Mix antiques with modern decor Archives - Page 2 of 2

Pairing antique crystal chandeliers with concrete elements

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique chandeliers, mix and match concrete and crystal, Mix antiques with modern decor, modern concrete items with crystal chandeliers, pairing concrete elements with crystal chandeliers|

Unusual and daring combinations – in landscape design, fashion design and interior design – are an avant-garde source of inspiration in pushing the boundaries. Opposites attract. By cleverly juxtaposing contrasting elements, you will create a captivating visual harmony with a little unexpected wow factor. One such intriguing combination – for indoor and outdoor spaces – is the fusion of concrete and crystal.

The raw masculinity and brutalism of concrete benches, urns, busts or obelisks paired with the sparkling femininity and delicateness of a crystal chandelier is nothing short of decor genius.

This ‘marriage’ of stark earthy concrete elements with decorative heavenly crystal details is simply sublime and no space in your home is off limits.

The art of pairing such disparate elements highlights how contrasting materials work beautifully together; boldly transforming any decor narrative.

Embracing eclecticism

Living in spaces that reflect your personality and showcase the things you love is always the first rule when it comes to curating furniture and accessories in your home. This is where experimenting with a mix-and-match philosophy – pairing antique elements and modern pieces – allows you to play with design.

Fusing modernist concrete items with antique crystal chandeliers is an easy starting point to add a little history and contemporary flair to a space. It’s all about having a little fun with materials and shapes, and the interplay of contrasting pieces illustrates the powerful influence of the law of opposites.

Surprising harmony

Design cohesiveness is the foundation of any design – no matter how you mix and match pieces. Even though combining concrete elements with antique crystal chandeliers creates an intriguing contrast that captivates the eye, there still needs to be visual harmony.

Here’s how it works:

Texture: The rough, tactile feel of concrete against the ornate fragility of crystals of an antique chandelier creates a visually stimulating contrast
Colour: if you are looking for a dramatic and striking composition, then the cool, neutral tones of concrete are a beautiful balance to the opulence and reflectiveness of antique chandeliers.
Style fusion: The design collaboration of minimalist industrial concrete with timeless crystal chandeliers combines contemporary and classic aesthetics, resulting in a one-of-a-kind design.

Bringing the look to life

Although mixing and matching concrete and crystal pieces may seem like you are breaking the rules, there are still some functional design principles that need to be at work to successfully pull off the look.

Placement: Strategically position your concrete elements – busts, urns or obelisks – within visual distance of your antique crystal chandelier to create a cohesive look. (For example, place a concrete bust on a pedestal beneath the chandelier to draw the eye upward).
Lighting: The overall effect of pairing concrete items with antique chandeliers is amplified when you consider the lighting effects. The soft, warm glow of the crystal chandelier light contrasts beautifully with the cold, matte finish of concrete, creating a cosy yet sophisticated ambience. (Ensure that your antique chandelier is well-lit to emphasize its intricate details).
Balance: Maintain a balance between the number and size of concrete pieces and the chandelier. Too much contrast can overwhelm the space. If you have a grand, ornate chandelier, opt for larger concrete urns or busts to match the scale. Conversely, if your chandelier is more petite, smaller concrete pieces can maintain the equilibrium of the room. (Due to the visual weight and commanding presence of concrete pieces, they can become overwhelming if overdone).
Versatility: Concrete pieces, such as urns, busts, and obelisks, are incredibly versatile, fitting into various design styles – from rustic and industrial to contemporary and minimalist. This adaptability allows you to experiment with different aesthetics while keeping the crystal chandelier as the central focal point.

Concrete and crystal at The Crown Collection

A trip to The Crown Collection emporium is a one-of-a-kind antique store experience. The design choice to mix concrete and crystal elements will always invite conversation.

So, we invite you to wander around – online or in-store – where you will be introduced to our concrete and crystal chandelier collections. By boldly embracing the contrast between the raw and the refined, you can confidently create an aesthetic that is both visually alluring and deeply engaging.

