although if I had to choose I would pick the 1920s – because I do appreciate all the advances we have made in today’s society. But I do think it is important to recognize all the good things and people that have come before us. And who knows, you might actually enjoy it.
SAMMIE JANIK
