About Vintage Charm
My goal is to make it simple for you to achieve a timeless, classic look at home - designing spaces that feel welcoming and uniquely yours.
Welcome to Vintage Charm
My journey began in 2016 when I took a leap of faith into self-employment, starting with handmade gifts at local Christmas fairs. What began as a passion project quickly grew into something much bigger. The overwhelming response gave me the courage to leave my role as Manager at Nidd Hall in Harrogate, where I ran the tea rooms, and pursue my dream full-time.
I started small, renting a mobile unit at the Cleveland Centre in Middlesbrough, crafting handmade items each evening after long days of trading. That dedication led me to open my first shop, Le Chic Antique, where I discovered my true calling: upcycling vintage furniture. I began transforming forgotten pieces into beautiful, one-of-a-kind treasures, while carefully sourcing quality products to complement my painted furniture.
Then came 2020 – and like so many, the pandemic hit my business hard. But I adapted. I moved to a larger unit, rebranded as Vintage Charm, and focused on growth, resilience, and reinvention. I poured my heart into creating a space that celebrated sustainability, individuality, and the beauty of vintage design.
But the journey hasn’t been easy. In 2025, rising living costs and economic pressures forced me to downsize to a smaller unit here at Forest Grove Business Park, Middlesbrough. It’s been my most challenging year yet – but also a reminder of why I do what I do.
I believe in saving beautiful old furniture from landfills, one piece at a time. I love giving family heirlooms a second life, rescuing them from skips and turning them into cherished centrepieces. Every brushstroke is a step toward sustainability, and every transformation tells a story.
I’m passionate about interior design and love helping customers choose the perfect colour palette or style for their home. Whether it’s advice, inspiration, or a fully custom piece, I’m here to help.
At Vintage Charm, I’m proud to be a stockist of Dixie Belle Paint, Redesign with Prima, and Mint by Michelle Decoupage Papers – making me your one-stop shop for all things upcycling. I also love running upcycling workshops, sharing skills and encouraging others to create with purpose and care.
This showroom is always evolving – just like the journey. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve never lost my love for this craft. There’s nothing I’d rather do than spend my days with a paintbrush in hand, breathing new life into the old.
Thank you for supporting my small, sustainable business.
Here’s to slow growth, second chances, and the enduring charm of vintage.
Julie Hatton
See below a small section of some of the items I have upcycled.
