Mixing old and new: Do’s & Don’ts

September 14, 2009 · Posted in Living room furniture

Tips from Vastu designer, Sarita, on mixing old or vintage furnishings with newer ones…

DO combine modern fabrics and patterns with traditional furniture or vice versa. A vintage or traditional fabric on a modern chair is fresh, hip and unexpected.

Image from designersguild.com

DO keep the pieces unified with a color, pattern, or shape that ties them together. For instance, a sleek, modern red sofa will feel at home paired with two vintage armchairs upholstered in a complementary patterned red fabric. The common color will tie the two styles together.

Image from homedesignfind.com

DO use modern interpretations of traditional pieces to add a touch of modernism to a mostly traditional space. The classic Philippe Starck Ghost Chair is a great example of a modern version of a classic French Louis XV arm chair.

DON’T go overboard. Mixing a few styles is enough; too many different styles in one space can be chaotic.

DO pay attention to scale. Make sure that the pieces are complementary in size and proportion to one another, a huge overstuffed modern sofa will look funny paired with a petite antique arm chair.

DO pay attention to balance. A successful blend of old and new furnishings will have a good balance of both styles. The below dining room incorporates several modern pieces (the Platner dining table, lacquered buffet, and accessories) with several traditional pieces (the antique dining chairs, chandelier, and drapery) and the overall look is unified and gorgeous.