Decorating
Decorating: Stylish Ways to Mix Old and New
Contemporary and traditional needn’t be at odds – they can work in each other’s favour. Browse these ways to mix styles beautifully
From giving period features a modern jolt to adding heritage character to a slick scheme, bringing notes of a different era into your space can have a positive effect. It’s about adding character, and finding ways to work pieces off each other to benefit both. Check out these ideas for enhancing schemes with clever mixes that introduce unique difference and enviable personality.
Welcome in an Aga
Agas have to be one of the top pieces for bridging old and new. They work in any style of kitchen, from full-on traditional or modern country, as here, to slick and contemporary. This rich red beauty works wonderfully in this monochrome scheme, but Agas now come in a range of shades, from the more traditional neutrals to baby pink and powder blue. There are also electric models, so even less-keen cooks can add heritage character to a sleek space.
See a fresh take on a classic Shaker kitchen
Agas have to be one of the top pieces for bridging old and new. They work in any style of kitchen, from full-on traditional or modern country, as here, to slick and contemporary. This rich red beauty works wonderfully in this monochrome scheme, but Agas now come in a range of shades, from the more traditional neutrals to baby pink and powder blue. There are also electric models, so even less-keen cooks can add heritage character to a sleek space.
See a fresh take on a classic Shaker kitchen
Let old and new materials help each other
Old and new elements can do more than exist in harmony – they can positively boost each other. These two walls – one in bare, yellowy brick and the other in barely there glass sheets – work together, the glass throwing light onto the bricks to really highlight the texture, and the brick warming up the glass elements and talking to the garden materials beyond. Far from feeling out of place, the materials seem like the best of friends.
Old and new elements can do more than exist in harmony – they can positively boost each other. These two walls – one in bare, yellowy brick and the other in barely there glass sheets – work together, the glass throwing light onto the bricks to really highlight the texture, and the brick warming up the glass elements and talking to the garden materials beyond. Far from feeling out of place, the materials seem like the best of friends.
Focus on furniture
Reupholstering a traditional chair in a modern fabric is a classic decorating trick, and for good reason – the possibilities are huge. Hunt out a chair such as a wing-back in junk-shops or at antiques fairs, then have it re-covered in any of the many new fabrics available for a lovely juxtaposition of vibrant design and classic lines. This works both to lift a traditional scheme without jarring, or to add some softer lines to a contemporary room.
Reupholstering a traditional chair in a modern fabric is a classic decorating trick, and for good reason – the possibilities are huge. Hunt out a chair such as a wing-back in junk-shops or at antiques fairs, then have it re-covered in any of the many new fabrics available for a lovely juxtaposition of vibrant design and classic lines. This works both to lift a traditional scheme without jarring, or to add some softer lines to a contemporary room.
Consider contemporary art
Even if your home is full to the brim with period features, such as a Victorian fireplace, exposed floorboards and heritage paints, you can still add a flash of colour and fun in the form of modern art. This piece jolts the cosy scheme, but in colours that tone with the rest of the room, so the effect is head-turning yet pleasing.
Even if your home is full to the brim with period features, such as a Victorian fireplace, exposed floorboards and heritage paints, you can still add a flash of colour and fun in the form of modern art. This piece jolts the cosy scheme, but in colours that tone with the rest of the room, so the effect is head-turning yet pleasing.
Layer neutrals
A subtle way to sharpen up a traditional scheme is by mixing pieces in pale neutrals. In this room, the crystal chandelier, silk curtains and decorative fireplace are given a polished edge by the glass coffee table and graphic mirror. The disparate pieces are united by the pale, light-catching materials to create a room that’s soothing yet chic.
See ways to give classic country style a contemporary twist
A subtle way to sharpen up a traditional scheme is by mixing pieces in pale neutrals. In this room, the crystal chandelier, silk curtains and decorative fireplace are given a polished edge by the glass coffee table and graphic mirror. The disparate pieces are united by the pale, light-catching materials to create a room that’s soothing yet chic.
See ways to give classic country style a contemporary twist
Beautify your bathroom
Mixing styles doesn’t have to mean just country and contemporary. The owners of this bathroom, which has a Victorian-style, high-cistern loo, have introduced an art deco mood with black and white fan wallpaper. This simple panel doesn’t jar, as the rest of the room is plain white with black accessories, yet is enough to give the room an extra dimension.
Mixing styles doesn’t have to mean just country and contemporary. The owners of this bathroom, which has a Victorian-style, high-cistern loo, have introduced an art deco mood with black and white fan wallpaper. This simple panel doesn’t jar, as the rest of the room is plain white with black accessories, yet is enough to give the room an extra dimension.
Take the look outside
Mixing old and new can be applied to the exterior of your home, too. Building a glass-box extension on a period property is hugely popular thanks to the fact that, rather than trying to match the style, or adding an extension that fights with it, the glass simply allows the original architecture to shine through.
Have you mixed styles in your home? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Mixing old and new can be applied to the exterior of your home, too. Building a glass-box extension on a period property is hugely popular thanks to the fact that, rather than trying to match the style, or adding an extension that fights with it, the glass simply allows the original architecture to shine through.
Have you mixed styles in your home? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
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Painting this Victorian fire surround neon pink is such a simple trick, yet so effective. And there’s nothing to lose, as it’s both cost effective to achieve and simple to change. This homeowner has subtly picked up the colours of the mantel and wall in the rug, so the paint effect isn’t totally random, but the rest of the room is white – one shock effect is enough.