Explore the juxtaposition of materials and let your interior design imaginations run wild as you embark on a concrete and crystal decor journey.

Transform your spaces with antique hanging lanterns

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique lanterns, Decorative hanging lanterns, Mix antiques with modern decor|

If you’ve been part of the Crown Collection family for a while, then you will be aware of our unapologetic love for chandeliers. But we also have a soft spot (and a stunning curated selection) of antique hanging lanterns. We are of the persuasion that if you’re looking for a touch of designer minimalism, then lanterns are easily the decor and lighting alternative for a little patina and subtle grandness.

In an era where minimalist and modern designs often dominate, embracing the past can add an element of intrigue and uniqueness to your home. Antique lanterns – with their architectural flair and warm glow – offer a timeless contrast that will transform any space.

Infusing modern interiors with historical charm

Part of the irresistible allure and wow factor of antique hanging lanterns is their sense of history and nostalgia. Originating from diverse cultures and time periods, their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail are a testament to the dedication of artisans from bygone eras.

Incorporating a lantern into your modern interior creates a captivating focal point that sparks conversations and adds a touch of originality to your personal style aesthetic.

Antique hanging lanterns seamlessly blend with modern design aesthetics. The juxtaposition of old and new brings a harmonious balance that elevates the overall atmosphere of a room. Whether your home boasts a minimalist, industrial, French farmhouse, eclectic or rustic pared-back look, lanterns have the versatility to complement and enhance the existing decor.

Integrating the gorgeous shapes with a touch of surprise

Known for their visual impact, antique lanterns come in a stunning array of shapes and sizes. Finding the appropriate lantern size and shape for the scale of the room is crucial to achieving the desired visual impact.

Large lanterns, with intricate metalwork, can serve as captivating focal points, while smaller ones delicately enhance corners and nooks. Lantern shapes, such as cylindrical, square, hexagonal or Moroccan-inspired, will always add surprise and interest to your spaces.

Crafted with glass and a myriad of materials – including wrought iron, brass and copper – each material’s patina brings a unique texture and colour palette to a space, allowing you to choose lanterns that harmonize or contrast with your existing decor elements.

Including more than one antique lantern

Chandeliers are typically solo actors in the world of interior design and don’t like to share the spotlight. But this is not the case with antique lanterns.

A repetition of hanging lanterns – down a hallway, over a kitchen island or above a dining room table – creates design rhythm and movement, illuminating your space with a touch of playful artistry.

Customising your configuration of a few lanterns – especially at different heights – works really well in double-volume entry spaces and upstairs. (Experiment with different heights and locations to find the perfect arrangement that enhances the aesthetics of your space).

A symmetrical statement – on either side of an entryway or porch – is where a pair of antique lanterns really come into their own. Positioning a duo of outdoor pots – with flowers, topiaries or shrubs underneath – creates a sculptural garden feature when illuminated. (You can also have a little fun with candle lanterns on stakes to dot around your garden or light a pathway).

Investing in lanterns at The Crown Collection

As specialist purveyors of all things ‘antique,’ we are of the opinion that hanging lanterns are more than just beautiful lighting fixtures. They are captivating pieces of luminary art that will find their way into your heart and your home.

By carefully choosing lanterns that align with your personalised interior design, you can seamlessly blend the old with the new and achieve drama and ambience to complement any indoor or outdoor space.

Pop in at The Crown Collection – online or in-store at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston – to truly appreciate our handpicked collection of antique lanterns.

Antique sideboards, servers & buffets | The overlooked darlings of interior design

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique buffets, Antique servers, Antique sideboards, Mix antiques with modern decor, The Crown Collection Antique store|

Antique sideboards, servers or buffets – sometimes called credenzas – are perhaps the most overlooked and underestimated pieces of furniture. But we believe they deserve a moment of glory. (And who says they should only be relegated to the dining room?). Coming in many different shapes, sizes and finishes, this is definitely the time to break the rules and reposition a sideboard, buffet or server as the perfect decor investment in multiple rooms of your home.

