FINE PAIRINGS

Sometimes a harmonious blend, sometimes a dramatic juxtaposition, the combination of old and new is always appealing. There is a certain kind of magic that happens when pieces from different periods are put together, adding up to more than the sum of their parts.

“Older pieces create a sense of history, of belonging; newer ones stop somewhere feeling stuffy,” interior designer Nicola Harding says. “I like an unpredictable mix. The unexpected creates energy, makes for a talking point. If the ingredients and arrangement of a room are unpredictable, it means no one thing can feel out of place – which makes it relaxing, a key feature for a family home. Also, mixing pieces from different points in time makes a space hard to date, and therefore it feels timeless.”

Creating this wonderful mix can, however, seem daunting. Whilst decorating rules may be restrictive and are often