Designer-Approved Ways to Mix Old and New

Some of the most memorable rooms aren’t filled with all-new furniture—they’re layered with pieces that tell a story. At Emerald Studio, we love mixing treasured antiques or family heirlooms with crisp updated elements. The result is a home that feels collected over time, not pulled straight from a catalog.

How do we do it? Here are some of our go-to tips for combining old and new pieces with style:

• Honor the star: Let a vintage piece shine—whether it’s a carved dresser or a mid-century chair. Give it some extra love with a fresh coat of stain or new upholstery to breathe new life into it.

• Find a common thread: Unify old and new with a shared color palette, finish, or texture. A new side table in a similar color can feel cohesive with your mom-mom's cedar chest.

• Balance the scale: An ornate antique piece can feel fresh next to streamlined silhouettes and even contemporary art.

• Edit thoughtfully: Not every family piece needs to stay. Choose what truly resonates and mix in new-to-you finds for a curated look. We are always open to rehoming things that don't fit.

Whether you’ve inherited a few heirlooms or love the thrill of a vintage market, we can help you weave those finds into a fresh, livable design that feels balanced and personal.