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To what extent can you mix old and new?

9 years ago

I've grown up with antique furniture all my life, and love it, but we're moving on now, getting a new house. I love contemporary design and want to add some stuff to the new house, but I'm just not sure how wild you can go, and where stuff should be placed, if we are going to include both antique and contemporary?

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Comments (2)

karemore55
9 years ago
Hi there! I don't think there's a magic formula for mixing antiques with contemporary. It's mostly just personal comfort level. A room with mostly antiques, and just one really modern sofa is all you need to create a fresh, modern look.

I assume your antiques are wooden pieces? Tables, cupboards, etc.? In this case, I would do the modern sofa, as well as modern window coverings, and then use your antiques freely.

If your collection also includes antique upholstered pieces, then I would do modern coffee tables, and again, modern window coverings. Also, modern art looks wonderful when juxtaposed with antique sofas/settees.

Wall color is also a great way to give a new look to antiques. Consider various shades of white for your wall colors.

Would love to see pics of some of these antiques, to get a better sense of what you would like to do!
studio10001
9 years ago
Mix away!! Contemporary design isn't synonymous with new, and you can blend to your heart's content. How wonderful to have meaningful pieces to begin coordinating with; it puts you ahead of the game in making a personalized atomosphere - lucky you!
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