Whether you’re inspired by the past or looking to protect our future, vintage style has been permeating our culture for generations. The simplicity and nostalgia of vintage clothing, furniture, and decor cultivates a story with every purchase and every unique find.
Ward Hooper
An iconic Treasure Valley staple, Ward Hooper’s unique vintage style inspires memories of simpler times. His art can be seen all over Idaho, from the slopes of Sun Valley to the University of Idaho and everywhere in between.
“Growing up in a modestly poorer community I only remember having access to children's story books and picture books that were hand me downs from the 30's thru the 50's, so those illustrations and art styles really stuck with me,” Ward shared when asked where he drew his graphic inspiration. “I think as the world gets more computer-driven, people long for the simpler times and styles and fashions.”
An Idaho native, Ward spent his teen years in the backcountry of Grangeville, hunting, hiking, and fishing. And of course, creating art! “I also love to hunt flea markets and thrift stores for items to use in some of my two- and three-dimensional art pieces.”
He also hosts a vintage market right outside his shop, located at located at 745 Idaho Street in downtown Boise. “I started doing a vintage market out front on the sidewalk about 6 years ago to help out some of the kids that were starting up their own "side hustle.” It is great seeing these kids get excited about making money doing something completely on their own. Since then, a lot of them have opened their own stores and flourished. It's good to see.”
Visit Ward online at WardHooper.com.
Sweet Tea Living
“It all started when I was a little girl,” Megan began. Owner and founder of Sweet Tea Living in Eagle, Megan Hoiosen has always found herself drawn to the world of vintage design. “My dad built a doll house as tall as me and I would spend hours decorating each room. As the years passed, I started decorating my own room and drawing up plans for new ideas.” And the rest was history.
Megan opened Sweet Tea Living, located at 99 W State Street, as a space to create and sell products using a combination of both novel and vintage items. “We love the balance of vintage mixed with new. This helps make every home feel different and unique. I go out searching each week for antiques to add to the shop!”
Sweet Tea Living is all about finding the story behind the item and in turn, adding all the richness and character that antique goods offer. She prides herself in not only cultivating creative products but also in building and maintaining relationships with her customers. “My main goal for Sweet Tea Living is that it is a safe and welcoming space where anyone can come in and enjoy a few moments away from the craziness of life.”
What sets Megan’s shop apart from other antique and vintage stores is that she tears the entire showroom down every three to four months and does a complete reset with a brand-new theme. Sweet Tea Living is quite literally a different store each time you visit.
Explore Sweet Tea Living yourself or visit them online at SweetTeaLiving.Design.
Antique World Mall
Weighing in at a stagging 30,000 square feet of floor to ceiling vintage goods is the Antique World Mall (AWM). Since 1999, AWM has been consigning with more than 150 different dealers, resulting in thousands upon thousands (maybe millions) of items of varying prices. From midcentury modern to circa 1932 London style, AWM has literally everything, and I mean everything.
“Victorian, Mid Century Modern, Primitive, Farmhouse, or Hollywood Regency styles and more can all be found at Antique World Mall,” shared Kristina Murray, Marketing Director for AWM. “We have everything from an 1800's French Church Altar to an 1890 Corbin Cabinet US Postal Office window. I believe our store truly has something for everyone.”
You could spend hours—probably days—and still not see everything. Every nook, every corner is filled to the brim with vintage, retro, and antique goods. Find a relic from your past or dive deeper into history. Adorn yourself with vintage jewelry, add to your record collection, step into your grandpa’s garage, and step out into to a 50s diner.
“When you shop at Antique World Mall, not only are you supporting a local shop, but you are supporting 150+ small businesses with our dealers,” Kristina continued. Talk about shopping local! “When you walk through the doors of the Antique World Mall you will feel a sense of family. Many of our dealers have operated booths at the Mall since the beginning and numerous of our employees have been working with us since the early days.”
For more information about the Antique World Mall check out their shop at 4544 W. Overland Road or visit them online or on social media AntiqueWorldMall.com
At Sweet Tea Living, they love to change things up! They tear down the whole shop every 3-4 months and do a complete reset with a new theme for the season! Photos: Kelly Hebert