Accessories
"5. Focus on Hardware Much of the charm of an older home comes from subtle, high-touch details that one may not notice at first glance, such as doorknobs, switch plates, window handles and cabinet pulls. In the past, these were often crafted from solid unlacquered brass, iron, porcelain or glass, and they were often more ornamental than today’s typical mass-market hardware."
"Chain Light, Barratt & Maxine. Photo by Anne-Emmanuelle Thion The duo behind Barratt & Maxine’s Chain Light is made up of a lighting designer and a jeweler, bringing the two worlds together in a fresh outlook on illumination. The product is the first from the brand, and the links can be configured in varying lengths and swoops."
"The scalloped zellige tiles also gently catch the light, brightening the back wall. Colley chose a beige-pink grout that highlights the shape without shouting. The little box containing two drawers to the right is for spices. “We had it made in the same finish as the units,” Colley says. Handles on the sides mean it can easily be lifted and moved around."
"Colley decided against placing cabinets above the sink to keep the area feeling as open as possible. “I designed the box shelf instead for displaying nice items, just to keep it fresh and airy,” she says. The interior is lime-washed oak and was custom made. Under-counter lights ensure there are no shadows on the countertop. The fluted glass pendants over the island provide task lighting and add detail. “They catch the light but don’t dominate,” Colley says."
"5. Nubby Neutrals Designers: Lauren Christine Henno and Debra Lynn Henno Location: Palm Desert, California Size: 270 square feet (25 square meters) Homeowners’ request. Create a bright, updated primary bedroom with a casually elegant tone. Special features. Designers Lauren Christine Henno and her mom, Debra Lynn Henno, replaced the room’s carpet with tile used throughout the home and swapped outdated shades with custom Roman shades in soft linen. “Since the room is all neutral, it was important to layer texture,” Lauren says. “For instance, the fabric chosen [to reupholster the king-size bed and] bench has a corduroy velvet hand to it, the bolster pillow is an alpaca boucle, the rug adds texture and warmth to the tile floors, the leather chair is layered with a satin pillow, and the TV cabinet [not pictured] was painted in a semigloss.” The bedside tables were made by splitting an antique round table into two demilune tables. The stool is from Africa, and the artwork above the bed is by Ellsworth Kelly. Designer tip. “A bedroom should always be a sacred space of inspiration and comfort,” Lauren says. “It’s where you fall asleep and wake up every day. Therefore, keep it open...
"6. Tweak a Photo Wall Display Changing up the art and photographs we display on our walls is a wonderful way to quickly shift the mood in a room. Consider swapping out a wall of colorful family photos for a serene arrangement of black and whites, or swap out plain mats for linen ones."
"4. Kitchen With Vintage Stools If your kitchen needs some drama, consider adding seating from decades past. This might sound easier than it is. Antique furniture isn’t always uniform in size, and it can be difficult to find matching sets. But, again, try to embrace the imperfections. If you can’t find identical pieces, don’t be afraid to mix and match. If your kitchen design is aesthetically clean and simple, mixing an array of vintage stool styles and finishes will create an eclectically beautiful look. Here, stools with a Lucite seat on a brass frame nod to midcentury style, creating a fresh addition to the otherwise crisp kitchen. Notice how the curved backsplash behind the stove goes even further into history, adding a traditional detail that joins the stools to create a subtle but enticing eclectic vibe."
"3. Bedroom With Antique Mirrors Antiques don’t need to be the centerpiece of the room but can instead can add more subtle character and visual layers in the form of accents. The Baroque-style mirrors in this Austin, Texas, bedroom feature gilded frames that bring in old-world style while fitting well with the updated interiors. A clean-lined, upholstered bed creates the right amount of tension between old and new. When shopping for antique mirrors, don’t dismiss a piece for its imperfections — embrace them. Bubbling, wavy or scratched glass only add to the character. But almost any antique or vintage mirror will work in a contemporary setting as long as the finish corresponds to something else in the space. For example, note how the mirror frames here coordinate with the petite table near the bench at the end of the bed. Creating correlation between old and new pieces is important for striking the right balance."
"Some pieces of hardware are more overtly historic, such as keyholes in cabinetry, cremone bolts on glass-front doors or gallery rails on open shelves. Once out of fashion, these designs are enjoying a resurgence thanks to the popularity of English country-inspired kitchens. Opting for brass or porcelain switch plates instead of plastic and choosing doorknobs with antique styles that fit with your home’s architectural style are great places to start. Architectural salvage companies are excellent sources for antique and vintage hardware, but high-quality replicas can also create a convincing period look."
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