Vintage tales
Blending old with new
Lately, I’ve been having more conversations with homeowners about adding vintage furniture or family heirlooms into their space. Not only because it’s having a moment, but because it makes sense.
When you bring in a vintage piece, you’re not just filling a corner. You’re adding something that has already lived a life. It has history. And that history changes the way a room feels.
A lot of older furniture was built differently. Solid wood. Hand-carved details. Proper joinery. Pieces that were meant to last, not just look good for a few years. There’s something reassuring about that level of craftsmanship.
But beyond construction, there’s the sentimental side. A chair that reminds you of the house you grew up in. A lamp that feels like something you saw at your aunt’s place when you were little. Those pieces carry familiarity and remind us of places we’ve been and people we love.
There’s also the environmental side of it. Reusing and upcycling furniture keeps good pieces out of landfills. Sometimes, a refinished wood cabinet or reupholstered vintage armchair does more for a room than something straight out of a box.
Modern intentions
The owners of this home are a couple with no children who spent years collecting antiques and vintage pieces. When I first saw their previous home, it was clear they had accumulated many beautiful objects, but weren’t sure how to properly display or curate them.
The idea was to select the pieces they truly loved – the ones that made them smile – and build the interior around those. We chose items that work with the new architecture: A bungalow with a traditional exterior but a minimalist modern interior.
There is no crown moulding or panelling, for example, so the house offered a very clean slate. That simplicity is what allowed the mix of old and new to work so well.
The homeowners weren’t interested in creating a strictly modern home. They wanted a space that reflected their eclectic taste and the pieces they had collected over many years. They needed guidance on which items to keep and how to place them so the home felt cohesive. This appealed to them because it allowed their cherished antiques to finally be displayed in a thoughtful way. The goal was to create a stylish, lived-in home that felt polished and professionally designed, while still personal. At its core, the project was about showcasing the collection they had built together.
Over-sized gold mirror in the middle of the living room. French Edwardian piece purchased at Harbourfront Antique market in 1995.
“The frame on this mirror is carved wood with a distressed gold-leaf finish. It was stored in one of the guest bedrooms in the client’s previous home. When they moved into the new house, I thought it should go into the living room as a focal point rather than in the basement, as originally planned. From there, the entire living room design evolved around it.”
Wooden armoire in the living room. An 18th century French piece.
“This armoire was originally in the clients’ bedroom, and they weren’t sure what role it would play in the new home. When I saw it, I felt it was too beautiful to remain tucked away and suggested bringing it into the living room, where it could be appreciated and enjoyed by everyone.”
Round gold mirror grouping. Bought from an antique dealer.
“The mirror is originally from Belgium and was purchased from an antique dealer in Toronto. The artworks were also sourced from the same dealer. When I helped my clients sell their home and downsize, I went through the pieces stored in the basement, and created this composition that became part of the new home.”
Black hutch in the dining area. Purchased at Horsefeathers Antique, Toronto, before it closed. Late 1990s.
“The homeowners were planning to get rid of this piece because of its size, assuming it wouldn’t fit in their new home. I saw its potential and placed it in the dining room, where it is a perfect fit. The room balances old and new elements – the clients loved the chinoiserie detailing, and I was drawn to the strong black finish. The solid black anchors the space and the piece provides excellent storage and a place to display smaller items.”
Dining gallery wall pieces. Fish painting and clock/barometer bought at Waddington’s Auctions (1990s).
“I found this piece among a pile of antiques the homeowners weren’t sure what to do with. As I looked through them, I realized the gold elements could be grouped together to create a striking moment on the wall. The clients also had a matching gold chandelier from their previous home, but I chose not to use it, as it felt like it would be too much. Instead, I introduced a modern light fixture to create contrast and keep the space feeling current. The black chairs beside the 1970s console were purchased in Germany about 25 years ago and add another layer of history to the room.”