Antiques make a contemporary space!

I love the way Darryl Carter uses antiques in wonderful contemporary spaces. He keeps it clean, but with lots of interest.

Darryl Carter

Elle Decor - Darryl Carter

The antiques he uses have lots of character, and often have a weathered look. No over refurbishing! Just let them speak for themselves. I think one of the trick is lots of white in the walls and upholstered furniture, letting the antiques pop in the space. 

Auctions are great for finding interesting pieces with a weathered look at often great prices. Here are just a few ideas.

This mirror is a mahogany neoclassical style mirror. It's 41" tall and would be great leaned up on a console table like in the first Darryl Carter photo. It sold at a Doyle New York auction for $325. I like it's simplicity of style which let's the wood and the little decoration that there is do the speaking.

Darryl Carter used a hunt table to great effect as a desk in the second photo above. This George III style mahogany hunt table was sold at a Christie's New York auction for $600. Makes a great desk.

The convex mirror also in the second photo is a classic. This 19th century English giltwood version sold at a Christie's auction in New York for $500.

Darryl Carter often uses a wing chair of his own design, as in the first photo. But auctions often offer wing chairs and this 19th century Victorian version sold at a Stair Galleries auction in Hudson, NY for $325, and it's already upholstered in white!

Auctions have lots of console tables on offer. For a Darryl Carter look I like this New York late classical mahogany card table. It has a great shape, and would stand out against a white wall. You could have bought this at a stair Galleries auction for $100!

Darryl Carter uses antiques to wonderful effect in contemporary design, giving the room depth and character. He's not afraid to use pieces that might be a bit worn or shabby. It just adds interest! Auctions are great for finding antiques at great prices if you are opportunistic!