Interior Obsessions: Old and New

Lately I’ve been obsessed with these old spaces decorated with modern furnishings. I love the way the two eras sit comfortably side by side, each highlighting the great qualities of the other. Unfortunately, not all of us are able to live in one of these amazing classic spaces, so we need to find a way to fuse old and new within our existing setup.

If you have a more modern space, or perhaps something a bit nondescript, instead of relying on the space to give you that vintage look, try adding a piece or two of old furniture. Set in a sleek, modern kitchen, an old well-used farm table makes quite an impact. Or try a heavily detailed dresser, maybe spruced up with a new coat of paint. If that feels like too much, pick out some old accessories ““ anything that will give you a bit of variety is good. Just like we want to pair sleek pieces with a bit of texture, we don’t want our spaces to read as a single note in terms of style and time frame. It’s time to unearth that old vase your grandmother gave you and give it a new life.

(above) Wishbone Chairs and Marble Mantle

Existing wall + Loft Interior

Decorated Ceiling

Heavy Trim + Exposed Structure

Plaster Rosette

Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.