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blending old with new: why we love juxtaposition in interior design

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April 10, 2025
mugs on the table with a bowl of apples

At Boaz Studio, we believe that the most meaningful spaces are those that tell a story—one that reflects the people who live, work, or gather there. And often, that story begins with something old. By blending old with new, we create interiors that honour the past while embracing the present.

mugs on the table with a bowl of apples
Client's own vintage dining table and chairs in the new contemporary extension.

mixing eras: where the magic happens

There’s a certain magic in combining the past with the present. It’s something we return to again and again in our work: the art of juxtaposition. Whether it’s an heirloom passed down through generations or a one-of-a-kind vintage find picked up at a local antiques market, these pieces carry a soul and patina that no mass-produced item can replicate.

When paired with contemporary design elements—clean lines, modern materials, refined colour palettes—these timeworn objects don’t feel out of place. In fact, they stand out in the best possible way, bringing warmth, texture, and a sense of history to the room.

dog sit on a sofa
The vintage Ercol Studio Couch and coffee table in our studio in Truro. (Bailey's favourite place!)

design that tells a story

In many of our projects, clients come to us with a specific piece they want to keep—a mid-century dining table, a carved sideboard, a beloved armchair. These objects often become the jumping-off point for the entire design. Instead of designing around them, we design with them. They become focal points, anchors of familiarity in fresh surroundings.

We also love to source vintage and antique pieces ourselves, especially those that bring character while aligning with our sustainability values. Choosing second-hand over new where possible reduces environmental impact—and often results in far more interesting interiors.

cabinet near to wooden table
A cabinet of curiosities: artefacts found on site at the Trinity Cafe, St Austell, during rennovations.

blending old with new: sustainability meets sentiment

Reusing and repurposing furniture not only keeps things out of landfill, but also connects us to the past in a tangible way. In a world that often pushes the “newest” and “latest,” we find beauty in embracing what already exists. Good design doesn’t mean starting from scratch—it means starting from you.

By blending the old with new, we create layered, lived-in spaces that feel timeless rather than trend-led. That’s the kind of design we believe in—grounded, soulful, and built to last.

marble counter top contrasting with wooden divider
The plywood wrap-breakfast bar we designed to blend the existing kitchen with the new extension. See the wraps around the windows too!

let the past live on

So, whether it’s your grandmother’s dresser, a quirky vintage lamp, or a pre-loved dining set, we’re all for giving it pride of place. Because thoughtful interiors don’t erase the past—they build on it.


Interested in creating a home that balances old soul with modern style?
Get in touch with us to talk about your project—we’d love to hear your story.

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