So, take a look around your living room. Is it all basically the same style? You've loved it for years, but maybe now it's time for a facelift. If you have antiques, you could try mixing in a few modern pieces, or vice versa. Mixing antique and modern design styles may be one of the most liberating design choices you could make today.
Where do you start? In today's scheme of design, the first option would be to create a blank canvas. White walls create a perfect background, allowing your focal points to steal the show, not to mention how clean and fresh it looks. And that may be the nicest thing about mixing antiques and modern; they both get a new lease on setting the perfect environment for you to live life to the fullest.
1. Mixing Antique & Modern With Color
Your wall color is your choice, whatever appeals to you. White is the choice of most designers today. But it is important to unify the room by choosing colors that resonate with the furniture and accessories... bringing it all together. Remember, it is your choice.
The photo below is a perfect example. There are only three colors (several shades of each), a simple color palette. It all blends perfectly, it's very soothing but it might not be eclectic enough for you.
2. Keeping A Balance When
Mixing Antique & Modern Design Styles
Scale is always important, but when mixing old and new, you may have to bend the rules somewhat. There is an 80/20 rule that may apply, with 80% of one and 20% of the other, but there is also scale and balance in the accessories as well. This setting has a balance of antiques to modern and also plays with scale. Notice the blue chair at the end of the table. What a great way to play with your senses by adding a pop of color. The incredible planter on the table also brings the outside inside.
3. Choose A Focal Point
A mirror, antique or modern, is often a perfect choice for a focal point, but it may also be artwork, sculpture, or a specific piece of furniture. This setting is perfectly balanced, with the focal point being the tree which also brings nature into the room.
4. Play with Lighting When
Mixing Antique & Modern Design Styles
It is a toss-up which is more striking, antique or modern lighting. There are accent pieces in both genres. But do not be afraid to try new ideas. Nothing can inspire magic in a room more than lighting!
5. Weave Antique Textiles Into The Mix
To create a warm and inviting room, try weaving old or cultural textures into the mix. An antique rug can add so much in the center of a room or under a dining table. Hanging a tapestry certainly be a striking focal point, but also remember to add interesting pillows and throws.
6. Repurpose & Refinish When Mixing Antique & Modern
Consider form and function in your design scheme. Be bold in changing the original purpose of an antique piece into something you may enjoy more using today. The curved lines and details of antique pieces can add so much character, but you may want to update a piece by stripping or painting it.
Bringing in nature with natural patina allows you to incorporate textures into your designs. Using organic materials can provide a pleasant surface. Don't be afraid to add and even mix metals in your interiors to add even more interest.
7. Mixing Antique & Modern Artwork
A bold modern painting can certainly be a focal point, but what if you feature it in a gorgeous, antique frame, or vice versa? You may choose a wall of antique art with a modern painting included. Remember, Picasso painted modern art. Hang your art or simply lean it against the floor or set it on a piece of furniture. You may choose your artwork because you love the image, or because the color speaks to your soul. Either way, it should be a creation you love.
8. Focus on Accent Pieces
The focal point is only half of the design challenge. What should be much more fun is selecting accent pieces to compliment your design. Even though accent pieces can offer an unexpected feature, there is a practical function if these are items you intend to use as well. They are also a wonderful opportunity to add a pop of color.
Mixing Antique & Modern With Drama
Anytime you mix antiques and modern elements, it will create a certain amount of drama, and that can be truly exciting. By far, the most prevalent example I found is incorporating an antique table with modern or even mid-century modern chairs. I have to admit this is one thing I fully intend to do in my home. I have a gorgeous, detailed round antique table with heavy, more traditional chairs, and I dream of simple mid-century modern chairs. I also found many examples of lucite chairs paired with a dark antique table which seem to disappear next to a prominent table.
Be free to experiment by adding antiques or modern into your decor.
You may be surprised with the results.
For more inspiration, ... check out my Pinterest Board: Mising Antique & Modern Styles. I have pinned hundreds of ideas for you. The photos above are all from Pinterest; to find the source.
Lakewood 400 Antiques Market is the decorator's happy place to search for collectible items, great treasures, furniture, accessories, and everything from fresh produce to handmade jewelry and fashions. You absolutely never know what you may find there!
It is a glorious treasure hunt sure to delight.
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Please Note: Beginning January 2024, Lakewood 400 Antiques Market will be open on the 1st weekend of every month, and no longer on the 3rd. Go to the website and you can add the upcoming dates to your Google calendar. For a reminder every month, sign up for their newsletter.
Jan Jones is a Designer, Artist, and Author of
"Finding Me: A Motivational Journey of Discovery for Young People."
Available on Amazon. For more information Click Here
For the www.janjones.design website and jjd magazine where you can read many articles by jan.
We welcome your comments and enjoy sharing ideas!
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