Flickr.com, UggBoy
We know that antiques are an excellent “green” option – they often used durable and renewable materials and they are items that can be reused generation after generation, reducing the need for more production. However, antiques don’t always appeal to everyone’s design sensibilities. For some, antiques conjure up images of four-post beds with pastel quilts and intricate Victorian carvings. In contrast, much modern design focuses on clean lines and bold colors. For those don’t always enjoy the style of antiques but who are interested in buying them for their green qualities, there are a number of ways to incorporate antiques into a modern design with a few adaptations. Here are some ideas:
Reupholster
It’s amazing how a piece of furniture can be transformed simply by covering it with new fabric. Antique chairs, couches, ottomans and more can take on a whole new life with a simple reupholster job. Choose a piece with a shape and trimmings that you like, and compare fabric samples to decide on a new look. If you are technically savvy, you could even upload a photo of the piece into photo editing software to get a good idea of the new look after it’s been reupholstered. Bold graphic designs and bright colors can instantly renew a piece that was once covered by dull paisleys or brocades.
Paint It
Antique collectors will likely cringe at this idea. However, if you’re not a collector and are interested in a piece simply for its design aesthetic, you can easily give a piece a makeover by re-staining it or painting it a new color. Woods can take on new life, and metals or plastics will look like modern pieces once they are repainted. Bright colors will fit right in with most modern design schemes, but simple is always best if you’re unsure.
Change the Fixtures
Has the brass started to color? Or do the fixtures look like they came straight out of Versailles? Simply change them out. A dresser, chest, or cabinet can get a whole new looks with new knobs, handles, and hinges. Experiment with contrasts between the antique design and modern fixtures for a bold look.
Line the Inside
If you like the overall design of a piece, but you want to give it just a little something extra, try lining it with fun papers or cloths. Cabinets, chests, dressers, and curios can look somber and sleek from the outside, but a fun graphic print can offer it some extra life when you open a door or drawer.
Go Retro
Finally, if you’re unable to find pieces that you can adapt to your tastes, you may have luck looking at retro or vintage pieces. Not all antiques came out of the 1800s, and items from the 1950s and 60s (usually classified as vintage or retro) are enjoying a surge of popularity right now. Some modern design even borrows elements from this time period. Choose pieces from this period, and you may not have to make any modifications at all for them to fit into your modern design scheme.
Choosing antique pieces is great for the eco-conscious home designer. However, if you find that you are unable to find antique pieces that fit into your design scheme, trying out some of these options may offer you a solution.
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