Good design transcends decades.

4. Mix Materials With Intention

Old wood and brass play beautifully off contemporary materials like steel, concrete, and glass. Let opposites attract: a rustic farmhouse table with sleek ghost chairs, or an ornate chandelier above a pared-back kitchen island. The contrast should feel intentional, not random.

Layering materials adds tactile richness to otherwise sterile spaces.

5. Don’t Overcrowd the Narrative

Antiques are meant to stand out. Give them space to shine. Avoid clustering too many vintage items in one area unless you’re going for a full-on collector’s look. In modern homes, editing is key. A single antique bench in an entryway can say more than a dozen mismatched vintage finds.

Let your antiques breathe—and be admired.

6. Use Antiques in Unexpected Places

Put that ornate dresser in the bathroom as a vanity. Use a vintage trunk as a coffee table. Hang a classic oil portrait in your ultra-modern kitchen. The tension between old and new in unexpected settings keeps a space feeling fresh, not formulaic.

It’s the surprise that makes the design sing.