Design should never feel anchored to a single time or place. The beauty lies in the mix. A room truly comes alive when antiques and contemporary pieces share the stage, each telling its own story while together creating something entirely new. It is like hosting a dinner party where eccentric great-aunts share stories with spirited young artists. The conversation is always far more interesting.
The Character of Antiques
Antiques bring history, soul and a sense of mystery. A timeworn oak table or a mirror with just the right amount of foxing whispers of lives lived and stories untold. These pieces act as the anchors in a room, a little stubborn, endlessly charming, and rich with personality. In the Drawing Room at Covent Garden Hotel, a 19th-century Japanese secretary does just that. Crafted in the Western style with intricate marquetry inspired by traditional Japanese patterns, it takes centre stage, surrounded by simple furnishings that allow it to shine.
The Spark of Contemporary Design
Modern pieces provide the spark. They are the witty friend with fresh ideas, introducing clean lines, bold shapes and unexpected twists. Contemporary design stops a room from feeling too serious, adding the lift and energy needed to keep it vibrant and daring. Our Rocket Lamp is a perfect example. A modern artefact that infuses neon light and playful energy, it brings instant zing to the space.
The Balance of Contrast
The magic lies where opposites meet. Picture a sleek, sculptural lamp casting a glow over the curves of an antique chair or a vibrant abstract painting hanging above a traditional mantel. Pairing the ornate with the minimal, the weathered with the polished, creates a dialogue where each element shines brighter. These juxtapositions are what make a room truly sing.
Making It Your Own
Forget rigid rules. Mixing old and new is all about instinct and imagination. If a pairing makes you smile, it belongs. Layering is key. Heirlooms, market finds and newly discovered treasures all deserve their place. The goal is not perfection but personality, a space that feels authentically yours.
A room that balances antiques and contemporary pieces is like a beautifully curated storybook, always evolving and always surprising. Over time, new finds nestle in alongside old favourites, creating a mix that feels rich, layered and deeply personal. The result is a space that is timeless, fresh and full of life, a stage where history and modernity dance together in harmony.