Deco&Design

Mixtures of old and new in moderate doses

Antique furniture is appreciated for its beauty, craftsmanship and sometimes the complexity with which it was made. Especially if methods, techniques or materials have been used that are either used less now or not at all. And some old things are even more durable than new ones. Perhaps that's why a remarkable piece of old furniture is called "a piece of jewelry".

old table

But not only for that but also for the story that makes it special. A family story that we want to continue or one that fascinates us and that we want to be part of.

chair_bhg
with a decent dose of aesthetic sense you can achieve absolutely charming combinations
old desk misszeit
the transparent chair makes the old wooden desk look even better / image source: misszeit

There are objects we almost want because of their sentimental value, but at the same time we are attracted by new, minimalist furniture with simple lines and highly functional.

old chair stadshem se 2
some of the most successful combinations are the unforced / image source: stadshem.se
old chairs_mechantdesign
an example of chairs in the right home / image source: mechantdesign

Combinations can be absolutely delightful. A room that combines pieces from different times has a special charm. But for a stunning effect they need to be placed in such a way that they complement each other and enhance each other. Some have sentimental value and this personal character gives a unique charm to the whole space. Others are rare, valuable, collectable pieces, meant to stand out and be admired.

Sea Island Georgia_David Guilmet Design

Not all old objects are worth exchanging and replacing with new ones, but only those that are dilapidated, broken and out of fashion. Precious or valuable things should not be thrown away just because they are old. Old doesn't always mean outdated - on the contrary, sometimes old is gold.

old_oglinzi

What would a bedroom look like with an old wooden floor, an antique chandelier, a modern wrought iron bed and a modern painting? Spontaneity and showing your preferences will create the comfort you're looking for.

old-room fortheloveofahouse
image source: forloveofahouse
old mass stadshem se 2
image source: stadshem.se

The freedom to combine styles, materials, colors, new with old is one of the decorating ideas used by interior designers. By those who believe that mixing in moderate doses creates unique and interesting spaces.

old stadshem mirror se
an old frame will stand out very well if it frames a mirror / image source: stadshem.se
old secretary 2
image source: stadshem.se

With a creative artistic flair, the old can also be integrated by reusing just parts of an old piece of furniture. They can be starting points for new ones or other decorative elements. This kind of transformation is often chosen for pieces with a sentimental connection that are no longer in good condition but which we want to prolong their life. For example, you can keep the wooden top of an old dining table and change the basic structure, or refurbish an old door to preserve or even hijack its original purpose.

old-side

A modern painting can have an old frame refurbished, an old chair can have its finish and upholstery changed, and so on and so ideas can come from inspiration. Or have you thought that a secretaire or a display cabinet would no longer fit in your new living room and would be much more suitable in the bathroom for storing towels and cosmetics, or that an old chest of drawers could be the base for a sink?

Bathroom Furniture belclairehouse
the showcase fits so well in the bathroom as if it was invented for this purpose / image source: belclairehouse
old_vtinteriors
image source: vtinteriors
old_dresser_houzz
image source: houzz

Even a simple relocation of existing furniture can change the mood and "feel" of the room. So, if you are the proud owners of such authentic 'treasures' place them where you want to have them and if you feel they are in the right place then you have made the perfect mix of new and old.

 

 

About the author

Anamaria

Anamaria has over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications for companies in the furniture industry and retail. Prior to Ces Brands she coordinated marketing activities at ICLA Romania.

5 comments

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  • Nice article! I enjoyed reading it at morning tea. I too love reusing old frames for new photos. Have a lovely day!

  • Very nice article, thank you and we hope to see more and more on this topic, because this trend is on the rise in Romania. Through this style of decoration, maybe we manage to save as much as is left of the Romanian cultural heritage, old Romanian furniture, integrated back into everyday life. For me it is spectacular

    • Thank you very much for your appreciation. It really is quite a common approach among young people, and the resulting combinations are interesting and surprising 🙂

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