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ANTIQUES TRENDS 2018: QUIRKY IS COOL!

What are the antiques trends for 2018? Antiques Experts gave their opinion on the trends they see gracing the antiques and interior design world this year at the Annual London Art, Antiques & Interiors fair that took place 12-14 January.

What do they tell us? In summary: there is a continuous rise in popularity of combining the old with the new to ‘not giving a damn’; ‘Chinoserie Chic’ – looking to the East for our antique furniture inspiration – will become a major player in 2018; and our growing, green-fingered attitudes might mean that antiques are the way forward.

Here are what the experts have to say about the anticipated trends of 2018.

Antiques Trends 2018 : Quirky is Cool - The Past Perfect Collection

QUIRKY IS COOL!

Author and BBC Antiques Roadshow expert Mark Hill said:
“The only rule for 2018 is that all rules are off."

“Eclecticism is the new minimalism – mixing and matching seemingly disparate pieces together to build a unique and individual look that defines you, making your soul sing and forcing a smile – or even a raised eyebrow – from friends and family.

“Quirky is cool”. 1970s Italian goblets on a sideboard from the 1790s? A collection of Victorian transfer-printed and gilt plates arranged asymmetrically on a stark chalk-white wall? Why not?.

Combining the Old with the New l The Past Perfect Collection l Singapore

COMBINING THE OLD WITH THE NEW

We are still in the lure of 20th century design, whether it’s mid-century Scandinavian ceramics and glass or Art Deco style,” says Judith Miller, acclaimed author and expert on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. “I’ve noticed that people are undoubtedly becoming more and more confident about combining the old with the new and that will most definitely continue into 2018 – merging stylish modern designs with unique, statement pieces.”

Her advice to home designers is, “create your own style.  You’re the one who will be living in your home so it’s important to find a style that suits you.” For those who are interested in antique shopping, but don’t know where to start, Judith says, “look, look, look!  Go to antiques fairs, dealers’ shops, museums, exhibitions.  Read books.  Establish a good relationship with dealers in an area that you are interested in.  Don’t be afraid to ask.  And if you see something you love and can nearly afford – buy it! You will only regret it later if you don’t.”

Antiques Trends 2018 : Quirky is Cool - The Past Perfect Collection

Designs influenced by Chinese and Indian art and architecture were extremely popular in the early 19th century.
The renewed interest in the East was stimulated by objects imported from Asia and by newly-published books on India and China.

CHINOISERIE CHIC

Antiques Trends 2018 : Quirky is Cool - The Past Perfect Collection

Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, believes that 2018 is the year for ‘Chinoiserie Chic’. What exactly does this mean? “More and more Asian antiques are taking places of prominence in people’s homes as the design world looks East for inspiration,” Toma explains. “As interiors become more minimal, clean lined Asian antiques are a perfect way to add patina without creating visual cacophony.  I’m seeing, for the same reason, a rise in Art Deco furniture as well as empire style chests of drawers.

People want the gravitas of antiques even in modern décor.

She also sees the world of antiques becoming more inclusive. “Today, antiques are for everyone,” Toma reveals. “People will use antiques in unexpected ways and unexpected places – from chandeliers in the bathroom to 18th century mirrors in the kitchen.  As the green movement becomes de rigger, repurposing and re-using remains en vogue.  Antiques are green, and as millennials catch the wave of this realisation, I predict by the 2020s, antiques will become the next ‘Ikea’ – aka the go-to choice for the first homeowners decorating their space.”

 

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