11.02.2010

Old & New

If you happen to read my other blog Two Ellie then I am sure you have noticed I love to mix old with touches of new. I like to think of it as keeping things fresh and young. I adore antique and vintage pieces, but at the same time modern and clean lines make me just as happy. I think all the following rooms have encompassed this "style" beautifully.

{image via Cote De Texas}

This home is Sally Wheats. Really her whole home represents making old feel new so be sure to go here to see more. The portraits to the left have been collected over time. The antique shutters add instant character and the mirror is such a statement piece. The slipcovers keep the space feeling livable, the neutral palette, and of course her styling help the whole space feel fresh.

{image via Nate Berkus, photo by Thibault Jeanson}

The secretary and side table are such gorgeous and what I assume to be, antique pieces. Mix these with a classic chair in a bold pattern and a large print photo and again the space feels new.

{image via Lonny}

{image via Lonny}

The two spaces above are from the home of designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski. The first image houses an antique cabinet that fits in beautifully with her crisp white sofas and walls. The huge photo on the left adds the modern touch that I love. The bedroom side tables are two antique dressers that look remarkable paired with bold fabrics and a room full of layers. I would personally love to add the two dressers to my own home.  
 
{image via Elle Decor, photographed by Pieter Estersohn}

Nate Berkus's style really does encompass the whole new mixed with old design. The dresser with mirror are remarkable and timeless pieces. the worn leather tufted bench adds to this feel, but feels young again paired with the graphic rug.

Pair any of these antique pieces with burgundy walls and matching rug with heavy drapes and, well, you quickly loose the young and fresh feeling. By young I don't necessarily me age I mean more in clean, free of clutter, and simply a place where throwing your feet up doesn't make anyone feel uncomfortable. All this to say I simply love old mixed with new. What is your favorite style of decorating?

16 comments:

The Buzz Blog said...

Love how the old and new can live together in harmony and Nate's style is a perfect example of that!

Tash said...

You have such lovely taste, these are inspiring rooms! I'm definitely with you on the old mixed with new too.

Laurel-Dawn McBurney said...

I completely agree about mixing old and new... it never goes out of style because it always has a tad of the traditional.... LOVE IT! My favorite space is the second image with the super graphic chairs. Lovely! Thanks for sharing Paula!

abodelove.blogspot.com

Design Esquire said...

I agree with you. The images you chose are just gorgeous too!

Living It At Home said...

Old and new is such a hard thing to pull of well! These images are subdued perfection...what I mean is that it is not obvious that it was "decorated". However, I am sure alot thought went into them! Wonderful post!

Unknown said...

Your amazing post just made me more sure of my love of old and new together:)

sarah@realestatestyle said...

I agree-a mix of old and new is great! I love the Wheat house so much, that one has definitely been in the fave file!

Joanne Yordanou said...

Great idea for a blog - another one for me to follow! Love it!

Emma said...

Definitely, you have to mix the old with the new for it to work. I think this is one of the hardest looks to pull off successfully though. I imagine it takes quite a bit of playing around for it to work.

molly b. said...

agreed. I love the character of the old mixed with the charm of the new. The goal? warm & inviting... which you totally achieve!

Katie @ Noodle and Boof said...

LOVE THIS! Can't even pick my fave!

Lindley Arthur said...

My favorite look, too! Great post and beautiful photos.

Nuha said...

I am so envious! I wish I had the "eye" that could mix and match things to get the perfect look. Love all of these rooms!

Ann said...

Old and new works for me too.

Thanks for the gorgeous room spaces:)

Nice post.

Danielle Sigwalt Interiors said...

Fabulous images and I too love the old with the new...too much of a good thing can be...uh too much ;)! Mixing it all up keeps it fresh for sure!

Splendid Willow said...

So my style too! And I find that mixing old and new makes for very personal and interesting rooms. Cookie cutter and or contrived rooms make me yawn.

ox, Mon