3 Tips for Mixing and Blending Old + New Items
Some of the most compelling spaces honor history and culture while still feeling fresh, modern, and lived in. There’s something timeless about blending the past with the present. At ONYX+ALABASTER, we believe design isn’t just about filling a room with pretty pieces; it’s about curating a story. For Tanya, our founder and principal designer, this blend of old and new is signature to her design approach. “I love capturing the beauty of the past and presenting it with the modern simplicity of today,” she explains. When done right, the perfect mix + match results in an elevated and collected look.
So, how do you actually pull this off in your own home? Here are Tanya’s three tips for mixing old and new in a way that feels intentional + balanced.
1. Start With a Key Vintage Piece
The easiest way to bring character into a space is by starting with a vintage anchor piece. Because antiques and one-of-a-kind finds are limited in availability, Tanya often begins a design around them: “I’ll start with a vintage rug or side table first…something rare…and then build around it.”
For rugs, she gravitates toward vintage Oushaks. Their looser patterns and softer palettes keep a room from feeling too busy, while still grounding the design in history. Similarly, chests and side tables are versatile vintage investments. They bring in warmth, charm, and craftsmanship you simply can’t replicate with mass-produced furniture.
Once you’ve found that special piece, pair it with modern essentials. For example, a vintage rug might anchor your space while a sectional or streamlined sofa layers in comfort and practicality. Think of it as setting the stage: the vintage item tells the story, while the modern piece provides the function.
And don’t forget balance. Tanya suggests paying attention to color and weight distribution. Too much of the same color or tone can flatten the space. Instead, contrast is your friend. A brown vintage rug paired with a creamy sofa and a sleek black leather chair creates both harmony and visual interest.
When it comes to wood tones, Tanya leans toward warm oaks and pines, which she finds more timeless than heavy mahoganies or red-toned cherry. These lighter woods stain beautifully and age with grace. Pair them with vintage leather—think trunks, studded chairs, or worn-in ottomans—for a combination that feels both classic and enduring.
2. Start Simple
Not everyone is starting from scratch, and not every room needs a complete overhaul to feel layered. Sometimes, all it takes is a single thoughtful piece to shift the mood of a space.
“If you already have a modern room, just start with a side table or rug,” Tanya advises. “It doesn’t have to be much… one or two key pieces can really change everything.”
This is especially true if you’re working with a tighter budget. You don’t have to hunt for the rarest heirloom chest or the perfect hundred-year-old cabinet. Start simple, and focus on a piece that feels authentic to your style.
PRO TIP: The key is restraint. Too much vintage in one room can quickly tip from “curated” to “cluttered.” The magic happens when select antique accents are balanced with modern neutrals, leathers, and fabrics like velvet. Each piece has room to breathe, and together they tell a richer, layered story.
3. Sprinkle in Bold Accessories
If you love the look of vintage but aren’t ready to commit to larger furniture or rugs, accessories are your best friend. Small, character-filled accents can infuse soul into a space without overwhelming it.
Some of Tanya’s favorites include:
- Brass candlesticks (timeless and budget-friendly)
- Vintage art (small originals grouped together make a big impact)
- Unique mirrors or decorative accents that layer in personality
These little treasures bring history into your home. One pair of vintage candlesticks on a dining table or mantel can spark conversation and bring elegance to your space.
Honoring the Past, Elevating the Present
At the end of the day, blending old and new is about balance. Too much of one, and the space can feel flat; too much of the other, and it can feel cluttered. But when you curate with intention, anchoring with a vintage piece, starting simple, and sprinkling in select accessories, you create a home that feels both timeless and alive.
It’s about capturing craftsmanship and character from decades past, then letting it shine against the simplicity of modern design.
Because the best homes aren’t built in one shopping trip or pulled from a catalog. They’re layered over time. Thoughtfully, beautifully, and with stories worth telling.
Are you ready to start your own Design Journey with our Award-Winning Interior Design Team?