An investment in vintage and antiques is a window into the past-a peak into a bygone era combined with craftsmanship not always seen today. But, the question begs: How do antiques stray from their simplified role as Grandma’s inherited hutch or Great Aunt Joan’s stately Louis XVI Bergere Chairs into modern complements? Johnson explains: “After 30 consecutive years in the antiques trade, I’m acutely aware of the generational changes that have impacted the antiques market and, in effect, brought about
the misconception of new and/or young buyers that antiques are stuffy, fussy, and clunky hangovers from the past. This misunderstanding is largely due to … not taking time to research the history and evolution of design periods, such as Biedermeier, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, etc., for then they would discover design elements that complement and seamlessly integrate into a modern living space, often in their simplicity of design and sometimes purely by their juxtaposition.”

Consciously Speaking

“Designers need to be curators-good designers will always operate outside of trends, and find fresh ways to reuse existing furniture, and use beautiful items in the marketplace from all eras,” says Gissler. It’s in recognizing the conscious footprint and unique intrinsic value antiques impart onto the desigr world that their modern dexterity comes to light.

“The evolution of antiques brings equality,” states Clark Haines. “In the past, antiques were for a select group of people, the upper class who had entire period rooms of a certain price point and echelon. Now, antiques are for everyone. You’re as likely to use antiques in your bedroom as you are [in) your living room. Antique dealers in North America have caught on to this wave, that it’s all about the mix, and most dealers no longer specialize only in one style, period, or country of origin.” In contrast, she expounds upon the European market where “the concept of antiques for everyone has always been true. Peek inside a classic English country house or a Parisian apartment and there is a mix of family heirlooms that lend history to their decor. In North America, the family tradition of passing down furniture to the next generation is not as embedded in our culture, so most people are buying their antiques, not inheriting them.”

That being said, buyers have definitely gotten the message that antiques are green-their superior craftsmanship has allowed them to sustain decades of use. According to Clark Haines, “Decorating with antiques not only adds a unique individual element to your home decor, offering a better value for the money over mass-produced interior goods, but it also helps save our environment. Plus, financially they are a wise investment, holding their value when new goods do not.” 

Gissler continues shedding a light on the acquisition aspect of antique buying. “I have found that antique and/or vintage furniture dealers can be amazing resources for historical knowledge, which can be reflected in incredible inventory. They are relentlessly curious seekers of special items and love to give new life to items that may have been forgotten,” he says. Johnson also illuminates the influence of the design industry on antiques, noting, “The interior design and architect community are important components in the sense they nurture and facilitate their clients’ desire to acquire contemporary and antique elements, as well as create compelling living spaces tailored to today’s lifestyles.”

Truly the first form of reusable design, antiques have long made modern strides, despite appearing contradictory to their very essence. Because of their provenance and typically long stretch of time since conception, antiques are seldom seen as modern, but, conversely, they have proven to hold their own through the ebbs and flows of the interiors world. “I don’t think enough is made note of the ‘green’ element regarding antiques,” states Johnson. “When cultivating interest within young or new collectors and buyers, dealers need to reinforce the fact that purchasing antiques is the original form of recycling and repurposing. For example, the mandate for CADA is stated on our homepage as ‘Preserving, Promoting & Selling Fine Antiques … ,’ with an emphasis on Preserving.”

Gissler notes while the green aspect of buying pre-owned furniture is obvious, it’s not typically the pitch he makes to clients about antiques or vintage items. “Rather,” the designer says, “I compare the cost and value of new showroom items versus what we can find in the pre-owned marketplace and there
is often no comparison. While the hunt may be more challenging, the results are often much better!” Clark Haines sums it up with a simple truth: “When you invest in the past, you’re investing in a sustainable future.”