Designing a home that accurately reflects your personality and taste can be obtained by combining furniture items that represent a number of different styles and eras. But, marrying antique and contemporary elements to generate a cohesive harmony without creating excessive noise can become a delicate balancing act. Achieving the perfect mix of old and new comes down to a careful collaboration of form and function, using timeless antiques to add depth, story and unexpected drama to trendy modern interiors.
With antique furniture generating a revival among interior designers and inspired homeowners in 2023, The Crown Collection offers some of our best advice for creating a character-filled contemporary interior that fits your design brief to the T with the addition of versatile antiques:
#1 Antiques are a sophisticated, bold contrast to soft, muted shades
The neutral colour palette that embodies most modern interiors derives its interest through a layered composition – and this is where antiques fit right in.
Transforming a muted or monochromatic decor canvas into a sophisticated aesthetic can be easily attained through the subtle or bold introduction of antique furniture and accessories – making them the hero pieces of the space.
The transformation will always be a success: a dramatic antique chandelier echoes an age-old story of the French bourgeoisie in a modern dining room, while a dark wood armoire lends a striking statement to a contemporary bedroom.
Conversely, uniting otherwise disparate pieces from different eras could be achieved by selecting a unified colour scheme. This can play out in two ways. Firstly, a neutral antique chair with a distinct gilded frame can pair well with a modern light-coloured carpet and coffee table. Secondly, an otherwise daring Victorian refectory table can be bleached to accompany a muted contemporary interior.
#2 Antiques are a dramatic anchor to bright contemporary and multifunctional spaces
Antique furniture is not only a savvy environmental solution, but can also function as a versatile decorative focal point, adding character and warmth to light and airy modern interiors.
The open-plan architecture of contemporary homes thrives on fluidity of movement. Tending toward sleek minimalism, these spaces are poised to showcase antiques which become a striking, definitive centrepiece with an added ‘wow’ factor.
A modern lounge/entrance hall/dining room can be bound together with an antique Mahogany sideboard, offsetting the light open-plan space with a strong visual contrast.
The modern minimalistic decor trend which emphasises simplicity, neutrality and clean lines can be shaken up by adding an authentic interest piece in the form of an antique (be it a carpet, bookcase, kist or settee, a decorative mirror or gilded chairs).
#3 Antiques are a ‘neutral’ balance to pattern, texture and colour
The addition of an antique furniture piece can allow your eye to rest among the busyness of a maximalist design aesthetic.
Whether you opt to purchase antiques that fit the colour scheme (that can blend and balance out the room’s bold colours or modern designs) or choose a carefully-placed antique piece to break up the striking patterns and textures (bringing visual interest to the space) there is no home that could pass up a perfectly poised antique furniture item in favour of a mass-produced time-bound supposedly cheaper alternative.
In addition, antiques can neutralise bold colours, create a visually intriguing texture contrast or anchor a playful contemporary patterned design.
In many modern spaces, the 80/20 (80% modern pieces, 20% antiques) rule works well when it comes to balancing items from various generations, so selecting the perfect antique piece is essential to harmonising this diversity.
The wood finish of a grandfather clock or chest of drawers brings a sustainable elegance to a contemporary monochromatic colour scheme. While darker woods add historical drama, lighter variations or bleached woods counterbalance the serious black and white tones with a rustic, warm French feel.
Choose from our range of antique furniture at The Crown Collection
Whatever your method of balancing modern and antique styles, The Crown Collection is your one-stop emporium for top-notch pieces in every decorative category imaginable.
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