Antique Italian candelabra and vintage rug pictured
I’m sure you have heard the verbiage “cookie-cutter” applied to new construction neighborhoods where all houses look the same. This is applicable for home design as well. But it is easy to create a beautiful, unique home by combining both new and old pieces. Do you have a well loved dining table that has hosted Thanksgiving dinner for generations? Those are the pieces that make a house a home. The look and energy of a room is most successful when you incorporate a variety of items. Here are a few tips to elevate your space using both your treasured heirlooms and newly purchased favorite items:
1. Don’t rush: This one is the most difficult for me because I love to get everything done quickly; however, the best pieces are collected, not purchased at once. I inherited from my mother the love for a good estate sale. You can use online websites and local listings to find sales near you. This can be a great way to acquire accent pieces such as silver, cut glass, pottery and art work. Some sites, like EBTH, are great options if visiting sales on a Saturday is not schedule permitting. Facebook Marketplace is another great way to find unique items locally and usually for a great price.
2. Mix new with old: I believe it is best when you use a new piece as the foundation of your space and add antique pieces to fill out the room. One to three pieces per room keeps it interesting, but not overbearing. It all depends on your style. If you prefer newer pieces, find a beautiful antique to mix in with your newer items to create your perfect style.
3. Make it special, not perfect: When working with older pieces, things may be slightly damaged or worn, or may not fit perfectly into a space. Often it takes time for our eyes to adjust to something new when it does not belong to a match set. Leave your special pieces in place for a few hours or even days to see if it grows on you.
4. Paint or refinish antique pieces: Oftentimes, when furniture is passed down from loved ones or we find the perfect antique, it may not be in the best condition or mix well with your current furniture. If you have tried it in your space but it needs refreshing, simply paint or refinish an item to update it or restore it to its original state. Find out how to take those old heirlooms and give them new life.
5. Place throughout your home: One of my dearest family treasures is the heirloom silver tea set that was passed down. In my home, the silver tray is used on our coffee table, the sugar container is a flower vase, and other pieces are incorporated into shelving. Separating the pieces allowed me to weave the theme throughout my living and kitchen area, but not overwhelm an entire spot with the full service set.
6. Have optional items: Certain pieces may not be ideal to use or see on a consistent basis. I have a fabulous pink glass cake stand that clashes with our kitchen, so instead I store it and use for tea parties, “Croquet and Rose” picnics and other special moments that the cake stand can make an appearance to be appreciated.
7. Frame delicate items: Sometimes it isn’t as easy as placing a piece into a room. For more fragile items, framing can be a great way to keep the integrity of the piece while showcasing it. A great frame can modernize the old, making your piece a gorgeous and functional visual. My favorite things to frame are family sewn doll clothes, 1920’s beaded purses, pages torn out of old books and other small items as such.
What are some other tips you have for incorporating heirloom pieces and antiques in your home? We would love to see your heirloom pieces and antiques!