Modern history Experts share how to seamlessly blend antiques and contemporary pieces in your home
STYLING SCHOOL IS IN! FOUR EXPERTS REVEAL THE TIPS AND TRICKS TO INCORPORATING TREASURED ANTIQUE PIECES FROM A RANGE OF ERAS IN TODAY’S HOMES
Built to last and crafted by expert hands with quality materials, antiques are imbued with soul and stories of the past. They’ve worked their way through the generations – integrated into the biography of others – and stood the test of time. A furniture piece that is more than 100 years old adds character and warmth to a home, delivering a look that is anything but cookie cutter. “Presenting antiques in a contemporary interior is exciting,” says Leanne Carter-Taylor, owner of Sydney antique store Quintessential Duckeggblue, a go-to source for original European and Australian pieces. “It’s a wonderful way to create a unique space and showcase your individual style. Decorating with antiques is also brilliant for the planet and the ultimate form of recycling,” she adds. Anna and Jackie Kennard, the sister-in-law duo behind Dusty Luxe, a Sydney-based homewares business that sources and sells French antiques, echo Leanne’s sentiment saying, “People are moving away from a ‘throw-away culture’ and are enjoying giving new life to old objects,” says Anna. Let us show you the way to introduce a little bit of history to your home.
Eclipse the trends
“A classic piece of well-made furniture will never go out of fashion,” says Jackie from Dusty Luxe. The Dusty Luxe founders are both drawn to the versatility of rustic antiques with clean lines, and they list French oak farmhouse tables with simple silhouettes as an essential piece. Handsome leather chesterfield sofas and club chairs are just as stylistically relevant as when they appeared in the smoky gentleman’s clubs of 18th-century London. “To me, they are the furniture equivalent of a classic Burberry trench coat – timeless!” Leanne says. Statement light fittings that hark back to times gone by will instantly add vintage charm. The refined elegance of Art Deco design has many fans, and there is no denying the style staying power of an ornate chandelier.
“I try to encourage people to have just one or two antique pieces in each room, so it becomes a focal point and a conversation piece,” says Martin Farrah, managing director of Lawsons, a Sydney auction house that’s been in operation since the late 1800s. Anna from Dusty Luxe agrees with Martin’s approach: “Keep it simple. This way, you retain a modern look whilst creating a warm, lived-in feeling.” Harness the power of negative space and leave breathing room around each item so the unique beauty and special details will shine. >
space to shine
old meets new
The real style magic happens when you bring heirloom pieces into the 21st century and combine an unexpected mix of styles, eras and origins. “An ornate decorative French Louis XIV gilt mirror works in an ultra-modern room,” explains Leanne. “An antique farmhouse dining table paired with industrial metal chairs and stools creates contrast, as does a contemporary artwork in a room filled with antiques. All of these are thoughtful contrasts that work.” Look at how different textures, colours and forms come together and marry those pieces that please your eye. That’s the key takeaway here – go with what you love.
Fine form and function
Create a home that looks loved and lived in by adding pieces that can be used daily. “Practicality is highly important when I source antiques,” says Leanne. “They often need to serve a purpose as well as being decorative.” Built-in storage and custom cabinetry are handy, but a beautiful armoire or chest of drawers will give you extra capacity to store things in an eye-catching way. Think about how you can repurpose an old piece to extend its life, such as using an ornate single bed as a luxurious daybed, stashing cutlery and linens in an apothecary cabinet, or rejuvenating a sofa or armchair with new upholstery.
Treasure hunting
If you’ve ever uncovered an incredible piece in an op shop or garage sale, priced in pocket change, you’ll understand the thrill that so many second-hand enthusiasts chase. Finding a diamond in the rough in online marketplaces such as Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, or at auction houses (see above, left), can also be cause for celebration. Patience is required to search through masses of stuff, so if that is not your virtue, check out antique and old wares stores. Antique dealers cherry-pick the best from across the globe, and they are an incredible wealth of information; their insight into the origin of a piece you have your eye on can reflect a special kind of value. “An authentic antique carries provenance and a story, and that’s more important than the decorative value of the actual item,” shares Martin. “It’s something that you cherish and look after.” >
“ANTIQUES ADD CONTRAST AND DEPTH TO YOUR HOME; THEY ALSO ADD ORIGINALITY” ~ LEANNE CARTER-TAYLOR, QUINTESSENTIAL DUCKEGGBLUE
“ANTIQUES HAVE STORIES AND NOSTALGIA ... IT ONLY TAKES ONE PIECE IN A ROOM TO GIVE IT A POINT OF DIFFERENCE” ~ JACKIE KENNARD, DUSTY LUXE
The perfect fit
Large furniture pieces can overwhelm a space and create an uncomfortable, unbalanced feeling, especially if the item is made with dark, heavy timber or is elaborately ornate. When out and about hunting for that perfect piece to complete a scheme, it’s important to pay attention to both the furniture’s measurements and the room’s dimensions. The key is to match the proportions – if you have a large room, bigger items will look at home, while tighter spaces may call for smaller, and fewer, pieces. “You are already on a winner if you get the scale right!” says Martin.
Timber types
The experts agree that blonde timber tones are having a moment in Australia and are an excellent match for our love of neutral wall colours and light-filled spaces. “Everyone loves oak! It is naturally lighter in colour and has a lovely grain,” Anna from Dusty Luxe explains. Martin adds: “People are interested in pine pieces, and any wood that comes out of Europe as it’s harder wearing and lighter [in tone], so it reflects the light and doesn’t absorb it.” Leanne agrees that everyone is pining for pine, particularly in original farmhouse pine furniture. “I can’t keep up with the demand!” she says.