Incorporating antique furniture and art into a modern home may seem like a contradiction, but Karin Laserow and Britt Berg show just how easy it is and how stunning the results can be. Highlighting the rich traditions of Swedish furniture and other décor, this full-color guide begins by explaining the basics of antique furniture, from style histories to the nuanced differences of Baroque, Rococo, Empire, Gustavian, Art Nouveau, and more, with striking photographs throughout. Readers are taught how to tell the difference between old and new, how to evaluate antiques, and how to determine whether repairing, repainting, and refinishing are worthwhile decisions for protecting antique investments.
There are many books on antiques, but few are written for the modern reader with a modern home who still wants to enjoy the beauty and history of antiques. How do you mix the old treasures with the new? What arrangements work best for showcasing breathtaking antiques amid modern gems? What should you do with antique books? From candlesticks and chandeliers to tables and wardrobes, these questions and more are thoroughly explored in this inspirational guide to modern decorating with antique furniture and objets d’art. The photography alone is enough to inspire even the most timid beginner, but the research and advice will make a professional decorator of anyone interested in bringing antiques into the twenty-first century.