Most of us possess at least a few vintage pieces at home; maybe something passed down through family, pieces collected from travels, or a great flea-market or auction find. As lovely as they are, these items can be a bit tricky to work into a design scheme if they don’t naturally suit your style.

Some pieces are easy. If you love mid-century design and your vintage finds happen to fit that look, perfect. But if your home is very contemporary, mixing in older items can take a little more thought.

A good place to start is by laying everything out; literally or figuratively; and deciding which rooms each piece will live in. Look at the colours and textures to get a sense of what your overall palette should work with. Mixing two contrasting textures can add tons of interest, but it’s worth being selective so things don’t start to feel busy.

You might also find that a few items could be repurposed. Reupholstering a chair, for example, keeps its original charm but gives it a fresh update. The same goes for staining wood or adding a new coat of paint; small changes that can make a big difference.

And don’t be afraid to mix old with new. A vintage gilded frame with a modern art print can look amazing, or an old trunk can make a great coffee table next to a clean-lined sofa.

The main thing is to avoid going overboard with colours, textures, and too many different pieces. That’s when things can start to feel cluttered. A thoughtful, curated approach will let your vintage finds shine and help them feel truly at home in your space.

Contact Anna Auzins, Wimbledon interior designer, for expert guidance on your home project. Transform your space with professional design advice!