7 Decorating Tips for an Antique Home
Home décor is a unique form of self-expression. It’s an artistic endeavour that involves selecting pieces that not only work well together but also reflect the personal tastes and lifestyle of the homeowner.
When it comes to decorating an antique home, the challenge intensifies as it requires careful consideration to preserve the charm, character, and history the property inherently possesses. These dwellings, rich in historical features, require a thoughtful approach to design that appropriately balances the antique and the contemporary.
In this article, the veteran antiques dealer Westland London presents seven insightful tips for decorating a home with period pieces, to create a space that is both stylish and respectful to the home’s past.
Why Is Decorating with Antiques Different?
Decorating an antique home is a distinct process compared to more modern spaces. Antique homes carry a unique aura and a sense of nostalgia, which can easily be overshadowed by inapt décor choices. Incorporating contemporary elements without compromising the home’s historical character necessitates a keen eye for design and a deep appreciation of history.
There is a delicate balance between maintaining the house’s original charm and ensuring it doesn’t feel like a museum. It’s not simply about filling rooms with antique pieces but creating a harmonious blend that speaks to the dwelling’s age while still being relevant and comfortable for today’s living.
7 Designing Tips for an Antique Home
Respect the Home’s History
Each antique home has its own story to tell. Aim to honour that history by preserving original architectural features like exposed brick walls, wood beams, or ornate moulding. These elements can serve as focal points in the room and guide your choices of contemporary furnishings and décor.
Balance Old and New
A well-decorated antique home features a blend of old and new elements. Pair an antique wooden dining table with modern, upholstered chairs. Or place a contemporary art piece in a room with vintage wallpaper. This juxtaposition creates an engaging dialogue between past and present.
Incorporate Antique Furniture
Antique furniture brings authenticity to an old home. It’s not about cramming as many antiques as you can but selecting pieces that resonate with the home’s era. A Victorian settee in the living room or an Edwardian dresser in the bedroom can accentuate the home’s historical character.
Use Colour Wisely
Colours play a significant role in setting the mood. Respect the age of the home and opt for period-appropriate shades. Soft pastels or muted tones often work well. However, don’t shy away from using bolder colours in moderation to create an interesting visual contrast.
Focus on Lighting
Lighting in antique homes should enhance the home’s features. Choose fixtures that reflect the home’s era, such as wrought-iron chandeliers or Tiffany-style lamps. Combine these with modern recessed lighting to provide a practical and aesthetically pleasing lighting solution.
Choose Appropriate Textiles
Textiles offer a wonderful opportunity to blend the old with the new. Use antique or vintage-inspired fabrics for upholstery, drapes, or rugs, but feel free to introduce more contemporary patterns and textures to keep the design fresh and interesting.
Curate Decorative Accents
Lastly, use decorative accents to tie everything together. Antique mirrors, vintage photographs, or historical artworks can help tell the home’s story. Meanwhile, more modern elements like a sleek vase or a minimalist clock can add a touch of the present.
Key Takeaways
Decorating an antique home requires a unique approach that marries the old with the new. The goal is to create a space that acknowledges and preserves the home’s historical character while ensuring it is comfortable and functional for contemporary living. From respecting the home’s history to balancing old and new, incorporating antique furniture to focusing on colour and lighting, each decision you make should consider the home’s past while looking towards the present. By adhering to these seven tips, you can create an antique home that is a true reflection of its historical significance and your personal style.
