As a Designer I’m often asked how do I incorporate my (fill in the blank) into my modern home?  The answer is always it depends.  This requires insight and sensitivity on my part and sometimes some tough love on the part of my client.  I have just gone thru this with my own inheritance so for the first time I have a bit of a different perspective that I didn’t have before.  See previous post How to Make Room for Inherited Treasures/ Part One the Mechanics

When ever I am doing an accessory house call I want to shop the house first.  You would be amazed at what treasures are hidden away from grandma’s china to your grandfathers war metals.  The upholstered chair that has a horrid fabric on it from the 70’s or the dining room table that was mass produced in the 1920’s and you have a mid century vibe with an open concept.

The first thing you have to do is figure out your motivation.  Are these items that just got dumped on you because they needed a home or are they things that you “need ” or are attached to.  Don’t hang on to things that are not important to you.  They clutter up your mind and your life.  Pass them onto to someone who can give it new life.  This includes china, sterling silver, Precious Moments, Hummels, and furniture.  Sell, gift, or thrift!

Don’t let things languish in a box in the basement for years but Do give yourself enough time  for things to find their way in your home.  This is something I’ve really learned over last year.  So, if you haven’t looked in the box in 2 years let it go!  This should give you enough time to see clearly and not feel overwhelmed.

This is my clients grandmothers Haywood Wakefield wicker chair in desperate condition.  It had been sitting in her basement for 20 years!  The cane was broken in many spots and it was really in throw away condition. 

 I found some one to restore the cane, you can see where all the caning had to be replaced.  The back panel would have also been caned but we chose to add an upholstered panel here.

 I had my faux finisher add a layered aged paint treatment, and I had my upholsterer make a cushion and upholster the back.  

Now it adds not only a bit of whimsy but a sculptural punctuation point to her master bedroom.  Yes this room is more traditional but a piece like this could work as a sculptural element in a modern room.

Inherited pieces incorporated on the round table that overlooks her spectacular garden.  The bedroom set they purchased about 10 years ago, but the 2 chairs, the round table and lamp with the black shade are new and so is the bedding.  All the accessories are inherited pieces.  She was so thrilled to be able to pull out some of the stuff she had hiding in boxes.  She has since added a family portrait above the bed.

This wonderful dining room was also inherited from her mother who was an antique dealer.  When she brought these items to the new home she set them up as her mother had them.  These are such fabulous antiques and they are shown in a very spare 18th Century fashion.  This allows the furniture itself to speak the music.  I won’t deny that my 21st Century designer self would just love to get my hands on this room and do a bit of minor tweaking but I have to admit it is sublime and restful and a place where I would love to sit down and have a meal.

Oh the stories this table could tell.

In this mid century modern ranch another client had a 1920’s vintage mahogany sideboard that she picked up at an estate sale.  It had really good lines not to mention great storage, I again gave it to my faux finisher for painting Benjamin Moore Stained Glass.  Paired with a needlepoint done by her mother and a modern lamp and accessories, she now has an interesting piece that fits in with her new more modern sensibility.  

She also inherited a small china cabinet that she wanted to use in this space.  So we painted it in a soft grey,

  Painting the plaster walls and ceiling the same color make the room feel larger as your eye is not stopping at the ceiling line, and sprinkling in beloved inherited pieces like this  mirror, with more modern furniture and accessories creates a layered look that allows this home owner to enjoy a quiet and restful room layered with the things she loves and the memories for the future.

In my own home I have had several surprises in bringing in my inherited pieces.  Some things were simple, I new exactly where they were going to go.  Others were a bit more abstract and took a bit of time to find their place.  A few other things I was completely surprised because I had every intention of selling them.  

This French hat box in the middle was one of my first keepers, the Doulton Bread Rising Bowl I am thrilled to have in my collection, as well as the Pewter Candlesticks.  That was easy.

The 18th Century stick Barometer is another one of my like to haves.  I had no idea that it would end up in my kitchen.  When we finally got the kitchen done this small architectural panel presented the perfect spot for the barometer, giving it pride of place and an opportunity to walk right up to it and study it.  The whale bone face is extraordinary.

In my bathroom which will get a full reveal, I used so many of my moms accessories.  I had no idea I would be keeping these items because frankly they weren’t my favorites, but in the end they were the perfect antiques to highlight the architecture in the bathroom creating a little jewel box.  Fifteen minutes of shopping my own home and I am thrilled with the finished product.

A mirror that my dad made, a platter and figurines collected by my mom. 

So don’t be afraid to surround yourself with the things you love whatever they are and give the old stuff a chance.  Who knows you might just end up making magic.

Thanks for stopping

Shelley