11 Trending Antiques for the Modern Home
Design is far more than just adding beautiful things to the home, says Betsy Nathan, founder of Illinois antiques shop Pagoda Red.
While intricate, storied artifacts remain timeless in the eyes of collectors, decorators work to seamlessly fuse them with modern décor to add new meaning to these items and unique interest to a room. “It is inspiring to see the way clients and designers incorporate antiques into modern environments and continue their storied histories in today’s homes,” says Nathan.
And in many cases, they do so in a cost effective way. Nick Nicholson, Senior Vice President and Division Head of British & European Furniture & Decorative Arts at Freeman’s, adds that people are starting to decorate their homes with antiques again because “it costs less to buy a great chair from Freeman’s, for example, that’s made of solid mahogany from the George V period than it is to go to any regular retailer and buy a replica.”
For unique design inspiration stemming from the world of antiques, we asked seven antiques dealers to reveal some of the most in-demand, timeless antiques on the market today, and offer tips on how they might fit these objects into modern homes.
Paul Vandekar
President | Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge, Inc.
English sailor’s Trapunto woolwork, c. 1870, 19 3/4 inches x 25 1/2 inches,
Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge, Inc.
Sailor’s Woolworks
“Sailors’ woolworks, affectionately known as ‘woolies,’ are sailor-made wool pictures of a ship or ships made in the mid-19th century. This folk art has a universal appeal to both men and women and creates a charming and happy look in the home for both someone who simply wants a nautical accent and for the avid folk art collector. We have seen a lift in sales of these works through the last nine months.
This sailor’s trapunto woolie is very charming and dramatic, depicting a large three-masted ship passing close to shore with other small vessels nearby.”
Piero Fornasetti Sagittarius Zodiac porcelain plate made for Corisia in 1975,
8 in. x 1 in., Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge, Inc.
Dishware by Piero Fornasetti
“The interest and sales of the wares made by Piero Fornasetti have grown by leaps and bounds. His constant reference back to the historical world of prints, astrology, and myriad obscure influences leads his work to add a modern yet very different and, indeed, unique contribution to a room whether contemporary or traditional.
This black and gold plate depicts the astrological sign Sagittarius with words, intertwined around the form of the mythological centaur, the learned healer whose higher intelligence forms a bridge between Earth and Heaven. This series of twelve plates were made for Corisia from 1964 to 1975. The pattern is called Gli influssi Astrali (or “Astral influences” in English).”
Susan Silver
Owner | Susan Silver Antiques
Ilkley folding & adjustable day bed, mahogany caned, c. 1870, Susan Silver Antiques
Traveling Furniture
“English Campaign Furniture was designed to be quickly folded up, packed in boxes and transported to some faraway part of the world. This was all done without nails, tacks, or tools and was meant to highlight the superiority of the gentleman in military officer class. Today, it still reflects the same adaptability and elegance. The example here, an Ilkley mahogany daybed, has several sitting positions, folds up, and the legs can be removed so that it packs flat.
Many homes today include a library or office – this daybed would be a fantastic piece to fit right into that trend. I could also see it next to a fireplace in a modern living room or as a great addition to a bedroom.”
Mari Ann Maher
Managing Director | The Antique & Artisan Gallery
Walnut and oak armoire with marquetry and burl wood details,
18th c., The Antique & Artisan Gallery
Walnut & Oak Armoire
“The marquetry and burl details on this oak and walnut armoire are wonderful-both to touch and to look at. I like to use large cabinets and armoires in modern spaces, because their look and scale can give a sterile space some personality, some grandeur. The wonderful turn of the century theatre broadsides that line the doors are a fantastic touch.”
Pair of tub armchairs, Sweden, early 1900s, The Antique & Artisan Gallery
Tub Armchairs
“I think the Gustavian style is the perfect look for anyone who wants it all – someone who likes antiques and contemporary trends. These tub chairs may be over 100 years old, but by upholstering them in a clean, youthful linen they don’t appear ‘outdated.'”
Larry Solomon
Owner | Painted Porch Country Antiques
Repurposed butcher block from a butcher shop, Yorkshire, UK, Painted Porch Country Antiques
Repurposed Shop Counters
“Painted Porch specializes in English, French, and Canadian antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. The category that is driving our business is store and shop counters, to be used as a center island in a kitchen. Designers come to us very frequently to buy these pieces as service stations in their retail stores or restaurants. This repurposed butcher block is an example of a very interesting piece that can transform a modern kitchen.”
Betsy Nathan
Founder | Pagoda Red
Meditation stone table, 21″ x 13″ x 21″, Pagoda Red
Meditation Stone Table
“Traditional artists from centuries past appreciated the abstract patterns of select stones called ‘meditation stones’ to inspire their work—each stone was thought to be a microcosm of the great vast natural universe. We bring this to our clients in a way that makes sense for life today. With a custom base, a meditation stone table becomes a functional work of art. We work together with clients and artisans to translate meditation stones into tables for specific needs and projects.
Texture defines us – large, sweeping iterations and smaller ones. When people visit us, they are guided by all of their senses – first by their hands and what they are compelled to touch. We believe good design should literally feel good. The pair of carved polychrome architectural corner braces calls to be touched. Their color echoes the painted ceiling at the Imperial Summer Palace in Beijing. They originally supported structures in 18th-century China, they translate beautifully now as sculpture. They create beautiful structure, even as a divider, when positioned on a table between two seating areas.”
Raised sword leg table, Shanxi region of China, 1850, Pagoda Red
Altar Tables
“Many clients come to us for 18th-19th century altar tables that they use as sofa tables, serving tables or entry tables. The carved feet on this raised sword table appear to be en pointe. The rich surface of a 19th-century black lacquer table with gilt coins is smooth and seductive. Its form wonderfully light and geometric, making it feel very modern. The gilt coins in the apron are not just decorative but represent prosperity and the promise for a good life.”
Helen Constantino Fioratti
Founder | L’Antiquaire & The Connoisseur
Carved Venetian armchair, walnut, 1740, L’Antiquaire & the Connoisseur
Venetian Chair
“This is a graceful Venetian chair featuring openwork carving, which leads to its sculptural presence. Placing it at the end of a sofa (or sofas) it would mimic a jolt of movement and make an interesting effect.”
Sicilian cabinet, lacquered and gilded wood credenza, mid-18th century,
L’Antiquaire & the Connoisseur
Sicilian Cabinet
“This is a Sicilian cabinet – a stand up desk – which would be a welcome shot of color to neutral rooms so common now in decorating. The painting is all original from the 18th century, and would add an exciting touch of artwork in an unexpected way.”
Serge de Laville
Owner | Coco House
English bamboo etagere, 1890, Coco House
Bamboo Etagere
“This is a 19th-century English Japanese bamboo etagere recover with leather paper, carved doors with ivory accents, and lacquer shelves. This would be great to be used as a bar, bookshelves, or as a display. It’s a very unusual piece, and is easy to move to any room in the modern home.”
