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“Looking through magazines or real estate publications, I see a lot of same-same homes and interiors without much individuality,” says Allpress. “It’s easy to follow the herd into a huge contemporary retailer and ll your oor plan according to the display on the shop oor. However, placing a beautiful 18th century English oak dresser or sideboard with a large contemporary painting or photographic art hanging above creates an outstanding display that your eye is drawn to – and you won’t see that in any showroom.”
Decorating with antique furniture is all about how to mix the old with the new in a tasteful and well-balanced way. Consider achieving this interior concoction as not just an art, but a science. “Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so balance your yin with your yang.,” says Allpress. It’s about balancing the emotional connection to what may well be a family heirloom, with its potential relationship to brand new furniture items.
Give antiques a position where family and friends give them the admiration they deserve. An old cabinet, bookcase or table will be an attention-grabber in any setting, and doesn’t need to compete with other furnishings. Antique pieces should be spaced out, so don’t group them together in a modern setting or they’ll come across as an antiquated island in a sea of new furniture. To avoid larger pieces looking old-fashioned and stodgy, so resist the urge to ll a bulky dark wood bookcase with old tomes, and instead display a collection of vibrant coloured glassware.Pair each antique item with a piece of low- key or modern style furniture. For example, a regency dining table paired with plastic Philippe Stark chairs.
Other examples he gives include pairing a curvaceous baroque chair with a sleek dark wood empire commode, or marrying a collection of shiny black lacquered pieces with a mid- century Eames Side Shell Chair.
“Carefully placing a special or a unique item can really nish o a room,” he says. “Consider what might suit the style of the area: a 17th-19th century European botanical engraving in a modern frame; a nice modern bronze or decorative glass work; a beautiful 18th century English pewter charger with a pile of figs, limes or pomegranates; or an early Mason or Imari porcelain plate, bowl or platter can look fantastic.”
Antiques can sometimes be the antidote to a one- dimensional approach to contemporary architecture. However, the expert concedes there are times they don’t work due to the fact they are heirlooms and may not be in keeping with personal style despite their strong sentimental value.
Each season brings with it a collection of trends. However, we’re stretching our design motto beyond the anticipated neutral forecast to celebrate a fine-tuned style when it comes to mixing antiques with contemporary furniture or settings.
“I feel when dressing either a modern or an older home you should always start with the main pieces, like a feature sideboard, maybe a nice pair of chairs, one on each side of a nice (not too low!) modern lounge suite, then slowly add other items,” says Allpress. While antiques can be subtle background decoration or the focal point of a room, without proper handling they can just as easily become forgettable or overly distracting.
“Not all antiques suit a modern home,” advises Allpress. “Victorian, Edwardian and average Deco don’t mix well at all, also average Georgian and Regency mahogany don’t cut it, either.” It seems that there are rules when it comes to breaking rules. However, Jamie says period 17th-19th century English and European country furniture can mix well if the right pieces are selected. “Some town pieces can look great, such as Queen Anne Walnut or well faded George II-III chairs and side tables, just as long as they aren’t over-restored and faded,” he says. “And – a little like a classic suit – if you place a good country Georgian piece in the right spot it will never goes out of style. A single decorative chair can go just about anywhere, as can an interesting George III country oak wine table, which is great for corners or between sofas or wing chairs.”