Old Art in New Spaces
‘Old’ Art in ‘New’ Spaces
Interior Designer Melissa Baker shares tips on how to weave vintage art into contemporary interiors
Lets be honest, the majority of us don’t live in Instagram-worthy old English cottages with thatched roofs, exposed hand-hewn wood beams, and Inglewood fireplaces.
Vintage art goes wonderfully with that sort of charming, storybook cottage but that’s not to say that it can’t also be woven into a more modern aesthetic.
When it’s done right, mixing vintage art with contemporary interiors creates a space that feels layered and personal. The contrast between old and new brings depth and a touch of sophistication.
In this edition of The Art Advisor, Melissa Baker (director of interior design practice Studio Lizonne) shares some very wise and useful tips on how to do just this.
How to Weave Vintage Art into Contemporary Interiors
written by Melissa Baker, Founder & Director at Studio Lizonne
Often, the most visually impactful and surprising spaces juxtapose the old with the new.
Many commercial office buildings provide great examples of contemporary spaces exhibiting old works of art. One in particular that springs to mind and that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting (for the sole reason that I know an employee!) is Coutts private bank on The Strand in London. Oversized chunky gilt framed oil paintings are hung on sprayed concrete walls, antique pieces of mahogany furniture populate the landings and an exquisite collection of antique books is displayed behind the large glazed internal walls of a corporate dining room.
Vintage art, like antique furniture, can actually be rather at home in a more contemporary interior, and contrasting the two will elevate both!
Why choose vintage art?
There are many reasons to invest in vintage art. Rehoming old pieces is a sustainable choice by reducing the demand on new materials, manufacturing and production. You are helping to preserve and repurpose and at the same time, taking on responsibility as its custodian – a privilege in itself.
Old artworks have a timeless quality which transcends the endless fads and fickle trends we are served with daily. They were made with an unrivalled craftsmanship and technique involving hand-mixing pigment sand the layering of paint which gives them a unique quality. If you’re lucky enough to find something in its original ‘jacket’, antique frames are works of art in themselves too. Yes, they might have the odd scratch, or chip to a corner, but these imperfections only add to their charm.
Whether it’s something that you’ve inherited, won at auction, bought from a dealer, or found in a flea market on your travels, vintage art immediately comes with a story to tell. It will inject heritage and character into any contemporary interior, especially new builds which often lack the decorative architectural details and natural focal points such as fireplaces and large feature windows, that an older property will have in abundance. Neutral backgrounds or backdrops will allow old, darker works to stand out. Many art galleries display work by old Masters on stark, simplistic white walls for maximum impact.
My Top Tips on Displaying Old Art in an Interior with a More Modern Aesthetic
- I love to see an old piece of art hung on a really fresh, contemporary wallpaper. Ottoline Devries, Imogen Heath and Barneby Gates all have beautiful, inspiring collections. It’s a bold look, but because they’re so different, they complement rather than compete.
2. Proportion and balance are key – anchor bold pieces with a console, sideboard, or an armchair where you can experiment with fabric choices. Statement area rugs can also help to balance out colour.
3. Don’t immediately discard older frames just because of a chip or a crack. Take it to a framers or restoration expert or embrace the imperfection. It’s part of its history and adds to their charm and character. I always prefer to try and salvage an old, original frame, but a more simple frame can help to ease an older piece of art into a more contemporary environment.
4. Old oil paintings in particular can be quite dark, so they will benefit from some lighting e.g. picture lights, wall scones or angled spotlights. Artificial light will also make an old gilt frame really sing! Be mindful, however, of hanging old works in direct sunlight which will cause damage over time.
5. Punctuate rather than over-populate. Contrasting older paintings with newer prints in a gallery wall for example works really well, but consider placement and proportion carefully and ensure you let larger, more ornate pieces have their space to shine.
To Sum it All Up..
Vintage art will bring texture, history, character and heritage in abundance to a contemporary home, which could otherwise become quite sterile and one-dimensional without it. There is very much a place for newer pieces – we have just as much a duty to supporting new and emerging artists as well as preserving and celebrating older works. One day they too will increase in provenance for the next generation to uphold, but when old and new are mixed together with care and thought, it can make for a much richer, multi-faceted and more balanced interior.
More About Studio Lizonne
Studio Lizonne is a UK based interior design practice working across both the residential and commercial sectors.
The studio’s director, Melissa Baker, has a portfolio of private residential projects as well as larger luxury property developments, more recently taking on commercial hospitality briefs with Studio Lizonne.
Melissa has a Diploma in Interior Design, and is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) where she continues her professional development. She also has an MA Hons in History of Art and English from the University of St Andrews.
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On a Separate Note
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