We Don't Really Have Antiques...Just Normal Stuff

It never fails. Many times, the very first thing people say when they call us is,

“We don’t really have antiques… just normal stuff.”

And I always smile, because truth be told — normal stuff sells! Sometimes even better than the “fancy” antiques.

At our last estate, there was plenty of beautiful décor, but the real showstoppers were the things from the 1980s and ’90s. You know the look — Americana and primitive styles, heart-cut shelves, berry wreaths, country cloth dolls, and wall hangings straight out of Country Living circa 1993. And guess who loved it most? Gen Z! They came in wide-eyed and grinning, saying things like, “Oh my gosh, my grandma had this!” or “This is totally my vibe!” It was the sweetest thing to watch.

I’ll admit — I decorated that way once, too. I mean, I’m from Pennsylvania for Pete’s sake, where Americana and primitives thrive! When we were setting up for this sale, arranging all those cozy country corners again brought back such warm memories. Honestly, I caught myself thinking, maybe I’ll add a few of these pieces back into my own décor. There’s something about them that just feels… like home.

One of my favorite moments was a young couple, kids in tow, beaming as they carried out a wooden shelf with heart cutouts, a “primitive” quilt, and a few other Americana treasures. And then there were two younger gals who could not stop smiling after finding a “primitive” pie case for their apartment. Who would’ve thought?

It just goes to show — you don’t need fancy antiques or high-end collectibles (though those are lovely, too). Sometimes it’s nostalgia that sells… and finds its way into new homes where it’ll be loved all over again.

So go ahead — light that Yankee Candle, turn on a little Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, or maybe early Shania Twain, dust off that berry wreath, hang that heart-cut shelf, and think back on days gone by. Turns out, they’ve come full circle — and we’re here for it.

If you’ve got a house full of “just normal stuff,” don’t worry — we speak fluent normal stuff.

Give us a call before you toss out tomorrow’s next big vintage trend!

The Root Cellar Estate Sale Co. | 814-449-7600