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Modern vs. Old – Will These Two Styles Mix Together?

“Modern vs. Old” has been a topic of discussion for many of my clients that have a love of antiques but would love to mix the new wave of simplistic, modern designs to their décor. When you have 200 year old antique furniture, can you use modern décor to accent a space? Or if you are renovating an old, rustic barn, can you hang modern light fixtures?

Old and modern can flow together nicely if kept in balance and will make distinctive spaces that will be conversation pieces.

Custom Game Light - Artisan Steel - Copper C2491H

One component in design that we like to use to get away from the traditional brushed nickel or chrome is to replace those finishes with antique nickel or ternplate on any of our modern fixtures. This gives a warm, inviting feel that will compliment your antique pieces as opposed to the cold, stark feel of many modern lights.

Another component in design that we suggest is to take a modern iron chandelier and apply an aged rust finish to achieve an antique quality to a newly inspired creation. That gives you a vintage look with contemporary luxury.

One job that comes to mind that we did recently mixed a number of modern vs. old décor. The space was a 200 year old, relocated barn that mixed very modern two-story, barreled iron chandeliers in Aged Rust finish with antique dripped wax candle sleeves and paired them with our Colonial Revere lanterns hanging over a modern dining table. In the adjoining kitchen we hung a brushed nickel, free-flowing monorail system with a pair of our modern industrial pendants. All hung within a rustic post and beam interior that mixed a modern slate fireplace and a contemporary spiral staircase. Everything flowed beautifully. Photos of this project are posted on our project gallery.

When considering mixing the old with the new keep in mind the correct balance. Choice of finishes is essential to make it work perfectly together. We at The Copper Lantern, with all of our antique painted aged patinas, can achieve what ever look you desire. From our Artisan Steel and Copper Game Light, model C2491H, the Coradoba Island Light, model C1323CA, or our Starlight Two-Tiered Artisan Steel Chandelier, model C2456H, you can see examples of perfect balance. All can be custom designed to meet your architectural needs.