Old is often seen as synonymous with tired and passé, but in home decor (as should more often be the case in our own lives) old can be beautiful, historied and glorious in its uniqueness.
Antiques and heirlooms are long celebrated, but even in modern homes – pieces of the past can breathe new life into our spaces and create personal touches. Some of my very favourite pieces in my home are hand-me-downs, and pieces that remind me of my childhood. I’m writing from my office, that doubles as a guest room, where a white-painted iron frame bed (gifted after long-use from my aunt and uncle) is piled high with white linens. In my living room, my grandfather’s World War cargo trunk is my coffee table, still bearing his name and the designation Flight Lieutenant, with international travel stickers, scuffs and dents adding to its rich history.
Some aspects of old-time decor are more substantial, and worth every penny of the investment.
A sleek curved faucet is modern and clean against the backdrop of painted tin. What a beautiful way to add texture to a kitchen. I’ve always wanted a gilded tin ceiling, or one with peeling, distressed paint. Photo: Kitchen by Auhaus Architecture
H&M knows this trend is alive and well, and recently featured a velvet daybed, quaint cushions, chandeliers and waintscotting in its (not yet available in Canada) home line.
I grew up in a century home, in tiny Waterdown, Ontario, in a colonial center hall stone house. Our tiny second floor bathroom had a claw-foot tub. The beautiful tub, pictured here, perfectly balances old with new and the splash of graphic wallpaper makes it quite modern. Photo: Industrial Bathroom by Oliver Burns
This luxe w/c includes floor to ceiling touches of vintage style, but manages to look thoroughly ‘now.’ From the crown moulding, heavy drapes, brick and lighting, to the gorgeous tub and old step ladder, this is a perfect marriage of old combined in a new way. And, I’m guessing those are original floors. Photo: Tour London’s Most Lust-Worthy New Boutique Hotel via @Domaine
Check out more like this on my Pinterest Page, under “Home Sweet” https://www.pinterest.com/alisonjc/home-sweet/
and let me know,
What vintage touches are classing up your modern digs?
I can’t tell you how many times I get compliments on these vintage shell and rope earrings. A friend gave them to me second hand, claiming ‘they are so ugly, I have no idea how to wear them… but I honk you can pull them off.
StyleSaVie 