We often think of contemporary and antique as opposites, yet you’d be surprised at how well antique pieces will fit into modern spaces, as well as alongside contemporary decor.
Antique and vintage pieces make modern spaces look more credible and authentic. Conversely, modern designs also look great in a classical, old house if you achieve the right rapport with its proportions and ornaments. – William Sawaya
Antiques add story and depth to a space, especially if you’re in a cookie-cutter contemporary home. Your home is an expression of you and your family, so don’t leave the template intact! By decorating with unique pieces that communicate your values, history, and style, you can create a space that is a reflection of you. Antiques can help you do that.
What is Antique?
Typically, pieces that are more recent, but at least 20 years old are considered retro since they are the recent past. Antiques can be as recent as the 1910’s, though as time ticks on, the time period that covers antiques increases as well. In 2118, what we consider to be retro now will then be categorized as antique! You can find great pieces at local garage sales, estate sales, and flea markets.
Antiques aren’t just limited to grandfather clocks or rocking chairs. Think everything from furniture and linens to kitchenware and accessories. You can use antiques to decorate throughout your home, and some homeowners even seek them out specifically because they want to share the incredible story of how they found it or where it’s from with their guests.
Decorating with Antiques
Small accent pieces are a great way to add charm and character to space. This is also the easiest way to introduce antiques into a modern space; it might be as simple as placing a restored 1890s typewriter on your modern desk or swapping your set of mugs with an Edwardian coffee set. That will really take your morning cup of joe up a notch!
Larger accent pieces can help to warm up a space because of the incredible details, like the wood grain on a library index card file cabinet or carved gilted gold on a ceramic vase handle. The same is true for rich textures and intricate patterns on distressed quilts and Persian rugs. You can reupholster an antique bench or arm chair with a fabric in a neutral colour or modern pattern; the modern will blend seamlessly with the ornate woodwork.
As a busy professional, you may not have the time to find those perfect antique pieces. That’s where I come in. Contact me today to set up your free in-home consultation.
