P t s & Pa
RESENT
NOVEMBER 2020
Local designers give tips for mixing vintage and modern pieces
By KAYLEE POCHE
Photos by CHRIS GRANGER
GAMBIT DETAILS
The pandemic has led to many of us spending a lot more time at home
20
than usual, and in turn, some locals are using this time to revamp their living spaces in all kinds of ways. In fact, interior designer Whitney Jones of Whitney J Decor (847 Third St., Gretna, 504-300-9698; whitneyjdecor.com) says she’s the busiest now that she’s been in her nearly decade-long career. Before we even begin planning a space, we sometimes ask ourselves what era we’re trying to channel. Do we want to collect the perfect vintage furnishings or do we want to fill the room with sleek modern pieces? But the real question is: Why not do a little of both? Interior designer Chad Graci of Graci Interiors (902 Jefferson Ave., Suite 3, 504-452-0051; graciinteriors.com) and Jones offer tips on how to mix vintage and modern furnishings without them clashing.
START WITH A
vintage
STATEMENT PIECE.
If you see a piece you absolutely love while scouring a yard sale or local vintage shop, scoop it up while you can. You can worry about matching later. Big pieces like tables and dressers are often some of the priciest, so purchasing them second-hand can be cost efficient. From there, you can build the room out and start mixing and matching modern pieces around your eye-drawing vintage piece. “When you can find a big statement piece, it really makes the budget go much farther than trying to bring in small pieces that work with what you have,” Jones says, adding that vintage burlwood furniture is especially trendy right now. And when looking for walnut or oak, Graci says he prefers antique pieces for their color or finish. According to Graci, a “knockout antique rug” can be a strong place to start a main room, like a formal living room or dining room. “The antique
