Exploring Abandoned Buildings: Vintage Inspiration for Timeless Decor

There is something mysterious about abandoned buildings like abandoned train depots, barns, houses and such.  I can't help but wonder who occupied the space and what stories the walls would tell us if they could talk.

In todays post we are looking at the old architecture starting with this abandoned train depot and how you can find inspiration to decorate your home in a rustic vintage style

When I was growing up my mother seemed to see something special in old buildings because I would find pictures of them from now and then in her albums. Old barns seem to be her favorite but anything that revealed a weather chippy look was in her books.

It's no wonder that I am attracted to them also.

If you love anything vintage, antique, or old then keep reading because you are in the right place.

Old architecture is a great place to begin if you are thinking of decorating in a rustic, vintage nostalgic style. The details of architecture, patina of the elements offer so much character and charm.

Update: This blog post will be updated and more abandoned buildings will be added from time to time. This update is September 18, 2024.

Abandoned Buildings

Abandoned Train Depot

While visiting my niece in North Carolina she took me to see an old abandoned train depot. We sat in her car and just looked at it.  Many old buildings in America are tired and dilapidated but under all that dust, and worn appearance are beautiful architectural details!

Travelers Platform

Can you just hear the sound of the train whistling from afar as it approaches this station? People standing here waiting patiently for love ones or antsy to board to travel.

This platform was designed to hold lots of weight. Each board was carefully placed in rows over cross beams to be the stepping block to the box car.

Chippy Wood Steps

I love these steps just next door to the passenger waiting area.  Time and weather have taken a toll but the chippy look is perfect for rustic decor lovers.

If you ever get your hands on old wood there are many things you can do to incorporate it into your decor such as build an accent wall or convert it into a coat rack by adding hooks.

Old Screen Doors

It appears this depot was before air condition due to the beautiful screen door that has long lost its screen material. Screen doors are reminiscent of the old days.

There are so many fun things you can do to decorate with screen doors. You can simply prop an vintage screen door against the wall and let its beauty stand alone. Some screen doors look different on the top so consider cutting it in half and hanging the top half on a wall.

Also consider using screen doors for holidays like attaching Christmas cards to the screen door as a display.

Antique Door Knobs

Another detail that makes the passenger waiting area more distinguished from the loading dock is this beautifully detailed door knob.  Imagine it was a bright polished brass or bronze and look at those engraved details–just exquisite!

Workers Platform

It's possible this platform carries the weight of blue collar workers who took heavy loads onto a boxcar. The sounds of mostly men were chatting about work, family or possibly their weekend plans while filling up a car with goods.  

Again salvaged wood is perfect for do it yourself project and so much more. Keep in mind that even though a building is abandoned it still belongs to someone so do not take anything from the site without permission.

Vintage Signs

The no smoking sign is unusual for older building because not too long ago in North Carolina smoking was allowed in public places.  A safety sign for sure.

An old signs from building like this make great decorations in your home decor.

Vintage Lighting

From the looks of this lighting, I guess it was added at some point.  If you look carefully, there is exposed wiring and wiring tubing.  This probably means that the building was built either before or around the time of electricity. 

Many structures in the United States began with exposed wiring for power.  It was pretty fashionable to show off their new found invention.

Old lighting looks great as a decoration but if you want to use it in your home make sure to have it rewired by an electrician. In my bathroom I have an early 1900s light that came from my grandmothers house. We had it rewired to be safe from electrical fires.

There is so much we can learn from this abandoned building, train depots, barn and houses.  And at one point in American history, the railroad was the primary mode of transportation for goods and passengers. 

If you love history then maybe you could add some train depot decor to your home with old lights, weathered boards, signs and such.

In Shelby, NC you would find corn, wheat, and lumber loaded onto cars and distributed around the country.  Just think this once famous building was the door to progress for this great nation we live.

Well, there you have it. A tour of an old abandoned train station that holds loads of inspiration and ideas for decorating your home.

Conclusion

See how taking the time to stroll around old architecture can get your creative juices going. Each details offers a charming idea to your home decor.

When you shop antiques or anything vintage ask if the store owner knows the history. Knowing a little history make your decorations more nostalgic and special.

What interesting stories do you have to share about an old abandoned train depot in America or any old building?

For more old architecture articles or decorating from thrift store finds check out these posts:

• Wakulla Lodge History & Architecture
• Decorating from Thrift Stores

Happy Decorating!

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