There is something about this time of year that makes me especially nostalgic for the simple rituals of school days gone by. As I pull out my vintage schoolhouse treasures, my home begins to feel a little like a classroom from another era—filled with old books, brass bells, wooden alphabet blocks, chalk slates, marbles, flash cards, and well-loved pieces that carry a little history with them.

I have always loved collecting things that tell a story, and vintage school memorabilia may be one of my favorite collections. The worn edges of an old book, the patina on a brass bell, the tiny wooden blocks and even a jar of colorful marbles all remind me of a time when learning felt tactile and wonderfully uncomplicated.

I love mixing these pieces into my everyday decor rather than keeping them tucked away. An old folding school desk becomes a little vignette, vintage bells sit among stacks of books, and an antique wooden board holds a collection of old word cards. Even the smallest objects can bring so much personality—and a little bit of childhood magic—into a room.

And perhaps that is what I love most about decorating with vintage pieces: they don’t just fill a space. They give it a story.

So as a new school year begins, I’m embracing the nostalgia, gathering my little collection of schoolhouse treasures, and remembering just how special those back-to-school days can be.

Here’s to new beginnings, sharpened pencils, old books, curious minds—and a little vintage charm along the way, along with a Princess ready to start 8th Grade

Metamorphosis