Designing A New Look With A Few Old Pieces
by Shana K. Wilson

Preserve the old, but know the new.
— Chinese Proverb

History, elegance, and investment — these are a few of the underlying statements that a home makes when it is filled with Old World antiques. Simply put, antiques embellish a room’s décor in an incomparable way. But choosing the right antique in the right setting requires knowing how to mix designs of various cultures. The idea is to find what works where, and accompany it with complementary objects.

According to Douglas Dolezal, co-owner of Miller/Dolezal Design Group, Asian is one of the easiest styles of antiques to incorporate into a home. “When you don’t know what else to do, bring in an Asian antique and you’ll see your room come alive. And Asian pieces fit into every design style imaginable,” says Dolezal. He recently covered the topic of incorporating antiques into decorating as part of his monthly BeExtraordinary Lifestyle Series at the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club.

Some notable Asian pieces include carved screens handcrafted throughout many dynasties, chests, and Oriental tapestries. Hand-painted porcelain lamps and vases also work well for anterooms and bedrooms — there are magnificent Ming artifacts, if you can find them, the crème-de-le-crème of Asian antiques. Bamboo was used for a lot of Asian furniture, but not always in the typical stalks-tied-together design. Often, bamboo was used to create flat-panel armoires and dressers; hand painted and stained to the give the wood a regal look. Such pieces are in demand today and found in many antiques stores.

But, of course, Asian is just one of many ethnic style categories available at antique stores in San Diego. Everything from Italian to German to French can be easily incorporated into home décor. Old World pieces can even be modified to provide both appeal and function. Although it might seem destructive, antique chests are often adapted into kitchen or bathroom sinks. Many designers who work with such antiques point to a new trend of using patterns on antique armchairs and chaise lounges. Also in vogue: European crystal chandeliers.

There is another bonus to decorating with antiques — that of the story behind the piece. In fact, it is always wise to inquire about an artifact’s history — you never know what secrets it might hold. Those with interesting histories do well as focal points, where they can spark conversation. Those that were originally intended to sit on mantles and shelves will possibly work best in these traditional settings, but don’t necessarily have to be placed as such. Dolezal remarks that any interesting piece can be used in a unique way to draw the eye.

Once you’ve found the pieces you like and determined whether they will work in your rooms, Dolezal says it’s still the mixing that makes or breaks the charm.

“Professional designers are masters at creating the perfect mix, so don’t be afraid to turn to them if you feel overwhelmed,” he says. “But also don’t be afraid to trust your own instincts and know that whatever you love will work.”

Dolezal’s next lecture, Your Bedroom: Creating a Personal Sanctuary, will take place on May 12 at the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club. (858/756-1554) — Lynn Marston

A stunning late 19th century Italian walnut dining table from Tuscany combines with four Spanish Cordoux leather chairs to create a multi-cultural harmony, from Amilien Antics. (619/234-6213)