How to incorporate antiques into your modern home
China sets, antique silver, pretty tea sets, random oddities, and traditional “brown” furniture; we all have those heirlooms and recently purchased antiques that we let sit in cabinets or stow away in the attic. However, you can incorporate these old items into your daily life in exciting new ways. From creative displays to inventive tablescapes, family treasures and flea market finds can be re-invented in modern settings and gracefully incorporated into your daily life and home décor.
Antiques add the touch of time to a home. Every piece tells a story that began long ago and hasn’t yet ended. There are no rules about living with antiques except to take what’s old and keep it young and fresh by making it a part of your daily life.
Don’t take things too seriously
We understand these are your treasured family heirlooms or items that have much meaning to you and you don’t want to paint over them. But, if you have chairs, for example, just collecting dust in the attic because you don’t like the color or upholstery, do what it takes to make them new and interesting. All they are doing in the attic is withering away to nothing.
Put small things together
When you have a collection of knickknacks how do you arrange them without creating clutter and visual chaos? Covering a table with objects you picked up on travels, gifts from friends or antiques create a sort of three-dimensional scrapbook that reminds them of places they’ve been and people they’ve met.
Keep things in sight
Don’t hide your vintage items. Take all of your vintage items and treat them like the cherished objects they are. Whether you put them behind glass cabinetry or on top of simple shelves, this is the best way to show your antiques and heirlooms the love they deserve.
Find new uses for old things
Get creative with how you use your antiques. Snip a flower from your yard and display it in an antique glass for an interesting vase. Or combine elegant glassware with antique furniture in a rustic environment.
Don’t be afraid of the brown furniture
This is the time to buy traditional dark wood furniture whether it is antique or reproduction. And mid-century modern pieces (light brown furniture) are all the rage these days too. Get out Grandma’s old chest of drawers and use it!
Use antiques in a contemporary setting
Adding something unusual, an unexpected color or object, makes a room interesting. Don’t be afraid to mix vintage and antique pieces with your contemporary designs.
Don’t be afraid to mismatch
Mix antiques and heirlooms of different styles and eras for rooms and tabletop configurations that refresh the eye and the imagination. One clever way to mix and match is to group items by color.
