By Sharon Johnson

It may seem counterintuitive, but combining antique or vintage furnishings with newer pieces is a great way to create an up-to-date and uniquely individual space. Nine gifted designers show us just how right a room can feel when traditional rubs shoulders with contemporary.

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Family Room

by 

Jessica Helgerson

Modernist Meets Traditionalist

While the owners of this turn-of-the-century house are modernists, the decorator managed to honor their sensibilities while still respecting the history of the house. The traditional armoire was the first piece selected and acts as a great anchor for the light colors and modern graphic shapes throughout the family room.

Get This LookBedroom by Tara Seawright

Past Meets Present

Custom silk wallpaper and a custom-designed Ultrasuede headboard create a soft, inviting palette. The gold leaf details on the antique bench play nicely against the pattern in the Madeleine Weinrib rug.

Get This LookDining by Caryn Grossman, ASID

Urban Meets Urbane

The aged wooden table provides a just-right counterpoint to the sleek Lucite chairs. The ionic column fragment adds a gracious salute to the enduring relevance of classicism.

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Living Room

by 

David Kaplan

Glamour Meets Whimsy

A distressed wood coffee table offers a gracious, muted counterpoint to the vibrant violet sofa and sophisticated zebra-print chair. The result is at once vibrant and tranquil.

Get This LookBathroom by Barbara Eberlein

Country Meets City

The rustic and old-world style finishes and fixtures are in perfect harmony with the mid-century modern chair and contemporary spotted wallpaper.

Get This LookLiving Room by Carter Kay

Timeless Meets Transitional

The contemporary side table next to one chair is as at home as the traditional table placed next to the fireplace. The warm, neutral palette of the walls, floor, and ceiling unifies the space, while allowing the many varied pieces within this elegant living room to stand out.

Get This LookDining Room by Kenneth Brown

Black Meets White

The mix of a rustic wooden table and sturdy, Louis XVI-style seating ably achieves the designer's goal to create a dining room equally suited for sit-down dinners both formal and kid-friendly.

Get This LookLiving Room by Julie O'Brien

Contemporary Meets Classic

A pair of mid-century chairs and a decidedly modern set of coffee tables work together seamlessly in this architecturally rich, classically inspired, double-height living room.

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Living Room

by 

Marie Burgos

Old World Meets New

In this living room, the original architectural details provide plenty of interest. The combination of neutral and modern finishes were chosen to respect and emphasize the brick walls and iron columns indigenous to this former spice warehouse.