“There are two things that make a room timeless: a sense of history and a piece of the future.” (Charlotte Moss, Interior designer and philanthropist). When it comes to interior design, there are no rules that say you can bring a little bit of history into a contemporary home or vice versa. In fact, the reality is quite the opposite. When done properly, blending the old and the new can add a real sense of character to a more modern property. As a design concept, it adds depth to a room and even a sense of story to a property that has not truly had time to create its own stories.
If, like me, you love the idea of mixing the old and the new, then read on as we discover how to do it properly.
Why Embrace Historical Influences?
While many people are trending toward contemporary housing with clean lines and energy efficiency, there is a growing interest in historical décor. In fact, a growing number of people are buying older homes and adding historical features, often removed during modern renovation, back in.
There is something inherently nostalgic about connecting with the past, particularly when it comes to preserving family heritage. Creating a sense of place and time is incredibly important. When you choose to embrace historical influences in your home, whether these are original features or ones that you add, you are injecting personality and distinction and standing out from the masses and their love of the “latest trends.”
In this new era of awareness, the sustainable, timeless quality provided antique pieces promotes a more sustainable way of living. It also celebrates the craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Ways to Incorporate History
Incorporating historical elements into the modern home is incredibly easy. It takes a little bit of design flare and creativity, but there are some great places to start:
- Antique and Vintage Furniture – Source unique pieces from different eras, repurpose old furniture, and, above all, experiment by mixing styles.
- Architectural Salvage – Incorporate reclaimed materials; doors, windows, flooring, and fireplaces with mantels to add authenticity and character.
- Historical Art and Artifacts – Display antique maps, prints, photographs, sculptures, and textiles.
- Traditional Craftsmanship – Showcase carefully selected handcrafted items: pottery, textiles, and metalwork.
- Colour Palettes and Patterns: Draw inspiration from historical periods and use authentic colours and patterns for paint, wallpaper, and fabrics.
Finding the Right Balance
Remember the old adage that less is more. The last thing you want is for your home to appear as though an antique shop exploded in it! You want to achieve the right blend of old and new.
Start small with just a few key pieces. These should be genuine antiques or at least well-crafted reproductions. You can build up from this. Make sure that you combine a range of vintage items with modern décor and furniture to create the right mix. However, remember to select items that compliment the style of your home.
The golden rule is not to overdo it. Make sure you create a sense of liveability rather than a museum.
Carefully adding old items will offer a sense of history to your modern home, why not take a look at your family history for inspiration or be inspired by your favourite period in history. Find creative ways in which you can make your home unique with touches of the past.
Have you added history to your modern home? If so, why not share photos of your projects with us here?