Design Hints

Signs of the Times

Linda and Trevor Meachen's mobile home proves that you don't need a lot of space or high ceilings to use signs to make a strong style statement. With a wide selection of fonts, colors and shapes, the possibilities are endless. "If I like what it says, I'll buy it," Linda explains of her penchant for phrases. She shares several ways to incorporate vintage and vintage-style signage into your own space.

11/10/2020

Signs of the Times

Think Themes. Match the sign to the purpose of the space. "Fresh Produce," "Butter & Eggs," and "Farmer's Market" are all among the signs in Linda's country kitchen, and a variety of jar-shaped signs hang near her pantry.
Color Coordinate. Select signage to complement a particular palette. Some of Linda's rolling pins feature blue and green handles, so a sign near a crate full of them in the kitchen features similar colors.
Go for Bold. Larger signs make great focal points and have plenty of stand-alone style when placed over or beside furniture pieces, as Linda did in her master bedroom and entry area.
Shelve It. Tuck small but special examples into bookcases or shelves along with other antiques, decorative objects or vintage books. A sign in Linda's living room cabinet announces, "This is our happy place."
Make It Personal. Choose pieces customized for your family or those that espouse sentiments you favor. Linda is a sucker for signs that express her favorite sayings or beliefs, including "Enjoy this day, Compliments of God" and "Pray Hardest When It's Hardest to Pray." Both of which have pride of place in her living room. Another favorite reads, "Forever. For Always. And No Matter What." Married 22 years, Linda says that's her goal.

Written by Khristi Zimmeth
Photographed by Gridley + Graves