Monday, July 7, 2014

Antiques: Mixing Old With New




beautifulhabitat.com
All of my favorite shelter magazines are filled with advertisements for summer antique shows
like the ones in Newport, Nantucket and New Hampshire.  I'm inspired to plan a visit to one of these
locations for a warm weekend getaway and look for that special something for clients who like
to mix old with new in their design projects. In the photo above, the juxtaposition of a starkly modern painting behind an historical bust on an antique chest creates a beautiful vignette in this living room.  The following two photos feature antique mirrors and end tables with a vibrant mix of furniture styles in colorful rooms that have a traditional appeal.

nestnestnest.blogspot.com
buyaz.org
The monochromatic contemporary interiors in the next two photos highlight a sharp contrast that
is visually exciting.  I love the look of the white sectional sofas mixed with the warm tones of antique wooden furniture and architectural features.

ajc.com

manobluedesign.com

Dining spaces offer opportunities to showcase a family heirloom table and chairs or the lucky find
of a country farmhouse table. In the photos below , the lovely classic lines and rich mahogany of the dining set stand out against the cool contemporary pattern and color of the wallpaper.  The worn patina of the pine trestle table is very inviting in the all-white modern kitchen.

greenstreetblog.com
atticmag.com



showcasehomecville.com
In the photo above, the talented designer has artfully repeated the round shapes of the mirror and
pedestal table to create an exciting mix of modern and antique styles.

Bright and lively colors in the following two bedrooms keep the massive Victorian furniture from
overwhelming the spaces.  The dark tones of the wooden beds glow against the cool hues of blue and green.  Imagine the family stories they could tell!
designkastle.com
designkastle.com

I love repurposing a single piece of antique furniture in creative ways for functional use in the home.
The beautiful old dresser in the photo below becomes the focal point of this gorgeous kitchen. And the following bathroom offers a unique sink cabinet that enriches the space.

countrydesignhome.com
swedishdekor.com
One of my favorite ways to use a small antique table is to create a home office area and feature it as a desk.  In this next photo and the one to follow, the addition of antique artwork draws the discerning eye into a room that is out of the ordinary.

denoxa.com

homeanddesign.com

Contemporary homes with little or no architectural detail challenge me as a designer.  Antique elements like the tall mirrors in the family room below replicate the look of palladian windows. The addition of an antique mantelpiece creates a focal point to the room.  And, the antique table and two chairs enliven the plain backside of a long contemporary sofa.  An originally boring and empty space
is now beautifully enhanced with a mix of old and new furnishings that will never look out of date.

first.hometrendesign.com





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