Love Antiques, but not sure how to add them to your space? Fear not...
- Erin Leaverton
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
As a design professional, I have watched countless trends come and go over the years. But one general rule that seems to stand the test of time is the addition of antique furniture, art, and decor into our spaces.
When my husband and I were newly married, we didn't have the money to buy new furniture, so we opted to bargain hunt at antique markets near the city wher we lived in East Tennessee.
What we came home with was more than a deal for our pocketbook. We ended up with heirloom pieces that we still have and cherish to this day, including a farm table from the 1800's and a hand carved sideboard that dates back to the civil war. These pieces no only add depth of character and patina to our home, but they always come up at dinner parties - because they clearly have a story to tell.
As we gear up for our first live antique shopping event from the South of France, I wanted to share some thoughts on ways that you can seamlessly incorporate treasures from the past into your home's story as well. As the old saying goes, "something old, something new..."
This bedroom was part of a project near and dear to my heart that I designed for my mom's new home in Franklin. We designed the whole room around the warm patina of her heirloom armoire, selecting a soothing soft blue and cream palette to make the pine wood really pop.
As you can see, the room does not feel dated or stale because of the antique, but rather invigorated by its charm. This balance can be achieved by abiding by a simple set of rules we live by when we design spaces with antiques for our clients.
Below are a few of those simple do's and don'ts that you might find helpful as you shop our live antique events.
Tips to Incorporate Antique Pieces
Pair modern lighting, neutral rugs and new upholstery with antique casegoods, dining and accent tables.
If you add antique or vintage seating, consider recovering your pieces in a fresh, performance fabric. For especially old seating, we also recommend having a qualified upholsterer rebuild the cushions to ensure maximum comfort.
Pair antique farm tables with new cabinetry in kitchens and laundry rooms, and pick a cabinetry paint color that compliments the wood tone of your piece like this soft gray blue with brass hardware.
4. Incorporate small antique decor and architectural elements like doors, cabinet hardware, mirrors, found objects and art to anchor the space with patina and story. Remember, the small moves can be the biggest moves!
Common Antique Mistakes
There is no question that antique furnishings can feel too heavy, too dark, or even just too museum-like, especially certain styles or periods. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid as you shop your pieces.
Avoid dark furnishings for dark rooms. If the floors and walls are dark, try to keep the pieces light
Steer clear of antique pieces with ornate architectural details - opt instead for clean turned legs and simple carvings if you are styling a more causal space
Limit your antique furnishings to one or two for a single space (too many will start to feel like a museum!)
Above all, my suggestion is to find pieces that compliement your style and your story. When you bring an anqitue into your home, you are bringing the craftmanship of someone's creative heart, as well as the countless lives that piece has touched through the years.
My desk in my office is an 18th century french oak farm table sourced from Provence. The cross bar, which I often use as a foot rest has time worn places wher feet before mine have rested there as well. This reminds me that everything is really just on loan, and we the stewards, get the grand privilege to enter into a much larger human story when we welcome these pieces into our homes and lives.
Excited to share treasures that may grace your home soon! To shop our upcoming live antique events from the south of France, click the link below and join French Club!
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