Old versus New: Home Décor, Antiques and Contemporary
05.27.08 By Val UbellWe have a home that is about 70 years old and we often fill it with period décor and furnishings. But we are also fans of “true antiques” and do our best to find older items. We rarely purchase pieces for their intrinsic value, but more for what we like and what fits in. The comment “very eclectic” has been heard quite often from guests.
On occasion, I have found items that are contemporary and it takes a little creativity to make them fit with the ‘old stuff.’ Let me give you an example. I fell in love with this 1920s garden table as it was being pulled out of a van in front of an antique store. The dealer was just bringing it into her booth. I asked the price while she had it in mid-air, not wanting this to hit the show-room floor! I know, I know, you should never appear to be anxious or the price can easily escalate, but I knew this would have appeal and plus, she already had a tag dangling from one of the legs. That pretty much locked in the price. She showed me the tag and then offered a very generous opportunity. It turns out the mall was having its semi-annual sale in the coming weeks and she had planned to put her booth on sale for 20% off. She kindly allowed me to buy it for the reduced rate! It was quickly a done deal and as we loaded into MY van, I thanked her profusely. I have continued to shop in her booth and will do so whenever possible.
I just adored its look – green metal curvy legs, glass that has been painted and somehow treated to look wavy and look at those marvelous stone feet! Hubby helped me bring it into the house and we proudly set it in our sun-room. We have numerous items from the ’seashore’ and although we put some shells and figurines on it, nothing seemed to do it justice.
As luck would have it, my daughter and her friend asked me to join them on a trek to Cedarburg, Wisconsin. This is a charming, historical town, not far from Milwaukee. It is just filled with boutiques, art studios and antiques. If you ever get the chance, check it out! Well, we walked into an art gallery, and there it stood. An egret in mid-flight, quite large and dramatic, but brand new. Would it work with this old table? I’ll let you be the judge, but somehow it looks like the bird is coming in for a landing.
Another example of the old/new concept is in our kitchen. Another of my addictions is old copper. It is so warm and inviting and while I have stayed away from the copper molds and kettles, the teapots, chafing dishes and plates have drawn me to them. The item on the left is a copper sink sieve.
While at our favorite antique fair, presented by N.L. Promotions and held in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, I found another must-have-item. This piece of art glass is so elegant. The dealer told me her mother had purchased it at an art fair in Racine, Wisconsin in the 1990s. She recalled her mom saying the artist was present at the show. I knew it would work with my old metal pieces and held my breath, asking what she wanted for it. To my great surprise (and delight) she gave me a price of $5.00! I did not even ask if she could take $4.00, that’s how excited I was! Somehow this truly fits into our kitchen with the antiques.
It just goes to show you that you should not limit yourself to one style or time-frame. You can mix and match and let your possessions do their own thing. Wishing you happy hunting for your next treasure be it old or new.
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Article Tags: Antique Copper, Antique Radio, Artist, Copper & Glass Art, Copper Sieve, Gerden Table, Glass Table================
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