Everything Old is New: Vintage Decor and Timeless Home Design
Quick Read! ~3 minutes
Contemporary comforts and conveniences are something we all look for in a home. But charm, character, and personality are what truly gives a home that something extra- an inviting and livable space, but with a timeless feel. As more people are looking for sustainable design and warm, personal decor, incorporating vintage pieces can infuse homes with deep personality and soul.
An antique sideboard nestled in a sunny bay window becomes a focal point in this art deco-inspired sitting room, a custom Cat French Design project for a Chapel Hill townhome.
Everything Old is New: Vintage Decor and Timeless Home Design
Is everything old becoming new again? YES. And, it’s not about trends. Vintage decor- whether it’s an inherited piece, a thrift find, or something that’s moved with you for years- it carries meaning. It tells our story, a window into who we are and where we’ve been, making our home feel uniquely ours.
Mixing antique or legacy pieces into our home design is a key piece of designing homes that feel timeless. Blending pieces from different eras is how we create spaces that will look beautiful for decades.
An heirloom buffet and vintage chairs in beautiful burled wood create a design moment all it’s own in this Chapel Hill home design. Reupholstering the chairs and adding an ornate mirror and sconces makes the antique pieces feel intentional and cohesive.
Original Character, Storied Soul: How We Celebrate Legacy Pieces
In our work with clients, they often come to us wondering what to do with antique pieces: how do they fit into a contemporary home? Do they have to be completely painted and made to look modern? The answer is they can be, but they don’t have to be. More than ever, we’re seeing a shift toward homes that feel personal, unique, and inviting, and nothing tells a story better than a legacy piece. Warm wood tones, burled wood finished, and detailed finishes are in high demand. Celebrating their original character is what makes them unique and soulful, creating a warm, deeply inviting home.
A precious heirloom inherited during the course of our design process of this Chapel hill home, we gave this gorgeous antique secretary it a dedicated space where it could be both seen and enjoyed every day.
Sustainable Luxury: Balancing Heirlooms with New Pieces
When a client comes to us with a beautiful vintage piece, we want it to be something they can use and enjoy on a daily basis. That means intentionally finding it a place within their home design, and often balancing it with other complementing newer pieces. Sometimes that means restoring or reupholstering an heirloom piece to make it fit for daily use and family-friendly. One of the best features of these vintage treasures is that they are a sustainable way to furnish your home. Usually made of real wood, they carry a solid frame and true craftsmanship that will last for lifetimes. Instead of fast furniture, these pieces can be restored and reinvented over and over, to be loved and enjoyed for generations.
This vibrant antique Persian rug was something our client had carried with her for decades, and an important part of the soul and story of her home. We created this living room design around it, balancing the boldness of the rug with a custom setee and classic armchair in soft complementing upholstery and an airy, light blue wall color.
In this 1920’s cottage in the historic Westwood neighborhood of Chapel Hill, many antique pieces original to the house were left for our clients when they bought the home. This included a pair of 19th century Biedermeier chairs that had seen a LOT of wear and tear. But with the beautiful bones still intact, we were able to fully restore and reupholster them. Nestled in with an curated mix of new and old furnishings, they live on as part of the next chapter for this storied Chapel Hill home.
Whether you have a few inherited pieces or you love a good vintage find at the thrift store, we’ve got lots of inspiration for you. Find more on our portfolio here!
Who We Are
Cat French Design is a full-service interior design firm serving the NC Triangle, including Chapel Hill, Durham, Hillsborough, Raleigh, Northern Orange County and beyond. From Historic Home Renovation to new construction and everything in between, we offer the experience and expertise to do the heavy lifting and make your experience seamless. Our team specializes in creating beautiful, comfortable homes full of personality and soul, made specifically for the way you live.
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