We do, however, subscribe to William Morris’ one rule: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

Ticking the two key interior design boxes of form and function – useful and beautiful – antique sideboards, servers & buffets offer you the versatility to either be the hero piece or the sophisticated backdrop for practical storage and stunning displays. They are way more than just a utilitarian solution for traditional dining rooms; stepping up as striking feature pieces that will transform any space from mundane and boring to glorious and eclectic.

Reaching their design peak during the Regency period, sideboards, servers and buffets are elegant, graceful and highly functional furniture forms.

What’s the difference?

When referring to this family of antiques, the terms are often used interchangeably. But there are subtle differences distinguishing them if you want to be specific and show off your antique knowledge. Generally speaking, to qualify as a sideboard, server or buffet, these elongated decorative furniture items will have cabinet-like doors and/or storage draws. (They are also narrower in width than dining or kitchen tables).

Sideboards are freestanding with short legs or their base sits directly on the floor.
Buffets have longer legs and are usually larger than a sideboard. Originally designed to serve food, their height is usually counter-level.
Servers are typically smaller and lighter in scale with narrow drawers, longer legs and an open bottom.
Credenzas originally didn’t have feet. But, their renewed popularity during the mid-20th century saw them being designed as long, low cabinets with sliding doors.

Where can they be placed?

The modern-day resurgence of antiques in decor trends has seen the evolution of repurposing furniture from its original design intent.

This is where antique sideboards, buffets or servers really come into their own. Originally only found in dining rooms, sideboards and servers are now making a name for themselves in every other room as drinks cabinets, kitchen islands, coffee stations, office storage, TV stands, dressing tables and bathroom vanities.

We dare you to think out of the box when it comes to buying one of these antique pieces and allowing it to redefine your spaces.

How can they be used?

If you’re in search of a piece of furniture that does triple duty (i.e. has storage options, is perfect for displaying collections and looks beautiful), then, depending on the size of your space, an antique sideboard, buffet or server ‘steps up to the plate.’

Dramatic displays: With iconic drinks stations having a revival, and silver trays – with antique glass, silverware or candle collections – making a comeback, there isn’t a better piece of furniture to showcase in a modern home than a sideboard or server. (And if you’re not into gin and tonic, craft whisky or custom spirits, then a coffee station will look just as inviting). Also, given their countertop height, they remain the ideal item for ‘serving’ tea and food.

Stylish storage: The craftsmanship of antique sideboards, servers and buffets includes shallow drawers and/or cupboards; perfect for storing linens, serving plates, silverware and cutlery. (And that is just in the dining room). If you are brave enough to add a server or sideboard to your bathroom as a vanity, you can store towels and toiletries. In a bedroom, they make the perfect dressing tables and in a study, they provide a little extra ‘out is sight’ organization. Used as TV stands, their storage options hide a whole lot of living room paraphernalia.

Breathtaking beauty: The reason antique sideboards and servers are the darlings of interior design is due to their artisanal versatility; allowing them to be so easily incorporated and mixed into a modern aesthetic. The elegant timelessness and character of Burr Walnut, Mahogany or Oak – natural, varnished, or beached – will always add contrast and balance to your home. Take your design period pick: Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian, Regency, French or Gothic Revival.

Where can I find one?

It’s really easy to fall in love with these unsung heroes of interior design. Their stunning beauty and versatility clearly make them pieces of interest for a broad target group of buyers.

At the Crown Collection, our handpicked and curated collection of sideboards, servers and buffets (and the odd credenza) is ready to wow you. We are on a mission to give these furniture items the attention we believe they deserve in the antique world.

Browse online or visit our showroom at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

(Our in-store restorers can stain, bleach or gild any item to your personal preference).

