Mixing Old + New
Bringing the old into the new is not about recreating the past. It is about layering stories. A modern space can be beautiful on its own, but when every surface is untouched + every detail is brand new, it can feel like a house still waiting to become a home. This is where pieces with history make all the difference.
Objects collected during travels, furniture with a patina that speaks to decades of use, or textiles with the irregularities of something handmade, these elements bring warmth, depth + authenticity. They remind us that design is not just about style, but about a life being lived and well, souvenirs from your life that you have collected along the way.
Why Old Works in the New
A piece with history has texture, both visually + emotionally. In a new build or a modern interior, those textures act as an anchor. They stop the room from feeling like a sterile showroom + help create a space that is personal rather than generic.
Start with One or Two Statement Pieces
It could be a carved wood cabinet from your time in Bali, a silk rug from a Bazaar in Iran, or a worn leather armchair passed down through family. Let it stand in contrast to the clean lines of modern architecture. This tension between eras is where character lives.
Mix, Do Not Match
Avoid the temptation to match every finish or tone. Let the old keep its imperfections + let the new maintain its polish. This balance allows each piece to stand out, without competing for attention.
Layer with Intention
A minimal home can still have layers. A modern sofa with a vintage textile draped over it. A sleek kitchen with an antique dining table at its center. This approach creates a home’s character, the kind that invites you to look closer.
When you live with a mix of old + new, you create a space that feels established from the moment you move in. It tells visitors something about you, that your home is not just assembled, it is curated.
Karen Cairo
Saint + Souvenir founder + curator