Robert of Far Hills emailed us and he asked:
“"I've recently inherited some antique furniture, can I incorporate it into the contemporary decor of my home?"
This is a question we are frequently asked and the answer is “YES”! As designers we often like to incorporate antiques into design projects of many styles. We have discovered that they offer warmth and are an interesting counterpoint to newly acquired furnishings, especially in more contemporary interiors.
Antiques can blend well with many design schemes, as long as the wood tones and scale of the pieces are in harmony with the rest of the furnishings in the room. If the wood color of an antique does not coordinate but the scale and form look well, we might suggest refinishing the piece or alternatively applying a coat of paint in an unexpected color.
Although we never advise the painting of a valuable antique, this is a wonderful solution when using less valuable pieces. If for example you had a 19th Century reproduction of a Louis XVI commode, painting it brilliant red would make quite a dramatic statement! We have also found that Victorian furniture, with its undulating curves, becomes almost sculptural when given a coat of high gloss paint in white and other colors as well.
While French, English, and Victorian antiques tend to look best in more formal settings, early American and primitive pieces lend themselves to the informal areas. The rustic finishes of the early American and Primitive pieces can add warmth to the "family" areas of the home, and can be functional as well.
In many cases the antiques one acquires are not furniture at all but are decorative items such as mirrors, art, and collectibles. These items are often much easier to include in a home, as they do not require valuable floor space. Mirrors and art are easily placed in most rooms and, when hung over a sofa or mantle, they can become a much-needed focal point. Smaller objects such as china, crystal, old books and sculptures can be placed on surfaces throughout the home or displayed in cupboards and bookcases, adding a personal touch.
When incorporating antiques into your home, you should remember that form, color, and scale are of the utmost importance. Assess all areas of your home to determine where your antiques will function and look their best. If you are considering painting or altering a piece in any way, it is advisable to have the piece appraised beforehand to avoid a costly mistake.
We hope our answer has helped you, and we wish you luck with the placement of your antiques!
Best wishes, Linda & Bill
