Curating for the Contemporary Home by Allpress Antiques

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L I N T E R I O R S

Curating for the contemporary home Juxtaposing modern touches with antiques requires a sensitive balance of old and new style. Interiors stylist Jamie Allpress describes the process

hile the selection and purchase of antiques can appear intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. Just as in love, the golden rule of modern decorating stands that opposites attract. Put two opposing forces in a room together and you’ll master the art of mixing modern and antique. After all, variety is the spice of life (and decorating). This is the abiding philosophy of master decorator Jamie Allpress from Allpress Antiques. Based in Malvern, Victoria, Australia, his approach to decorating your home has made him one of the country’s most soughtafter interiors specialists, leaving a portfolio of enviably, and tastefully decorated homes in his wake.

by KELLY CR ANE / Photography: Russell Winnell

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INTERIORS Left: The yellow exterior sculpture, “Noo” (2009) was commissioned to John Kelly. Right: A large painting by Jon Cattapan named ‘Viridian Eye’ above an 18th century English oak dresser. Below: 19th century French chestnut and oak side table; bronze sculpture by Martin Tighe of Tom Wills (2011).

Layering your home with different periods and price tags creates a rich and varied, not to mention unique, decor. The interior designer says it’s time to step out, be brave and mix precious with pop to punctuate. If decorators remember to make antique pieces part of their interior design, and not just an afterthought, an impressive antique can easily become the highlight of any home. However, small gestures can still be introduced to provide the finishing touches and have just as much of an impact. Allpress suggests angling your lighting to highlight these features “Looking through magazines or real estate publications, I see a lot of same-same homes and interiors without much individuality,” says Allpress. “It’s easy to follow the herd into

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a huge contemporary retailer and fill your floor plan according to the display on the shop floor. However, placing a beautiful 18th century English oak dresser or sideboard with a large contemporary painting or photographic art hanging above creates an outstanding display that your eye is drawn to – and you won’t see that in any showroom.” Decorating with antique furniture is all about how to mix the old with the new in a tasteful and well-balanced way. Consider achieving this interior concoction as not just an art, but a science. “Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so balance your yin with your yang.,” says Allpress. It’s about balancing the emotional connection to what may well be a family heirloom,

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“Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so balance your yin with your yang,” says Jamie Allpress. In this Melbourne home, he has succesfully juxtaposed antique and contemporary touches.

with its potential relationship to brand new furniture items. Give antiques a position where family and friends give them the admiration they deserve. An old cabinet, bookcase or table will be an attention-grabber in any setting, and doesn’t need to compete with other furnishings. Antique pieces should be spaced out, so don’t group them together in a modern setting or they’ll come across as an antiquated island in a sea of new furniture. To avoid larger pieces looking old-fashioned and stodgy, so resist the urge to fill a bulky dark wood bookcase with old tomes, and instead display a collection of vibrant coloured glassware.Pair each antique item with a piece of lowkey or modern style furniture. For example, a regency dining table paired with plastic Philippe Stark chairs. Other examples he gives include pairing a curvaceous

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baroque chair with a sleek dark wood empire commode, or marrying a collection of shiny black lacquered pieces with a midcentury Eames Side Shell Chair. “Carefully placing a special or a unique item can really finish off a room,” he says. “Consider what might suit the style of the area: a 17th-19th century European botanical engraving in a modern frame; a nice modern bronze or decorative glass work; a beautiful 18th century English pewter charger with a pile of figs, limes or pomegranates; or an early Mason or Imari porcelain plate, bowl or platter can look fantastic.” Antiques can sometimes be the antidote to a onedimensional approach to contemporary architecture. However, the expert concedes there are times they don’t work due to the fact they are heirlooms and may not be in keeping with personal style despite their strong sentimental value. Each season brings with it a collection of trends. However, we’re stretching our design motto beyond the anticipated neutral forecast to celebrate a fine-tuned style when it comes to mixing antiques with contemporary furniture or settings. “I feel when dressing either a modern or an older home you should always start with the main pieces, like a feature sideboard, maybe a nice pair of chairs, one on each side of a

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Some town pieces can look great, such as Queen Anne Walnut or well faded George II-III chairs and side tables, just as long as they aren’t overrestored and faded,” he says. “And

nice (not too low!) modern lounge suite, then slowly add other items,” says Allpress. While antiques can be subtle background decoration or the focal point place a of a room, without proper handling they can just as easily become forgettable or good country overly distracting. Georgian piece “Not all antiques suit a modern home,” advises Allpress. “Victorian, Edwardian and average Deco don’t mix well at all, also average Georgian and Regency mahogany don’t cut it, either.” It seems that there are rules when it comes to breaking rules. However, Jamie says period 17th-19th century English and European country furniture can mix well if the right pieces are selected. “Some town pieces can look great, such as Queen Anne Walnut or well faded George II-III chairs and side tables, just as long as they aren’t over-restored and faded,” he says. “And – a little like a classic suit – if you place a good country Georgian piece in the right spot it will never goes out of style. A single decorative chair can go just about anywhere, as can an interesting George III country oak wine table, which is great for corners or between sofas or wing chairs.”

– a little like a classic suit – if you

in the right spot it will never goes out of style.

For more information visit allpress-antiques.com.au

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