3 Modern decor styles that need antiques

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Adding antiques to contemporary spaces, Adding antiques to modern decor styles, Antique armoire, Antique mirror, Antique rug, Antiques store Johannesburg, Chandelier, Mix antiques with modern decor, Riempie bench, The Crown Collection Antique store|

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.

5 Ways to Incorporate Antique Furniture into a Modern Kitchen

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique & vintage chandeliers, Antique & vintage clocks, Antique console table, Antique tables, Mix antiques with modern decor, Vintage silverware|

Antiques are not only rising in value, they are rising in popularity. Layering vintage and antique furniture with contemporary pieces and modern decor is a design trend aesthetic that has the industry excited. Decorating with antiques satisfies an innate need to feel a connection to the past, rooted in stories that have shaped the world we live in today. These slow furniture pieces, in a fast-paced world, hold immense charm and deserve to have a place in our homes.

But how do you incorporate these vintage items and antique furniture pieces into a modern space and still create a balance of old and new that is seamless, timeless and beautiful? How do you make it work?

Let’s look at the kitchen – the heart of the home – as a case study of how antique family heirlooms or collector’s items can ‘upcycle’ a contemporary kitchen with a touch of old-world charm.

Unless you are dealing with a complete renovation overhaul or building from scratch, a kitchen is one space in your home that you just have to live with.

Until now…

We have 5 reasons that will make you fall in love with your modern kitchen space and want to hang out there, and they all have to do with antique furniture and vintage pieces:

#1 Add a table

An antique table is the simplest way to add some unique character and personality to a modern kitchen. The juxtaposition of the warm wood tones against a sleek and minimalist kitchen backdrop creates an unexpected harmony that will keep family and guests gathered in that space.

An 18th/19th Century French farm table – with a bread drawer and a second drawer for your other needs – is perfect for a larger kitchen.

(And if that becomes your official dining space, then you will want to read our blog on mixing and matching contemporary and antique dining room tables and chairs).

#2 Add an island

If you have an open-plan kitchen that is crying out for an island, then think “antiques.” No matter what size your kitchen may be, you can introduce an antique console table or desk to fit the space. If you like, you can even spend a little more and add a granite or marble top to coordinate with your current kitchen work surfaces. This will be a “hero” piece and create some wow factor, no matter what the rest of your kitchen looks like.

#3 Add a chandelier (or two)

In the last few years, kitchens have morphed from being merely functional workspaces to places of design interest. Lighting has played a big role in this transformation. From pendant lights to centrepieces, this is where you can have fun in your kitchen. Depending on your budget, vintage or antique chandeliers will be the talk of your contemporary kitchen.

(A word of warning – chandeliers have the power to make you swoon, so the kitchen will not be the last place you add one of these glittering lovelies!).

#4 Add a clock

The kitchen is the one space in your home where a featured clock is a must. So why not go really big and add an antique grandfather clock to an empty wall? This is functional art in your kitchen and will be a definite statement piece and conversation starter.

Life’s rhythms of meal prep and family gatherings will be in perfect sync with the addition of a decorative vintage clock on the wall. There are no design rules with this one – you can be as eclectic or as traditional as you like – go Victorian with a pendulum winder or ornate Rococo.

An antique clock in your modern kitchen may be out of time, but it will never be out of place.

#5 Add some silver

Contemporary minimalist kitchens can become generic and clinical, hence the need for a little decadent decoration in the form of antique or vintage silverware. We are not talking clutter or OTT – the ‘less is more’ design principle still applies – but we are suggesting that a well thought out silver collection on open shelves, or perhaps a vintage wine cooler holding your kitchen utensils, are a perfect and effortless culinary nod to the past.

Add the Crown Collection to your online bookmarks

We could go on and on and suggest you add a versatile antique armoire to your kitchen to house your crockery and tablecloths, or even your pantry staples. But what we hope we have done is whet your appetite to visit our antique emporium – online or in-store (at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston).

With over 5000 handpicked and curated vintage and antique collectables on show, we cannot wait to see how you add a piece or two to your modern spaces.

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