How to Style Antique & Vintage Decor for Timeless Interiors

Suzie Anderson | Owner of Suzie Anderson Home Interior Styling Tips | Buying Guides
16/05/2025 7 minute read

- Creating Visual Balance with Antiques
- Furniture with Lasting Warmth and Depth
- Art & Mirrors: Timeless Layers of Beauty
Other Pieces to Look For
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At Suzie Anderson Home, we believe a home feels most alive when it’s layered with pieces that tell a story—items rich in character, timeworn charm, and a sense of history. In this blog, we explore the enduring beauty of antique, vintage, and one-of-a-kind objects, and share insights on:

The key qualities to look for.

The best places to source these treasures.
How to seamlessly incorporate them into your space.

These timeless pieces add soul, character, and visual harmony to your home, helping you craft a space that feels both enduring and deeply personal. Whether it’s their craftsmanship, rich history, or the warmth they radiate, antique and vintage finds leave a lasting impression—bringing meaning and depth to every room.

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The Art of Sourcing & Selecting Antiques

When sourcing antiques, age alone doesn’t determine value—quality, character, and craftsmanship are key. A well-chosen piece can elevate a space, not only through its form and function but by adding depth and soul. I’m especially drawn to objects with distinctive silhouettes, natural patinas, and thoughtful proportions. Whether it’s a hand-carved wooden chair, weathered decoy ducks, or a sculptural artefact, look for craftsmanship that speaks to you.

Some hallmark features to keep in mind include:

Dovetail joints – A clear indicator of expert woodworking and structural integrity.
Intricate carvings – These subtle details can dramatically enhance a piece’s beauty and uniqueness.
Aged patinas – Developed over decades, this warm, mellow finish brings a richness that modern reproductions often lack.

Beyond our curated collection, there are many wonderful sources for uncovering hidden treasures:

Local auction houses – Ideal for finding unique glassware, silverware, and ceramic pieces.
Estate sales – A great way to discover one-of-a-kind furniture and decor with lived-in charm.
Flea markets – Brimming with eclectic finds, from functional furniture to decorative accents.

Ready to find your next unique treasure? Browse our curated collection below:SHOP THE COLLECTION

Creating Visual Balance with Antiques

When incorporating antiques into a modern space, the key to success lies in achieving visual balance. While antiques bring history, texture, and soul to a room, too many in one space can feel heavy or outdated. When styled with intention, however, they create a grounding, timeless aesthetic.

To strike the right balance:

Mix old and new – Contrast is essential. Pair clean-lined, contemporary furniture with a statement antique—such as a weathered farmhouse table, a vintage console, or a gilded mirror—to create interest and depth.
Practice visual restraint – Select just a few standout pieces in each room. This allows each item to shine while keeping the space cohesive and uncluttered.

The interplay between old and new is what gives a space its charm. Antiques bring warmth and authenticity, anchoring modern interiors with a sense of history and permanence.

Furniture with Lasting Warmth and Depth

Vintage and antique furniture offers a timeless quality that simply can’t be replicated by decorating with new pieces alone. Their solid construction, distinctive silhouettes, and beautifully aged patinas bring depth, character, and a sense of permanence to any space—large or small.

In open-plan homes, anchoring the room with a standout antique helps create a sense of structure and cohesion. Consider:

A vintage farmhouse table to define the dining area
An antique cabinet or sideboard to introduce storage and architectural charm
A sculptural armchair in worn leather or linen to add texture, soul, and visual interest

Some standout pieces from our collection that I recommend include:

A Weathered Demi lune Table

And don’t overlook the power of smaller accents. A vintage side table, a hand-upholstered bench, or a Swedish Mora clock can introduce subtle warmth and personality without overwhelming the space. Often, it’s these thoughtful touches that make a house feel like a home.

Art & Mirrors: Timeless Layers of Beauty

Art and mirrors are essential for creating a layered, visually engaging home. At Suzie Anderson Home, we believe the thoughtful pairing of contemporary furnishings with antique artwork introduces a beautiful tension—one that feels both refined and richly lived-in.

Our carefully curated antique oil portraits—on display at our Old Bank Atelier in Moss Vale—bring an unmistakable sense of history and soul to any space. Whether you’re captivated by the rich depth of a 17th-century portrait or the subtle beauty of a vintage pressed botanical, each piece reflects timeless craftsmanship and quiet elegance. These artworks do more than decorate a wall—they enrich your interiors with meaning, character, and conversation.

To further elevate your space, consider incorporating gilt-framed mirrors, particularly in Baroque or Regency styles. These pieces do more than reflect light—they create focal points, expand a room’s sense of space, and add a layer of quiet grandeur. Placed above a mantel, in a hallway, or layered behind a vignette, they bring light, depth, and timeless elegance into the home.

Antique Portrait of a Lady | Unframed | Circa 1795

$3,695.00

For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected from our Moss Vale store. Freight Quote for… read more

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Other Pieces to Look For

Décor

Incorporating objet d’art—such as leather-bound books, a brass telescope, or vintage silverware—adds layers of personality to your home. These pieces do more than decorate; they tell stories, evoke nostalgia, and offer a depth of character that contemporary decor often lacks.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most transformative elements in any interior. An antique chandelier or a pair of crystal wall sconces instantly elevate a room, adding elegance and atmosphere. Even a vintage table lamp, paired with a handmade fabric shade, can soften a modern setting and create a sense of intimacy. For added warmth, consider grouping vintage lanterns, candlesticks, or antique candle holders—perfect for evening ambience or entertaining.

Textiles

Textiles are a beautiful way to introduce age, texture, and story into a space. Repurposed grain sacks make charming cushions or table runners, while vintage monogrammed sheets can be transformed into curtains or slipcovers—adding soft character and rustic elegance to your home.

Outdoor Homewares

Extend the beauty of antiques beyond your interior. Aged stone fountains, vintage birdcages, or terracotta statues bring an enchanting, timeworn charm to garden spaces. Reclaimed benches, patinated urns, and weathered planters help create an outdoor retreat that feels considered, soulful, and serene.

Vintage Metal Watering Can | Zinc Grey (BOWRAL)

$150.00

For Australia-wide deliveries, an additional freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase / standard delivery fee. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected… read more

Antique XL Zinc Window Frame | Sourced In Belgium

$7,500.00

Elegant French Zinc Architectural Element – Mirror Frame/Dormer (Circa 1880) Enhance your space with a striking piece of French heritage. This antique zinc window frame, purchased in Belgium dates back to the 1800s, and would have originally graced the upper… read more