Popular design publication, Decorilla, has defined traditional interiors with a twist as one of the hottest trends of the season. Think an Edwardian desk in a home office, married to a Chesterfield sofa, beehive-shaped wall speakers, or contemporary art sitting over a bioethanol fireplace. It’s no wonder that traditional furniture never falls out of fashion. Antique items from past centuries are typically made of quality noble materials, meaning they are durable and hold an eternal appeal that never fails to attract the eye of avid collectors. Whether you already have beautiful heirloom pieces or you’re thinking of investing in one or two new pieces, take note of the following strategies to make a perfect marriage of modern and old-world pieces.
Embrace a Stylistic Mix
When designing your interior spaces, you certainly do not have to choose between a mainly contemporary or traditional style. In fact, spaces like living rooms are coziest when they contain an organic mix of influences that have been added over time. Perhaps you were lucky enough to inherit a stylish Georgian fret mirror, antique bureau, or kneehold desk. These items go perfectly with a stylish modern or bespoke sofa covered in a fabric like chenille. In fact, the clean lines and neutral hues of a simple yet stylish sofa will complement designer elements such as an antique chair, Persian rug, or art deco chandelier. Connect these eclectic items by embracing the ‘less is more’ philosophy so that spaces reflect various influences without being over-the-top.
Choose Appealing Fabrics
If you have stunning antique chairs, decorative pieces or sculptures, help them stand out by ensuring your soft furnishings are covered in soft, neutral fabrics. Replace traditional floral or paisley prints with monochrome coverings that exude stylishness and simplicity. You can always add pops of color in hues such as pink, purple, or green through smaller items like cushions, throw blankets, or small rugs. Give due protagonism to the most valuable items in your space, especially certified antiques.
Fill in the ‘Middle Spaces’
Imagine that you have two pieces in totally different styles, such as a dark mahogany sideboard and a light oak sofa side table. These items can actually work well together, provided you don’t place them side by side. Try placing them opposite to each other, filling the space between them with a fun item that fits neither style. For instance, you may choose to place a leather upholstered coffee table topped with a stunning vase filled with wildflowers. Another choice is to fill the space between two contrasting items with a simple furniture piece such as a sofa, chaise lounge, or space-dividing fireplace.
Be Brave and Repurpose Pieces
When you have antique pieces, it can feel like sacrilege to change them in any way. However, if these pieces simply don’t go with the rest of your home and they have been sitting in storage for years, think about giving them new life. For instance, you may strip a dark wood dining table to create a stunning raw, natural finish that suits a space that is light-filled, jovial, and youthful. You can also reupholster soft furnishings in newer fabrics that complement your existing furniture pieces better. To embrace eclecticism to the full, consider choosing fabrics in bright, bold colors or patterns to contrast beautifully with the traditional style of old furniture. Don’t worry too much about items matching. Instead, choose fabrics that appeal to your eye and shades that you would enjoy seeing every day!
Blending traditional and contemporary designs is one of the hottest trends in modern design. To make the most of this movement, be brave and blend numerous items from different eras. Place items with contrasting styles or materials far from each other, using appealing middle pieces as a bridge between them. Finally, take time to repurpose old pieces to whiz them into the 21st century.
