Words by Tess Paterson, Catherine Zachariou and mary Jane Harris. Article from the Garden and Home Magazine July 2015.
Incorporating family heirlooms into modern interiors or placing contemporary accessories in a vintage home adds a unique character.
Here are some ways to go about it:
1. A perfect example of mixing old and new, this traditional sideboard was given an up to date pastel paint finish and now displays a collection of contemporary art and accessories casually propped against the wall. Note how the trendy charcoal wall makes the arrangement pop.
2. “These chairs were my first real furniture buys. They’re timeless classics and 20 years later I still love them,” says interior designer Tanja Beyers, of Profurn Contracts, who regularly updates them with on-trend fabrics like this ikat from Mavromac. “If they were covered in a more traditional fabric they wouldn’t look nearly as interesting,” she explains.
3. The modern art and furniture clash beautifully with the traditional features of this century-old Durban home. Strangely enough, the obvious contrast emphasises the characteristics of both. Design by Kirsten Goss.
4. Introducing classic pieces like a leather wingback, the silver trophies and romantic fruit bowl ornament on the server soften the lines of a predominantly modern living room and are a clever way to combine different tastes. The coffee table and server are from Hartmann & Keppler Interiors.
5. While refurbishing one of the suites at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, interior designer 
Ockert Dixon of Jacket Interiors played on an old-meets-new theme by updating the traditional headboard with a vinyl fabric, Apollo by Romo, and adding simple metal studs for impact. Also giving the bedroom a now look are hand-beaded saffron linen scatters and an ottoman in Zebra fabric from Mavromac. In keeping with the theme, Ockert added white-painted beading similar to that in older homes to the walls. “Beading on its own, without the actual panels, has a very contemporary feel,” he says.
6. A very trendy way of updating a room is to introduce a stunning contemporary light fitting. In this dining room a glass chain link pendant light from K. Light Imports adds a sense of modern drama to the classic furniture from Hartmann & Keppler Interiors.
7. A clean modern shell like this Johannesburg apartment with its white screeded floors is the perfect foil for an opulent piece like this gilded mirror. Decor by Lesley Donel-Douglas.
8.An armoire and a weathered table make an ideal backdrop for a striking Willowlamp pendant in this entrance hall designed by Tiggs Crozet of Indigo Interior Design.
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