How do you give an old piece new life? Just bring a thoughtfully selected antique into a new, modern space. The contrast of old and new breathes life into the room and keeps it fresh and interesting. From furniture to accessories and everything in between, let antiques pieces shine in your contemporary home. Let me show you how.
• Seating Selections
Sometimes we just need to break up the straight lines of most contemporary furnishings. What better way is there to mix up a modern seating group than to pair it with a curvy, high-back antique sofa or sexy, old wing chair? Or how about snagging a long, weathered church pew to tuck neatly into a sleek, narrow entry hall? Why not ditch the barstools in the kitchen, lower the counter top and slip an oriental bench in front of it for food breaks and breakfast? Unexpected antique seating selections paired in contrast to contemporary surroundings make a design statement like no other.
• Oriental or Handmade Rugs
The beauty of an oriental or other handmade antique rug is in the design of the piece. As long as you coordinate the colors with the rest of the furnishings, even ultra-modern furniture will work with an old, quality floor covering.
• One Special Piece
One single, special piece can turn up the heat in a cold, contemporary space. An antique piano chair brings nostalgic style to starkly tiled room as it stands guard in a contemporary bathroom suite. A row of white, upholstered Parsons chairs pair perfectly with a long, rustic dining table that warms the space and still complements the modern crystal chandelier hanging above. An old section of wood postal boxes makes a lovely side table. It can also offer a bunch of little drawers for storing tiny treasures as it sits along side a chrome and leather occasional chair.
• Accessorize with Old World Charm
Expect the unexpected when you accessorize with antiques and modern furniture. Old leather books add character and a sense of old world charm, even in a cube-shaped wall unit. Sprinkle small antiques throughout your contemporary space to shake up the new world order with a blast from the past.
Check out the pictures and the inspiration for this article in the Antiques in Contemporary Spaces ideabook on Houzz. You're sure to find ways to use antiques to adorn and beautify your home.
Enjoy more home decor ideas from Terry Mulligan:
10 Tips to Take Your Next Decorating Project Over the Top
