A Love Affair with Blending Time: Curating Vintage Elegance into Contemporary Homes
Curating Vintage Elegance into Contemporary Homes
Susie of Creighton Designs, in collaboration with Amy of Tailored Interiors Kent
There is something utterly enchanting about a home that whispers stories of the past while embracing the elegance of the present. The romance of vintage pieces, each rich with history, craftsmanship, and soul which can breathe warmth and personality into a space, creating a home that feels both timeless, fresh and deeply personal.
At Creighton Designs, I have always adored the beauty of restoration. When working alongside the wonderfully talented Amy of Tailored Interiors Kent, a furniture restorer breathing life back into beautiful pieces and myself a creative interior designer we have bonded over our shared passion. Together we have collaborated on several client projects.
We curate interiors that balance vintage charm with modern sophistication coming to life. Together, we source pieces and weave old and new into seamless harmony, ensuring that each space tells a story as unique as the people who live there.
Simply beyond beauty, incorporating vintage furniture is also a sustainable choice. By breathing new life into existing pieces, we reduce waste, honour the craftsmanship of the past, and create homes that are not only stylish but also kinder to the planet.
The Secret to Blending Old with New
If you are wondering how to blend both of these styles then we can offer a few ideas and thoughts that work so well!
Armoires | The Ultimate Statement Piece
Few pieces of furniture hold as much presence and charm as a vintage armoire. Whether grand and gilded or rustic and timeworn, an armoire provides both function and character in a modern home.
In a bedroom, a restored French armoire offers a sustainable alternative to modern built in wardrobes. With deep storage and exquisite detailing, it provides both practicality and a sense of history.
A hallway or entryway, an armoire with mirrored panels enhances natural light while keeping coats, shoes, and clutter hidden away. Perfect for young families.
For bathrooms or living spaces, repurposing an armoire as a linen cupboard or display cabinet is both functional and beautiful, transforming an old world piece into a contemporary must have.
Dining Tables | Old Wood, New Purpose
There is nothing quite like the weight and warmth of old wood, it carries the stories of past generations, and when thoughtfully integrated into a modern home, it adds a deep sense of authenticity and character.
A 19th century farmhouse table paired with modern upholstered dining chairs creates a striking contrast between rustic and refined.
A sleek contemporary marble or metal base console styled with a vintage wooden tray or antique brass candle holders beautifully bridges old and new.
A weathered oak console in a modern hallway or behind a sofa grounds the space with character and history.
Choosing a restored vintage table over a newly manufactured one reduces demand for mass produced furniture, helping to combat deforestation and lower carbon footprints. Each table we source is chosen with sustainability in mind, ensuring that its second or even third life is as meaningful as its first.
Glass Fronted Cabinets | The Perfect Marriage of Display and Storage
A glass fronted cabinet is one of the most versatile pieces in any home blurring the line between storage and display.
In a kitchen, a French vitrine or cabinet showcases beautiful ceramics, glassware, or pantry essentials, adding warmth and authenticity to a modern setting.
In a living room or study, a vintage glass fronted bookcase houses treasured finds, creating an ever evolving display of personality.
A bathroom, an antique glass fronted armoire, storing fluffy towels, scented candles, and apothecary bottles in a way that is both functional and stylish.
Many of our finds retain their original glass panels, making them a low impact, stylish alternative to modern shelving solutions.
A fabulous way to update these pieces is hand painting them in moody tones deep forest greens, soft dusky pinks, or earthy charcoals ensuring they feel at home in a modern space while still retaining their vintage soul.
The Console Table | A Bridge Between Old and New
A console table is one of the most adaptable furniture pieces so perfect for hallways, behind sofas, or as a statement piece.
A hand carved wooden console in an entranceway, paired with a modern oversized mirror, creates a warm and inviting first impression also a convenient drop zone for keys and phones.
A gilded antique console against a deep toned painted wall offers contrast and intrigue, adding a touch of opulence.
A reclaimed wood console styled with modern ceramics, woven baskets, and refined current lighting achieves an effortless, relaxed, lived in look.
Amy and I love to select console tables that balance function and history each piece chosen for its craftsmanship, practicality, and ability to blend into our current living. With sustainability at our core, we focus on breathing new life into well made furniture, ensuring it serves for decades to come.
Bringing It All Together
I believe the most beautiful homes are not curated to perfection but layered with the personality of those who live there. Whether a majestic French armoire, or a lovingly restored console table, vintage pieces create character, authenticity, and storytelling into contemporary spaces.
At Creighton Designs, It would be my pleasure to guide you, to discover those unique treasures that bring warmth and elegance into your home, with Amy of Tailored Interiors Kent, we passionately blend old and new to create interiors that feel refined, soulful, and utterly unique.
Would you love to introduce vintage charm into your home?
Let us work the magic!
I am Susie of Creighton Designs, and Amy of Tailored Interiors Kent, we can help you source, style, and restore sustainable, functional, and beautiful pieces that will bring warmth, history, and sophistication blending well in current yet timeless spaces.
Based in Tunbridge Wells and Working across Kent and the Southeast
We would love to hear from you!
Email us at susie@creightondesigns.com