Creating a home that reflects your personality and lifestyle is comprised of varying design expressions and decor options. It often comes down to a careful balance of form and function, and mixing the old with the new. Antiques are a popular, sustainable and timeless choice – as well as a versatile solution – to getting this right across many design aesthetics. 

Three decor styles that benefit beautifully from the addition of antiques are modern minimalism, modern maximalism and modern Afro-Chic. Each style has its own nuances and characteristics, but they all gain a boost of personality with the addition of well-chosen pieces of antique furniture. 

Antiques and modern minimalism – ‘Less is more’

Minimalism, as a philosophy, involves stripping things down or editing things back to their most basic form. As an interior design aesthetic, it emphasises simplicity, clean lines, a neutral palette and uncluttered spaces. 

A minimalist approach highlights essential elements such as light, form and beautiful materials to create a free sense of flow and calm. There are no extras and the few details that are used blend harmoniously into the overall setting.

Because the focus is on removing distractions, furniture and accessories are carefully curated and kept to a minimum. Antiques play a crucial role in a minimalistic space by adding texture, depth and interest to an otherwise monochromatic and ‘sterile’ room. 

A sense of history and authenticity is often missing in a modern minimalist design and well-chosen antique furniture pieces – such as an armoire – become a purposeful focal point and conversation piece. The calm is not interrupted, but a sense of elegance is introduced into a neutral palette. 

The secret is choosing an antique piece of furniture that will complement your minimalistic style story rather than detract from it.

Antiques and modern maximalism – ‘More is more’

Sophie Robinson – iconic British interior design and colour expert – is the queen of the maximalist aesthetic. One glance at her bold approach to colour and pattern leaves you energised and in awe of how her busy ‘mix-and-not-match’ philosophy just works; making even the die-hard minimalist smile and start dreaming about introducing colour or pattern into their spaces. 

“This is a heartfelt design style, and you must prioritise fabulousness over practicality at every opportunity.”  -Sophie Robinson. Her tips for getting the look right include using a tight colour palette to create pattern harmony and repeating similar colours, patterns and design styles for overall cohesion. 

As a style, a maximalist aesthetic celebrates excess patterns, plenty of accessories and highly saturated colours; creating spaces that are extravagant and playful.

And this is where antiques quickly become the ideal solution as a much-needed contrast; allowing your eye to rest as it takes in the seemingly chaotic busyness of a maximalist-designed room. 

Well-placed antique pieces also anchor a maximalist space by providing a sense of structure and balance.

• A large antique mirror will cleverly and beautifully reflect the vibrant patterns and colours of the room’s decor
• An antique chandelier will create a striking and definitive focal point. 
• An antique rug will ‘ground’ a seating area or bed and blend with all the other playful patterns and colours
• An antique dresser will certainly be an arresting statement piece if painted in a bright colour.

Embracing a maximalist aesthetic is all about creative expression and how that informs your interpretation of fantasy and imagination in a space.   

Antiques and modern Afro-chic – ‘A more eclectic vibe’

From the Cape to Cairo, Africa has always inspired artists and design trends. Although Afro-Chic is a hard design aesthetic to definitively pin down, at its core, it draws inspiration from our rich and diverse African culture and heritage. 

It’s an eclectic melting pot of rustic elements, bold geometric patterns, animal prints, natural fibres, organic shapes, handwoven fabrics and traditional artworks.

The Afro-Chic colour palette is a visual inspiration from nature and is both subdued and edgy. Earthy tones (terracotta, ochre, orange and off-white) are the moody backdrop to vibrant green and sky blue accents as well as pink, magenta and purple hues of an African sunset which add an animated sense of joy. 

The craftsmanship of antiques, the natural wood finishes and the artisanal detailing all harmonise with an Afro–Chic narrative; cleverly creating a sense of continuity to tie the eclectic ‘mismatched’ elements together.  

• An antique wood carving from West Africa can be repurposed as a mantle piece. 
• An antique beaded stool from East Africa can be used as a side table.
• A rustic antique bench in front of a fireplace becomes a gathering place. 
• An antique riempie bench is a versatile addition to any room in the house. 

Be it the clean lines of modern minimalism, the colourful boldness of modern maximalism or the eclectic vibe of modern Afro-Chic, antiques become a way to create a unique and timeless living aesthetic.

The Crown Collection – A ‘modern’ antique store 

Assisting you in incorporating antiques in modern spaces – no matter your style – is what The Crown Collection Store does best. Not only will you find what you are looking for from more than 5 000 handpicked items, but any piece you purchase is an investment and likely to increase in value over time. 

Whatever your modern decor preference, an antique piece is an obvious choice to elevate, balance or add contrast to your home. 

Shop online or browse our curated collection in-store at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.