Decorating
Old Meets New: How to Add Antiques to Contemporary Interiors
Highlight the beauty of time-worn antiques alongside your modern decor for a home with enviable personal style
When it comes to furnishing your home, there is no rule to say that all your furnishings have to come from the same era. Introducing antiques to a contemporary interior is a popular way to mix up old and new, and the biggest benefit of doing so is that you can create a greater sense of individual style – a worthwhile goal with so many contemporary interiors looking quite similar.
Working with the theory that opposites attract, incorporating traditional with modern pieces can bring a fresh and eclectic texture to a room. However, it can also be hard to pull off. Here are some tips to consider when mixing the old with the new for a well-designed, rather than chaotic, result.
Working with the theory that opposites attract, incorporating traditional with modern pieces can bring a fresh and eclectic texture to a room. However, it can also be hard to pull off. Here are some tips to consider when mixing the old with the new for a well-designed, rather than chaotic, result.
This armoire (French for a ‘large wardrobe’ or ‘moveable cupboard’) not only makes a statement in this bedroom with its grand scale, but is also a useful linen cupboard. The glass doors also make a visual feature of the bedlinen stored inside.
Tip: Make sure the antique piece you source is in the best possible condition, with the original working hardware, so it’s easy to use and will last. If it’s not in great condition but you still love it, you should ask yourself how much effort you are willing to put in to restore it – this is the quintessential question in antiquing.
Tip: Make sure the antique piece you source is in the best possible condition, with the original working hardware, so it’s easy to use and will last. If it’s not in great condition but you still love it, you should ask yourself how much effort you are willing to put in to restore it – this is the quintessential question in antiquing.
An armoire with solid doors is an excellent and very useful storage piece that can be used for many items in different rooms, including to store clothing, hiding away technology, kitchenware, linen, books, office files, sewing machine, toys… the list goes on.
How to integrate family heirlooms into your home
How to integrate family heirlooms into your home
This commode has been repurposed into a vanity for a bathroom. Not only is the drawer storage useful, the vanity adds timeless and elegant beauty with its style, warm timber and marble benchtop. Paired with a simple basin, mirror and lighting, it is the focal point of the bathroom.
Tip: Make sure your antique piece is the right height for your bathroom vanity once you add a basin on top. Also, being in a wet area, you may need to ask what needs to be done to protect the antique against steam and water exposure.
Tip: Make sure your antique piece is the right height for your bathroom vanity once you add a basin on top. Also, being in a wet area, you may need to ask what needs to be done to protect the antique against steam and water exposure.
Not all antiques need to be grand or big statements. They could be as small as the blue and white china jar here holding the mixing spoons. Often the smaller touch of an antique can provide the biggest sense of ‘home’.
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Browse more kitchen photos
Mix it up
Eclectic style works well with antiques. Small pieces such as this bedside table add character and charm to a simple bedroom that a modern bedside table would not project.
Eclectic style works well with antiques. Small pieces such as this bedside table add character and charm to a simple bedroom that a modern bedside table would not project.
Here, a striking antique table becomes a stunning and prominent kitchen island. The open, ‘leggy’ table contrasts beautifully with the solid block design of the kitchen joinery. When thinking about pairing items, consider the opposites – hard with soft, square with round, dark with light, and so on.
In the same kitchen, an antique cabinet is built into the new cabinetry to display the owner’s china. The new cabinetry in dark charcoal against the antique piece allows the timber to glow and stand out.
Tip: Expect bumps and bruises on antiques. This is part of their charm.
Tip: Expect bumps and bruises on antiques. This is part of their charm.
It’s rare to finding a matching pair of antiques but don’t let that hold you back. Find a common feature and mix up the style – such as these two cabinets in the same timber tone, both with glass doors.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the antique piece. Where does it come from? Is the hardware original? Has it been restored or treated? It is good to know what you are buying and a good dealer or seller should be able to tell you about an item’s background. The price will usually reflect the authenticity and condition of the piece.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the antique piece. Where does it come from? Is the hardware original? Has it been restored or treated? It is good to know what you are buying and a good dealer or seller should be able to tell you about an item’s background. The price will usually reflect the authenticity and condition of the piece.
Make a display of it
Think outside the box to consider other uses for antiques. They don’t make windows like they used to, so why not show them off? The unique shape of these antique timber windows can be fully appreciated when repurposed as a feature bedhead. Leaving them in a rustic, raw finish contrasts beautifully with the soft bedding.
Think outside the box to consider other uses for antiques. They don’t make windows like they used to, so why not show them off? The unique shape of these antique timber windows can be fully appreciated when repurposed as a feature bedhead. Leaving them in a rustic, raw finish contrasts beautifully with the soft bedding.
This ornate antique shelf becomes a focal point above coat hooks in an entrance way. When an antique piece is singled out like this, you can truly appreciate its carved details.
5 common mistakes made when combining old and new
5 common mistakes made when combining old and new
A cluster of antique paintings and prints looks striking in this contemporary stairwell. They bring interest to a space that is often regarded as a thoroughfare and commonly underconsidered.
This informal art display is further enhanced with a small antique painting (or an antique-looking print) with its rich colour and details. It adds depth to the art collection on the fireplace mantle.
Appreciate its beauty
If you find something you love, buy it! The catch with antiques is that they are one of a kind so if you miss it, it’s gone.
Do antiques belong in modern homes?
If you find something you love, buy it! The catch with antiques is that they are one of a kind so if you miss it, it’s gone.
Do antiques belong in modern homes?
Remember that opposites attract so for maximum impact, create contrast – this beautiful antique chandelier is ideal for a simple, modern space such as a dining room or entrance way. Let the piece show its history and be a conversation starter. You just need to be ready to tell its story.
Tell us
Do you have any antiques in your home? Tell us where you have placed them in your contemporary space.
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Browse traditional-style living rooms
Do you have any antiques in your home? Tell us where you have placed them in your contemporary space.
More
Browse traditional-style living rooms
Source pieces that can be repurposed as your needs change. A commode (a French word meaning ‘convenient’ or ‘suitable’) of drawers can become a beautiful and useful hall table. The drawers can be relocated to a bedroom or a living room at a later date.