How to Add Antiques into Your Existing Decor
6 tips for mixing storied pieces alongside the new
There is an enduring trend in interior design, and it isn’t about knowing what’s new; in fact, just the opposite. Adding antiques to the mix is always a great design choice—incorporating a touch of vintage into your home that stands the test of time.
Whether your home’s look is modern, rustic, contemporary or transitional, sprinkling storied pieces into your beloved spaces makes them even more special. But do you know how to do it the right way?
Here, you’ll find a beginner’s guide to mixing antiques into your existing home décor.
1. START SMALL
There is no need to go all out when decorating with antiques. Place small items here and there, as if awaiting a treasure hunt. We’re talking the tiny details—a coffee grinder or breadboard in the kitchen, antique books in an office, vintage skis in the rec room. Doing so adds one extra tier of icing to the cake, like crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s of the space’s final statement.
2. FOCUS ON ONE ROOM AT A TIME
Trying to distribute antique touches throughout your entire home can get overwhelming, and fast. Instead, hone in on one room first, to test the waters. If you’re focused on your office, library or study, perhaps an antique globe or brass clock will work well with your existing décor. Break it down into smaller, more conquerable spaces—and make sure that the antique fits its setting.
3. START A COLLECTION
Starting a collection of antiques is a great way to introduce vintage items into your existing home décor. Perhaps you take a liking to cuckoo clocks, brass candlesticks, Swiss bells, pewter teapots, apothecary bottles —start where your natural interest takes you and then go from there.
4. PICK PIECES YOU REALLY LOVE
This tip might seem obvious, but many people want to incorporate antiques into their home design and end up settling for something cliché or easy to find. But the best antique items are ones you’re truly drawn to—pieces that might’ve taken some treasure hunting or that tell a fascinating story. If you really adore the pieces you’ve chosen, it will end up being easier (and more inspiring!) to build around them.
5. INVEST IN ONE STATEMENT PIECE
Any time a person enters a room, their eyes are immediately looking to be drawn to something. Put their eyes at ease by investing in one true statement piece—something that really takes the room captive. Perhaps it’s an antique hutch or a cowhide bench in the dining area. You’ll be surprised just how much this practice can transform a space and take it to the next level.
6. BRING IT OUTDOORS
Don’t limit yourself to just indoor spaces; add antiques to your outdoor space or integrate a mini garden into an antique. This design concept is great for adding a vintage touch to your porch, front or back yard. As gardening season gets underway, consider ideas like wheelbarrow planters, goat cart gardens, wooden crates, iron planters, and galvanized olive buckets, just to name a few.
Maggie Erickson is the store manager at Ski Country Antiques & Home, a shop that specializes in one-of-a-kind antiques from northern Europe as well as new home décor items. View their profile or contact Maggie at 303-670-8726.
Content for this article provided by Ski Country Antiques & Home.
