By: Nicole Harris
When you think of antique furniture, do you think of grandma's couch with a handsewn couch cover? Maybe you think of an old chair that squeaks when you sit down and has a wobbly leg. Or perhaps, you think of the types of things you'd find in a dirty antique store amongst ripped and musky catalogs, painting, and doilies.
Antique furniture sure can be worn, out of style, and broken. But, it can also be a fantastic way to add character to your home. Read below about ways to incorporate pieces full of story and life into modern, sleek homes.
Use Antique Furniture and Decor to Build Character
If you live in an older home, whether its been remodeled or not, adding in pieces that are true to the time period is a great way to work with your home's natural beauty. Plus, it can add to your house's natural character. If you live in a new-build home, adding these vintage pieces can be crucial for creating a warm and homey space.
The easiest way to start incorporating vintage decor and furniture is to start with picture frames, small accent furniture pieces like end tables, and figurines. These can easily be incorporated with modern decor.
If you have a new couch that you love, finding a unique antique coffee table to pair with it could be a great way to incorporate vintage. Maybe you find new florals and pair them with a vintage vase. Or add new pictures to a frame you found at an estate sale. Look for small details in your home that you can use decor and furniture to pull out. For instance, in the image below, the painted trim plays off of the canvas painting on the wall. It is a similar tone and color, making that archway stand out.
Stick to a Single Color Scheme
When it comes to creating a cohesive look, color can play a huge part. Bring in similar colors or complimenting styles. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to use all warm tones, you can mix in cool tones to add complexity to your space. In essence, this could look like choosing various hues of colors within your color palette, matching finishes, or using similar paint colors throughout the home in varying ways. On a small scale, like a bookshelf, you can use multiple pieces of the same color to tie themselves back into the room.
When choosing a single color scheme for your home, it’s important to consider the mood you want to create. For example, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can create a feeling of warmth and comfort, while cool colors like blue and green can create a feeling of calm and relaxation. You can also choose a neutral color like white or gray to create a more modern and sophisticated look.
Once you’ve chosen a color scheme, you can use it in different ways throughout the home. You can paint the walls in the same color, use the same color for furniture, and even choose accessories and décor in the same color. This will help to create a unified look throughout the space.
Include both Vintage and New
Have a good ratio of vintage to new. Now what does that entail? When you choose to include vintage, try to include a good amount of these pieces. They work to add character with your new pieces, which can often be stabilizing for the space. There is no one right ratio of vintage to new, it just depends on the final look you are going for an your personal taste. If you want a country cottage look, you might use more vintage than new. If you want an ultra modern home, you might use less vintage.
Our best advice for finding the perfect ratio for you and your space is to play around with it! See what you like and don't like. Pinterest and Instagram can be another great source for inspiration as well!
Find Pieces that Speak to You
Go with pieces you adore. This goes along with the previous point. When choosing pieces for your home, whether it is furniture or decor, you should only invest in pieces that you love. Don't worry about what is trending now, instead focus your attention on a few key pieces that bring you joy. Trends constantly change, and while many vintage pieces will outlast these, you want to bring things into your space that help you feel a sense of ownership within your own space.
Your home should feel like you. If it doesn't you might find yourself constantly looking for that "last thing" to finish a space.
Discover What You Love
I hope these quick tips were helpful! Mixing vintage and new might feel intimidating, but really, it comes down to picking pieces that you truly love and incorporating them with newer pieces that you also love. There is no hard and fast rule on how much antique to include with new or vice versa, just go with your gut!
When it comes to decorating your home, there are many options available to you. You can choose to go with a modern look, a classic look, or even a combination of both. Using both antique and new home decor can help create a unique and inviting atmosphere in your home.
Antique home decor adds character to a room, and can instantly make it feel more inviting and cozy. These pieces often have a unique story behind them, and can be used to create a conversation piece. They can also be used to add a touch of nostalgia and romance to your home. Antiques can be found at flea markets, antique stores, thrift shops and even online.
On the other hand, incorporating new furniture and decor can help bring a modern, updated look to your space. It can be used to create a more contemporary feel, or to add a touch of luxury.
Whether you choose to go with a modern look or a classic look, using both antique and new home decor can create a unique and inviting atmosphere in your home. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a beautiful space that is sure to be enjoyed for years to come.
Happy decorating.