Don’t chuck out granny’s old treasures
Embrace family history in your home by updating precious heirlooms, says HOLLY THOMAS
FAMILY heirlooms can be anything from a diamond tiara ( wishful thinking for most, maybe) to a trinket given as a wedding present.
Brown Georgian or Victorian furniture — a bureau, chest of drawers or bookcase — might also be on offer.
Yet more than three- quarters of young people are turning down items and consigning pieces of family history to auctions and charity shops, a report reveals.
The study by London jeweller Hancocks & Co shows that the trend for minimalism and modern design among many millennials and members of Generation Z means they no longer want antique and vintage pieces.
However, interior designers say they should think about the potential to blend the old and the new and create a truly unique look before saying no to granny’s dressing table.
CHERISH THAT CHAIR
Sue JoNeS, creative director at furniture retailer oka, says: ‘ embrace what you’ve been handed down.
‘even if it doesn’t fit seamlessly into your home, heirlooms tend to be beautifully crafted and of a high quality so are definitely worth holding onto. Instead of trying to hide away an oldfashioned chest of drawers or bureau, let it take centre stage in the hallway as a talking point.’
Martin Waller, founder of design house Andrew Martin, says: ‘Interior design should transcend the limits of time and geography.
‘So cherish your grandmother’s antique rocking chair or the Chinese wedding cabinet donated from your parents’ living room, it is these pieces that give character to your home and tell your story.’
SAND OFF VARNISH
You can also sand down a dark varnished table or paint brown furniture in your favourite colour from the likes of Farrow & Ball.
Jo Thornhill, interiors stylist and writer, says: ‘Repainting something ornate with a chic modern paint colour can be totally transformative.
‘use chalk paint over modern emulsions for a more authentic finish, or try part-painting a piece, retaining its original top or legs for a contemporary contrast.
‘You could even add contemporary wallpaper panels to help drag it into the 21st century.’
Jo concedes that it can be daunting making changes to something with a lot of history, and potential value.
New owners should make sure they are not about to damage a fine antique for ever.
She says: ‘It might be worth doing a little research before you get stuck in with the sandpaper, though ultimately if it’s something that’s likely just to get thrown out if you don’t take it, or it already has some damage, then that pretty much lets you off the hook in terms of any guilt over modernising it.’ Sam Hood, creative director and founder of homeware website Amara, suggests: ‘Instead of reaching for the paintbrush you can style your treasured heirloom to fit in with your decor with some simpler tricks perhaps just by updating the knobs on a dresser or drinks cabinet.’
You can also be creative with furniture even if it can’t be used for what it was originally designed for.
Jo Thornhill says: ‘Bureaus can make great hidden laptop stations in a corner of the living room.
‘or clear out any old tech from a radiogram cabinet and you’ve got a quirky, yet useful, storage unit on your hands.’
ADD DASH OF COLOUR
CoLouR can be added without altering the piece itself.
Lisa Conway, of carpet maker Brintons, says: ‘Style your brown furniture with a bright palette.
‘Greys work brilliantly to bring out the vibrant honey or reddish tones in antique wood, whereas deep jewel tones and patterns in colours such as deep blue and magenta add a sense of decadence to plain or lacklustre pieces.
‘A modern carpet can bring a contemporary edge to the most traditional of design schemes, whether it’s a colour-blocked plain or a striking floral, check or geometric pattern.’
PAINT A LAMP
LAMpS can also stand the test of time and be handed down, but could need some updating.
Rohan Blacker, founder of the lighting specialist pooky, says: ‘painting works just as well on antique lamps as it does on furniture so before you discard them consider giving them new life with a fresh lick of paint and a fun, patterned lampshade.’
Martin Waller says: ‘Vintage and collectable accessories will add eternal quirk and give a space which might otherwise be on-trend but lifeless, a real sense of depth, personality and soul.
‘ You could reupholster an antique chair with a fresh and modern fabric. Not only does this transform a piece to being yours, it is also a more sustainable and affordable option.’
LESS IS MORE
SAVING a family heirloom is important, but mixing furniture and accessories from several periods is not really recommended.
Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune, says: ‘Two or no more than three eras of furniture in one room is more than enough.’