Mix-and-match antiques in modern spaces Archives

Grandfather clocks | Timeless statement pieces in modern spaces

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique grandfather clocks, Longcase clocks, Mix-and-match antiques in modern spaces, The Crownn Collection Antique store|

Nothing says ’grand’ in decor lingo better than a Grandfather clock (aka a Longcase clock). Posing as functional and classical pieces of history, these decorative pendulum-swinging timepieces have earned their rightful place in the aesthetics of contemporary interior design. With a nod to ‘Grandmillenial’ style – a term coined by Emma Bazilian from House Beautiful – antique Grandfather clocks perfectly fit the collaboration brief of incorporating a seemingly traditional and outdated piece of furniture into sleek, modern surroundings.

“The grandfather clock told a tale of old fashioned craftsmanship, a tale of an age when things were expected to last not a season but generations.” –Angela Abraham, writer, philosopher, a leading authority on Social Evolution and CEO of the literary platform, Descriptionari.

The resurgence of mixing and matching modern design with antiques celebrates the craftsmanship and sustainable storytelling qualities of specialist artisans. Standing tall, Grandfather clocks are obvious showpieces of this art form.

Aside from the comforting and rhythmic ticking and chiming in the background, a Grandfather clock seamlessly takes centre stage as a featured antique piece.

The perfect fit for awkward nooks and crannies

There are spaces in every home that are crying out to showcase an antique Grandfather clock. There’s no argument that a Longcase clock can look gorgeous in any room (as long as the temperature does not swing from too hot to too cold).

“Wooden clocks are like people in a way,” says dealer Ned Ingberman of The Well Made Clock. “They do best in a room that’s comfortable for everyday living; not too hot or cold, and not too damp or dry. These clocks are susceptible to extreme fluctuations in humidity and temperature. And just like other fine pieces of furniture, the fluctuations can cause the wood to swell and shrink.”

If your home does have a superfluous narrow wall, a long hallway, an awkward upstairs landing or an odd niche, the eye-catching elegance of a Grandfather clock will transform these spaces into show-stopping moments.

Antique Grandfather clocks may well be big-ticket items, but they definitely deliver a big wow factor. In fact, their stately and decorative contrast is all you need in a modern minimalist space. They can easily stand alone; transforming and creating all the aesthetic ‘accessorising’ you need. As hero pieces, Longcase clocks are always worth the investment.

The perfect match for any decor style

Ever popular in the 18th century as a symbol of wealth and societal status, Grandfather clocks haven’t lost their character and charm. Interior designers love them as pieces that create one-of-a-kind drama. And what makes them even more versatile is the fact that, despite their past narrative and historical backstory, they are able to transcend the years and match any decor style.

Their scale and range of wood tones and finishes – mahogany, oak, ebony, or gilded – are as beautiful in a rustic contemporary farmhouse as they are in a lavish and sumptuous French-inspired, Afro-chic parlour. From traditional to eclectic, there is a Grandfather clock to tie any decor scheme together.

Once you’ve considered the basic mix-and-match principles of incorporating these antiques into modern homes, there really are no set rules to constrain you. As they either become the focal point or the finishing touch, the bold addition of a Grandfather or Longcase clock will always impress.

The perfect time to add a Grandfather clock to your home

If you haven’t yet popped into the Crown Collection Store – either online or at our Bryanston Emporium – you are in for a very special surprise. With a curated collection of over 5000 antiques, our beautiful selection of handpicked antique Grandfather clocks will have you swooning.

Take a little time to visit us and be wowed by the experience of shopping for a Grandfather clock or any other antique collectables from one of our collections.

Getting the mix-and-match of antiques in modern spaces ‘just right’

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Mix-and-match antiques in modern spaces|

A warm and welcoming interior seldom attributes its success to just one thing. Sometimes it takes years to achieve the look, but it always comes down to the intentional curation of many pieces – modern and antique – that naturally work together and look ‘just right.’ We recently focused on the home of Interior designer, Stephen Falcke which is an ‘object lesson’ in achieving balance, harmony and ‘just the right’ amount of quirkiness required when pairing modern and antique furniture.

You don’t, however, need an interior design background to put together a scheme that is layered, sustainable and that tells a customised story. Although there are functional design rules that will always guide a winning mix-and-match aesthetic – scale proportion, focal point, balance, lighting, cohesiveness etc – there is always a personalised bespoke element that plays a role when boldly marrying contemporary features and antiques.

Go over to the dark side

Although antiques come in all shades and hues, the classic darker wood tones somehow have got a bad rap in contemporary circles. But these darker wood antiques are currently seeing a resurgence and coming into their own in modern spaces.

The old-world charm of darker patinas gives life to a light, minimalist contemporary room. If ‘less is more’ is your decor mantra, then a dark antique piece of furniture is the perfect focal point or hero piece against an otherwise ‘neutral’ backdrop. Teak, imbuia and mahogany pieces are the ideal go-to options in a white scheme. It just takes one of these statement pieces to transform a room. This could be an armoire, a daybed, a console table or a chest of drawers.

The richness and warmth of natural materials offer a durable and long-lasting design for contemporary homes.

Be confident to play with antiques

Mixing and matching modern and antique furniture is all about playing with different wood tones and styles. The contrast of contemporary ghost chairs with an antique dining room table, or a zebra-print rug under an antique coffee table effortlessly up the Afro-chic ante.

“Our homes are our sanctuaries where we have more control over the events and energy that occur within them, so it is important to think about the materials that we use to construct them.’” -Joshua Smith, Interior Designer specializing in spiritual design.

The success of creating a sense of cohesiveness when mixing different woods or eclectic contemporary pieces with traditional antiques relies on the principle of repetition. Make sure you balance wood tones around the room and avoid ‘clustering’ all of the wood tones in just one area of the space.

Adding a fun colourful rug, a large piece of modern art (or gallery wall) or bright upholstery fabric to a chair will bring everything modern and antique together in a celebration of design quirkiness and harmony.

Add a bit of antique sparkle

When in doubt as to what to introduce as a mix-and-match starting point to give a room a ‘face-lift,’ you can never go wrong with shiny and reflective items. In other words, an antique mirror, a crystal chandelier or a gilded item (or two) are the ultimate in making a statement and creating a sense of individuality and layering.

The versatility, visual interest and potential of strategically-placed mirrors are broad; complementing art, lighting and any other ornamental elements. And as a decorative element, antique mirrors are a functional and stylish accessory that will never let a room down.

Chandeliers or lanterns quickly transform a room’s aesthetic and redefine the gentle & elegant play of light in a space. They have been, and always will be, a timeless decorative element in traditional and modern rooms.

These antique additions pave the way for contemporary sculptural pieces, edgy art and modern furniture.

Mix and match antiques to your heart’s content at The Crown Collection

A modern aesthetic is crying out for layered interest, bespoke personality and a visual story, and inspiration doesn’t come easier than popping into The Crown Collection; South Africa’s largest emporium of hand-picked antique, French and genuine vintage items that will add just the right design flair to each and every space in your home.

Shop online or visit us in-store at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.