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Whether it's due to the extensive lag time in delivery of custom furniture orders or the trend in retro-meets-modern design, antiques in interiors are on the rise. Interior designers weigh in on how they’re incorporating more antiques into their styles.
A Little Refurbishing
Lead designer Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors recently returned from a two-week trip to France specifically to seek out antiques for his design work.
What he found from his travels: “Although antique trends tend to vary geographically, I am seeing a similar trend in the refurbishing of these pieces,” he says. “Many antiques, especially those derived from oak, are getting bleached before heading back into clients' homes. I also found that upholstered furniture was getting a textural upgrade with bold velvets and nubby boucle reupholstery, giving old pieces a new lease on life.”
View some of Thomas Guy Interiors’ designs incorporating antique pieces below.
Antique brass fireplace screen
Antique Italian bamboo dining chairs upholstered in a soft green pinstripe
Antique seat bench and artwork
Antique pink sofa and Aubusson rug
Unique Touches
Designer Mary Patton of Mary Patton Design says she’s loving the antique trend, too. “For years, French antiques were trending. Now, midcentury vintage finds are in demand,” she says. “The goal for a well-designed home is to have that sense of interest. Finding a unique aesthetic is an art form, and antiques can do just that.” That unique touch could be anything. For example, Patton says she recently even came across a midcentury rattan fish tank to use in her designs.
Here are some of Patton’s designs incorporating antique pieces.
Antique French chaise with vintage fabric
Antique dining table that is more than 100 years old
Antique side table
Timeless Aesthetic
Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiors says she’s noticing more clients beginning to appreciate antiques for the depth of character they can add. “I like to use antique furniture, mirrors, or accessories alongside new pieces for a layered and timeless aesthetic, rather than attempting to replicate a historic era entirely,” Bean says. “I like to achieve a blend of both new and older that hits the right balance for each client. In some of our projects, that means mostly modern items with a single antique piece, such as a massive refectory table, for character.”
In some spaces, Bean also uses antiques mixed from various eras and locations all over the world that are brought together with a few timeless upholstered items and modern accessories for a more collected aesthetic.
See some of Bean’s designs incorporating antique pieces below.
Antique refectory table (with two white lamps and painting)
Antique wooden side table (near the white sofa)
Conversational Piece
Designer Jessica Nelson of Jessica Nelson Design in Seattle finds antiques can create more visual interest in a space. She recently used an antique bar cabinet. "This vintage 1950s bar piece is a showstopper,” she says. “It has an amazing black lacquer finish and fits perfectly in this space. It folds open to display our client's collection of decanters and barware beautifully."
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