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Something Old, Something New: Incorporate Antiques into a Modern Interior
When moving home, your old furniture may look really dull and boring, but you should resist the temptation of throwing it on a bonfire and charring it. Don’t throw away your history for that possibly contrived up-to-the-minute look, but instead rework the furniture you’ve got.
New and old can work together really well, but it requires some care with what you’re mixing together. Always try and look for a link between the old and the new. Here this very contemporary, clean-lined sofa sits comfortably next to an antique Moroccan rug. They complement each through texture and colour.
The right look is not just about antique sofas and chairs. Think big and quirky. That’s what Stephen, the owner of this flat, has done. He’s used a variety of unusual antique objects in an unorthodox way that really works. “It’s all about scale for me,” says Stephen. “The easy way out is contemporary, but antiques tell a story and contribute to the feel of a room.”
Mixing antiques from different periods is a bit more tricky, but it can give you a splendid end result as long as there’s a balance. A good rule of thumb is to furnish 80 to 90% in the predominant style you want, and then add a couple of bold statement pieces, or furniture from a different period.
