A question was posed to me this week and it inspired me to write its response in this article. The question was: “How do you mix old and new together when decorating in order to get the best effect?” And the answer is that it depends on the effect that you want! Having said that, let me explain.

The reawakening of interest in antiques in the last decade has created opportunities for some very interesting interiors. At the same time, there is a profusion of styles that incorporate antiques with contemporary lifestyles and each has a specific look. For example, High Traditional mixes classic styles such as Queen Anne, Chippendale , and Sheraton and would be considered formal.

Shabby Chic mixes worn, chipped, house and garden antiques in unusual ways with modern looks. Victorian style focuses on pieces that hail from the latter part of the 19th century – or at least look like they do. Carving, sinuous lines, lace and pattern on pattern all create an ambiance that is truly nostalgic. Arts and Crafts Style from the late 1890’s to as late as the 1920’s is characterized by simple lines and flat planes and is decidedly masculine. Art Deco styles feature the clean uncluttered lines, geometric shapes, and zigzags that work extremely well with ultra modern furniture styles.

There are a variety of ways that a person wishing to incorporate the old and the new can use. One of the easiest ways is to choose whether you wish the room to appear formal, or very casual. Simply by making that choice you will automatically discount several styles. You may choose to make some rooms like your parlor (living room) and dining room formal, and other rooms casual like your kitchen, and den or family room. During the Victorian era, certain rooms were even gender specific. Entrances were masculine, as was the library and the den, or billiard room. The dining room, the parlor and the bedrooms were considered “feminine” rooms. Following this Victorian idea just might help solve some decorating dilemmas between partners today!

Rooms can be decorated according to eras. This means an arbitrary date is chosen, and all pieces (real or reproduction styled) must have existed either before or up to that date. This is one of the most common ways restoration projects are handled when faced with a building that spans more than one century.

Rooms can be arranged by color. This means that there is a unifying color in the space that could include the wood tones, the fabric and wall colors. You could include a variety of pieces from different eras, but a common thread, such as color, should be apparent. Arranging spaces by shape or line is another way you can incorporate old and new. Simple modern shapes from the art deco period or even the fifties would work well with today’s contemporary designs.

The trick is to learn about each of the styles. Spend some time studying them in books from the library, or get a designer who specializes in melding these styles ( keep From Times Past in mind), to help you. It will become readily apparent which looks “speak” to you and which do not. Armed with that knowledge, you will find it much easier to create really unique looks incorporating the old and the new that represent the interesting person that you really are. Above all, don’t take yourself too seriously – have fun!

Written by Johanne Yakula

From Times Past

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