Introducing an old world flavour into the interiors amidst a mostly straight lined setting is increasingly coming into vogue. What was once viewed as outdated and thrust away out of sight is now pulled out and displayed in the most vantage spot in lobbies and living spaces, making a statement in the décor. Antiques have become a decorative statement in interiors, whatever be the style opted, with merely the type of antique showcased changed based on the nature of the décor.
Essentially, incorporating antiques, be it as furniture or artefacts, lends a touch of history to the space. For instance, a totally contemporary living area could blend in an antique cabinet or a reclining chair to go with the straight line seating arrangement. This could be further embellished with Kashmiri carpets, century-old paintings, antique candle sticks on the mantelpiece or age-old sculptures that speak of a different era. These antique pieces serve as highlights or accent zones, drawing attention without taking away the comfort of a straight lined décor.
Even a Zen setting can incorporate a fair amount of antiques in the form of old stone and metal sculptures, and quaint seating arrangements without robbing the décor of its main theme. The sprinkling of antiques in these spaces offers a unique flavour that is charming and hard to resist, the history depicted, lending a nostalgic aura.
Thus, a contemporary setting could blend in artefacts such as a jewellery box, grandfather clock, vases, stunningly carved camphor chest, age-old small coffee table that has elephant heads for legs, and sculptures in the form of deities, where each has a story to relate besides infusing character to the setting.
The antique flavour can also feature in the form of a contemporary piece of furniture which has blended in a part of an antique piece. Thus you could have a crockery unit that fuses in a century-old iron grill for its door or centre table that has an antique carved brass window for the table top. The dining table could feature an exquisitely carved antique door as the table top, and old wooden pillars could be converted into a stunning book stand.
A carved cot with mirrors or tiles embedded in the headboard would bring in a classy feel to the master bedroom. You can even fit an antique headboard to a modern cot, complemented by a sprinkling of traditional elements in the décor.
Says Interior Designer Mahesh Chadaga of Space Lift, “While infusing antiques into a décor, it is important to ensure the balance is maintained between the mostly straight clean lines of the interiors with the antique pieces that serve as accents. It needs to be balanced finely such that their presence tells a story.
Mixing the antiques in a contemporary setting brings in freshness as well as contrast, creating the required depth and balance in the space.”
He however cautions against crowding the space with multiple antiques. “The design and tone should infuse the antique flavour as they add value to the décor.” Chadaga opines that antiques are items that should be collected over a period of time, “it is not something that is bought at one time.”
Collectors of antiques are not many, but families invariably have some antique furniture or artefacts, says Architect Leena Kumar of Kumar Consultants. “These are used more as a statement in a thematic décor or as an accent piece in a residence or in hotel lobbies to bring forth the local artistic presence.”
According to her, antique furniture finds its way into mostly larger spaces because of the bulky nature. “The expense also at times deters their use. Invariably antiques feature in the form of artefacts or an odd piece such as the entrance door or in the puja area.”
Kumar says the inclusion of antiques will become an increasing trend in the future, not only for their aesthetic value but “also the sense of pride it exudes in bringing a piece of history into a residence.”
The dying state of many crafts also makes the inclusion of antiques a rising trend, she adds.
Essentially, incorporating antiques, be it as furniture or artefacts, lends a touch of history to the space. For instance, a totally contemporary living area could blend in an antique cabinet or a reclining chair to go with the straight line seating arrangement. This could be further embellished with Kashmiri carpets, century-old paintings, antique candle sticks on the mantelpiece or age-old sculptures that speak of a different era. These antique pieces serve as highlights or accent zones, drawing attention without taking away the comfort of a straight lined décor.
Even a Zen setting can incorporate a fair amount of antiques in the form of old stone and metal sculptures, and quaint seating arrangements without robbing the décor of its main theme. The sprinkling of antiques in these spaces offers a unique flavour that is charming and hard to resist, the history depicted, lending a nostalgic aura.
Thus, a contemporary setting could blend in artefacts such as a jewellery box, grandfather clock, vases, stunningly carved camphor chest, age-old small coffee table that has elephant heads for legs, and sculptures in the form of deities, where each has a story to relate besides infusing character to the setting.
The antique flavour can also feature in the form of a contemporary piece of furniture which has blended in a part of an antique piece. Thus you could have a crockery unit that fuses in a century-old iron grill for its door or centre table that has an antique carved brass window for the table top. The dining table could feature an exquisitely carved antique door as the table top, and old wooden pillars could be converted into a stunning book stand.
A carved cot with mirrors or tiles embedded in the headboard would bring in a classy feel to the master bedroom. You can even fit an antique headboard to a modern cot, complemented by a sprinkling of traditional elements in the décor.
Says Interior Designer Mahesh Chadaga of Space Lift, “While infusing antiques into a décor, it is important to ensure the balance is maintained between the mostly straight clean lines of the interiors with the antique pieces that serve as accents. It needs to be balanced finely such that their presence tells a story.
Mixing the antiques in a contemporary setting brings in freshness as well as contrast, creating the required depth and balance in the space.”
He however cautions against crowding the space with multiple antiques. “The design and tone should infuse the antique flavour as they add value to the décor.” Chadaga opines that antiques are items that should be collected over a period of time, “it is not something that is bought at one time.”
Collectors of antiques are not many, but families invariably have some antique furniture or artefacts, says Architect Leena Kumar of Kumar Consultants. “These are used more as a statement in a thematic décor or as an accent piece in a residence or in hotel lobbies to bring forth the local artistic presence.”
According to her, antique furniture finds its way into mostly larger spaces because of the bulky nature. “The expense also at times deters their use. Invariably antiques feature in the form of artefacts or an odd piece such as the entrance door or in the puja area.”
Kumar says the inclusion of antiques will become an increasing trend in the future, not only for their aesthetic value but “also the sense of pride it exudes in bringing a piece of history into a residence.”
The dying state of many crafts also makes the inclusion of antiques a rising trend, she adds.