Dare to dip your toe in today’s interiors market and you’ll be blinded by a swathe of clean and clinical lines - an endless pursuit of ‘contemporary’ is the way to achieve new design credence, so we’re told.
We’re guilty of over-indulging in this ourselves. The inspiration centre has been covered in more than its fair share of marble, metallic, and even polished concrete surfaces in recent months. It’s time we returned to tradition, and what better way to do this than with the beautiful roomset shown above? This was produced to showcase a style that we shall dub ‘Antique Chic’.
The concept of Antique Chic centres around nostalgia and jogging memories, promoting worn, rustic pieces that celebrate the quaint and quirky. These items wouldn’t normally pass muster in your typical fresh setting, but oddly, this only adds to the appeal.
We often forget that homes are to be lived in. We don't live in museums or fine art galleries, so why do we insist on making modern homes so cold? Homely touches should be embraced, not dispensed with, so join us below as we explore Antique Chic at its heart-warming best.
1 - ARMCHAIR
Discover an armchair that screams Antique Chic and you’ve found your room’s centrepiece. You can build your entire scheme around a high-quality item such as this, but this doesn’t mean to say the item must be expensive. Visit your nearest antiques fair to uncover hidden gems. Just because others don’t see the potential in a piece of furniture, doesn’t mean it’s redundant.
2 - CUSHION
Cushions and fabrics are part and parcel of any Antique Chic look worth its salt. These would be instantly banished from a contemporary setting where comfort is irrelevant, so be thankful that you’ve opted for a more informal slant on style. Kimberley Dawn is our one-stop-shop for vintage cushions - they specialise in florals like the ones found in our roomset.
3 - FURNITURE
This is an area that will be dictated by the room in question. If in the bedroom for example, where storage is an absolute must to avoid clutter, sideboards, wardrobes, and drawers may all be required. Don’t be afraid to mix and match here. Antique Chic is about blending alternate styles and surfaces, rather than opting for lazy furniture sets with little or no character. Again, vintage fairs could trump the high street, but visit Rose and Grey if inspiration is found wanting.
4 - PAINT
There are numerous paint retailers for you to explore depending on budgets, but we’re suckers for Farrow & Ball and the sheer quality their finishes possess. For the white, try All White over Wimborne White for a slightly less clinical feel, while Parma Gray reads as a cool blue, despite its name. Feel free to blend colours as you see fit, but in general, pastels will work well for schemes of this type.
5 - FLOORING
Don’t underestimate the power flooring can have over a scheme. Antique Chic doesn’t mean tatty carpet will do, so assess whether it’s time for an overdue revamp. Of course, UK Flooring Direct holds a number of rustic wood decors that would fit in equal measure.
