One of the current emerging trends in interiors is to mix old and new.  Now that the popularity of minimalism is on the wane, rustic and vintage pieces are beginning to reappear in interior design magazines. This can add great character to a home, and works well in both country and urban houses. The new take on vintage is to mix it with contemporary pieces and avoid the over cluttered Victoriana effect!

Many clients have much loved and favourite pieces that they would like incorporated into a new scheme.  The trick is to keep the look pared down, using just a few carefully chosen pieces, and to incorporate different finishes and textures that will maintain visual interest.

This rustic old farmhouse table blends beautifully with the contemporary monochrome artwork.  Tactile materials used here, linen, glass, and tin, all evoke feelings of comfortable familiarity that combine to create a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.  ‘Relaxed’ is one of the key words in this look, there is no room for starchy formality, which is a relief for most of us, who want a home to be a home!

Accent colours can be introduced simply with bowls of fruit and large bunches of spring flowers.  Herbs and bowls of fruit add a wonderful natural aroma to the home which is far nicer than air fresheners.

For a more cutting edge and urban take on this look, replace the old chairs with some stunning design classics like the Verner Panton cantilever acrylic chair.

Mix contemporary piles of ceramic earthenware bowls and heavy glasses with Victorian enamel water jug for a relaxed and eclectic look.

Keep materials, and shapes as natural and organic as possible.  Mix different finishes to create a tactile arrangement.