Designer James Gallagher Charms Us with His Vintage Charm Home Collection

After catching a sneak peek at Target’s new home fall lookbook, we fell in love with the new Vintage Charm collection. Full of stylish home décor accents and accessories in fine textures and warm hues, we can’t wait to transform our home into a cozy retreat for fall.

We can already imagine lounging in front of the fire – feet propped up on this rustic stool, wrapped in a chenille throw and reading the newest best seller.

Below, Target design doyen James Gallagher reveals his fall collection inspirations and his five home must-haves.

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Have you always wanted to be a designer?
James Gallagher: I always loved to draw and create as a child. I thought I would be an architect, but found out I could make a living designing items for people. I changed my career path my third year in college and never looked back.

Tell us a little about the collection.
JG: The collection is rooted in the idea of vintage and authentic materials that can stand the test of time. We incorporated textures into everything, from woven wool rugs to heavy throws and textured felted woven baskets.

What was your inspiration for this collection?
JG: We took inspiration from vintage textiles including flour grain sacks, classic striping and vintage European floral designs. We also took form inspiration from vintage shapes such as pharmacy lamps, apothecary jars and vintage bake ware.

What are your favorite pieces from this collection?
JG: I would have to say the woven wool and jute rug and the woven felt basket. The quality and design on these items are fantastic. The rugs were hand woven in India and the woven felt basket is a perfect way to offer storage and function with a great soft material.

Do you visit any flea markets, estate sales or fairs before the design process?
JG: Definitely! The design teams travel to the Rose Bowl flea market in Pasadena, CA, and others throughout the US, as well as local flea markets here in Minnesota. There is inspiration everywhere. We always look forward to attending the Maison et Objet Show in Paris and make sure to find time to shop the Paris flea market while there as well.

We love the vintage elements throughout the collection. Are you a fan of mixing the old with the new?
JG: I am. I also love how we have the opportunity to put a twist on the old in the hopes of improving it. It’s our job to constantly make things better for people.

What is your home style?
JG: I love mid-century influences and designs. I love the simplicity from that time period. I have a mix of Danish modern and American mid-century, modern items that have stood the test of time, often found at estate sales or vintage shops and mixed with global finds throughout my travels.

Any tips for a new homeowner when it comes to decorating or mixing different style elements throughout the home?
JG: I would say keep it simple and go with neutrals on surfaces like the walls, floors and big furniture pieces. Have fun and show your style with a mix of your accessories and what is meaningful to you. Don’t be afraid to mix up finishes and items. It should be a reflection of what you love.

Cozy up to our top picks from our fall home lookbook,
including the Vintage Charm collection.