Old World Charm, Tips & Tricks, Story Time Jamie Toporovsky Old World Charm, Tips & Tricks, Story Time Jamie Toporovsky

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

A stunning Victorian house in my hometown maintains its charm and character while under construction.

A stunning Victorian house in my hometown maintains its charm and character while under construction.

As I walked through the beautiful tree-lined streets of my hometown, admiring the old Victorian, Tudor and Colonial architecture, I started thinking about the cozy house that I grew up in, with its fantastic medley of antique, mission and cottage styles. I remembered the sleepovers I had at my grandparents’ house, where I’d play dress-up in my grandmother’s chiffon dresses and metallic peep-toe heels, ending the day under freshly laundered white blankets that I can still smell when I close my eyes. These vivid childhood memories, and so many more, have shaped me into the nostalgic designer that I am today.

I design with the belief that something new can always be enhanced by something worn and cherished.
In this first blog post of “Point of View,” I’d like to show you how to incorporate the old and treasured into your home, so that you and your family can take a walk down memory lane without even leaving your house.


Surround yourself with objects that remind you of the past.

This cozy white duvet reminds me of childhood sleepovers at  my grandparents’ house and brings me joy and comfort.

This cozy white duvet reminds me of childhood sleepovers at my grandparents’ house and brings me joy and comfort.

Add old-world charm to any room with a photograph of the past.

An antique mirror photograph can instantly transport you to a more romantic time and looks gorgeous in an entryway, powder room or walk-in closet.

An antique mirror photograph can instantly transport you to a more romantic time and looks gorgeous in an entryway, powder room or walk-in closet.

This beautiful still life makes me think of my grandmother’s elegant wardrobe and warms my heart every time I look at it.

This beautiful still life makes me think of my grandmother’s elegant wardrobe and warms my heart every time I look at it.

Showcase your past with a family heirloom.

My client’s antique mirror adds the perfect sentimental touch to her new dining room.

My client’s antique mirror adds the perfect sentimental touch to her new dining room.


What have you used or would like to use to bring the past to the present in your own home? (Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tips, tricks and stories!)

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