When it comes to designing a home, it's important to make it feel special. Each home needs to have something distinct about it; something that makes it stand out. Using architectural antiques in interior design is a creative and effective way to give a home or a particular space a distinctive look.
You may be asking what exactly are architectural antiques? An architectural antique is anything that has been reclaimed, reused, or repurposed in your home.
These type of antiques add a layer of depth to a space that can't be replicated. Not only are they one-of-a-kind, but they are also a way to incorporate sustainability and sustainable design into your home. "Architectural" may sound intimidating and/or expensive, but it doesn't have to be.
Here are few examples of how to incorporate architectural antiques into the interior design of your home.
Add antique doors as an architectural element over a mantle. Using these doors over a mantle really adds interest and extra dimension to the fireplace. Using antique pieces in unusual and unexpected ways will set your home apart from the many others and add that special element.
Use an antique piece of furniture as a built-in. Antique furniture doesn't have to be just free standing. Instead, incorporate it into the overall design of your house to combine form and function.
Incorporate antique doors into the overall design of your home. Just like antique furniture doesn't have to be free standing, neither do stand alone antique items. Build them into your doorways for example to add an unexpected design element.
Use antique mirrors in unique ways. Instead of simply hanging them on a wall, incorporate them into your home's custom paneling to serve as a more grandious focal point of a room.
Use antique wrought iron for a balcony. Don't forget the exterior of your home when incorporating design elements. Adding unique architectural antiques can also add interest and character to the exterior of your home.
Pieces of an antique balcony can also be used in ways different than their original intent. For example, this was once a balcony railing in Paris that now serves as an awe-inspiring window box on the exterior of this home.
Using antiques for their intended use shouldn't be discredited though. Antique doors can also add a unique architectural element to the exterior of your home by using them for some of your exterior entrances. This antique door from Argentina, for example, creates a truly remarkable entrance and first impression.
As you can see, architectural antiques can involve either a simple addition or something that makes a much larger statement. It's up to you and your personal preference as to how you want them incorporated into your home.
If you are interested in adding architectural antiques to your home, and aren't sure where to look, start by scoping out your local flea markets, antique malls and second hand stores {i.e. thrift stores}. You can also look up local antique dealers in your area or salvage companies to find salvaged or reclaimed pieces. Some of our favorite places in Greenville are Shinola, Southern Estates, Antiques on Augusta, and of course our very own boutique, Postcard from Paris Home.
So now you are interested in adding architectural antiques to your home and are armed with places to start searching. Next is figuring out where and how to add them to your home. If you aren't sure how to do that, download these tips from our design team on what things to keep in mind and how to use them.
If you have already incorporated architectural antiques into your home, where and how did you use them?