Image: Kelly Wearstler (www.kellywearstler.com)

When designing a home, we often strive for balance, cohesion, and harmony. But have you ever considered the power of tension in interiors? A carefully curated contrast between different styles, textures, and eras can create an electric sense of intrigue, making a space feel not just decorated but truly alive. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by blending vintage finds, artisan craftsmanship, and sustainably sourced new pieces. This approach not only makes a home feel unique but also ensures it carries a rich, layered story that evolves over time.

What Do We Mean by Tension in Interiors?

Tension in design is the juxtaposition of elements that might not traditionally be seen together yet, when combined, bring out the best in one another. It’s about contrast—old with new, rough with smooth, ornate with minimalist. This isn’t about discord but rather about a dynamic balance that keeps a space from feeling flat or overly predictable.

By intentionally introducing tension, you can create interiors that feel exciting, full of personality, and effortlessly stylish. This is where mixing vintage, artisan, and sustainable pieces comes into play.

Image: Ilse Crawford (www.studioilse.com)

The Role of Vintage in Creating Tension

Vintage furniture and décor bring character, history, and a sense of nostalgia into a home. These pieces often have a patina that tells a story—whether it’s a mid-century sideboard, an Edwardian dining chair, or a Victorian mirror, vintage items bring depth that new furniture simply can’t replicate.

However, too much vintage can make a space feel like a museum or overly themed. The trick is to contrast these aged beauties with sleek contemporary designs or modern craftsmanship. Imagine a weathered farmhouse table surrounded by streamlined Scandinavian chairs, or a mid-century sofa paired with a handcrafted ceramic side table. The push and pull between these elements keep a space feeling fresh rather than antiquated.

Artisan Pieces: The Handmade Touch

The resurgence of artisan craftsmanship has brought a renewed appreciation for the handmade. Whether it’s a hand-thrown ceramic vase, a woven tapestry, or a bespoke wooden bench, artisan pieces introduce soul into a space. These one-of-a-kind creations often carry the marks of their maker, celebrating imperfection and individuality.

Pairing artisan craftsmanship with vintage pieces enhances both—an antique writing desk feels reinvigorated when adorned with hand-glazed pottery or contemporary artwork. Similarly, modern handmade furniture benefits from the grounding influence of well-loved vintage accents.

Image: Sophie Ashby interiors (www.studioashby.com) using recycled coffee table made from old plastic chairs by Dirk van der Kooij (www.kooij.com)

Sustainable New Pieces: Ethical and Elegant

Incorporating sustainable new furniture and decor ensures that your space not only looks good but also does good. Sustainable pieces, whether crafted from reclaimed wood, recycled materials, or eco-conscious fabrics, offer a responsible way to furnish your home. Many contemporary sustainable brands focus on quality and longevity, meaning these pieces will last for years rather than being part of the fast-furniture cycle.

New sustainable items bring a crisp contrast to the imperfections of vintage and artisan-made pieces. A recycled glass pendant light above a rugged antique dining table or an FSC-certified oak cabinet next to a distressed leather armchair creates that all-important interplay of old and new, polished and raw.

Image: Ilse Crawford sustainable cork range for IKEA (www.studioilse.com)

How to Mix and Match with Confidence

If you’re new to the idea of creating tension in interiors, the key is to start small and be intentional. Here are a few ways to experiment:

• Contrast Materials – Pair smooth, sleek surfaces with rough, organic textures. A polished marble coffee table next to a handwoven wool rug or a glass console against an exposed brick wall creates an engaging dynamic.
• Blend Styles – Don’t be afraid to mix different design movements. An art deco cabinet can sit beautifully beside a rustic farmhouse chair, while an industrial light fixture can add edge to a traditional setting.
• Layer Periods – A home that includes pieces from different eras automatically feels curated and considered. Try mixing a Victorian armchair with a contemporary sofa or a 1960s teak bookcase with modern abstract prints.
• Introduce Statement Pieces – A single standout item, whether it’s an oversized antique mirror or a striking sculptural lamp, can act as an anchor that ties the room together while creating a focal point.
• Play with Colour and Pattern – Vintage floral fabrics against bold geometric prints, or muted earthy tones next to vibrant contemporary hues, can create visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Image: Crystal Sinclair (www.crystalsinclairdesigns.com) - check out our previous blog on Crystal's amazing work Crafting Timeless Elegance

Interior Designers Who Master Tension

If you’re looking for inspiration, some renowned interior designers excel at creating tension in interiors by blending different styles and elements:

• Ilse Crawford – Known for her ability to create spaces that feel warm, tactile, and rich with history, she seamlessly blends antique pieces with contemporary elements to evoke depth and contrast.
• Kelly Wearstler – Famous for her bold use of juxtaposition, Wearstler mixes brutalist architecture with opulent furnishings, raw materials with highly polished surfaces, and vintage with cutting-edge modern pieces.
• Axel Vervoordt – A master of wabi-sabi interiors, Vervoordt plays with contrast through rustic antiques, minimalist architecture, and raw natural materials, ensuring every space has an organic tension that feels timeless.
• Rose Uniacke – A champion of understated elegance, Uniacke carefully integrates vintage pieces with modern simplicity, creating refined spaces that maintain a sense of lived-in comfort.

Book by Alex Vervoordt: Portraits of Interiors

Bringing It All Together

The best interiors are those that reflect the personalities of their inhabitants. When mixing vintage, artisan, and sustainable new pieces, aim to tell a story rather than adhere to a rigid style guide. Choose items that speak to you, mix in meaningful heirlooms, and invest in craftsmanship that will stand the test of time.

By embracing tension in design, your home will feel dynamic, personal, and endlessly interesting. Whether you’re introducing a single statement piece or overhauling an entire space, the balance of past and present, refined and raw, crafted and curated will ensure your home is not just stylish but deeply soulful.

Image: Kelly Wearstler (www.kellywearstler.com)

About GRUFFERTYS: We wanted to make our online store a haven for all things vintage, antique and second-hand in the world of interiors. Whether you need help to style and mix old with new to make a home uniquely yours, or simply want to find an interesting piece to add personality, we’re here to help. We believe that everyone has the potential to create a beautiful home, regardless of budget – we also feel that this should be sustainable and here to help you create that perfectly imperfect home and safeguard the planet! Feel free to browse our collection www.gruffertys.com