Vintage homeware can look dated and untidy if not properly curated. To create a visually balanced room, consider sticking to two or three dominant colours, as well as a neutral shade. The same applies to textures. For example, if your wooden dining table has a pronounced grain, other wood elements in the room should also echo this look.

Boxy, dark furniture can visually weigh down an area, so opt for furniture with a slim profile where possible. Mixing clean, contemporary lines with antiques will not only modernise a space but will also highlight the antique piece. Think arched doorways with retro bead curtains, minimalist lamps on old side tables and contemporary sinks with a vintage faucet.

If you’re a collector of vintage items or heirlooms, make sure you have enough dedicated shelf space for them. If you’d prefer to display them around the home, choose areas with sufficient lighting and arrange them in small groups of three to five items, interspersing them with other elements such as plants. Avoid having too many objects on display together. It can be visually overwhelming and make the home feel like a museum.

If you live in a building with a storied past, such as a pre-war shophouse or a walk-up apartment, you can echo its architectural elements in the home. Details like an exposed brick wall, a stone column or ventilation blocks help the home feel more cohesive inside and out.

Looking at jazzing up your place, but don’t have much room? Vertical elements such as rattan screens, Peranakan tiles and even vintage shutter doors add flair to a room without taking up much floor space. However, to make them stand out, you should only add them to an area that’s not already too busy.