Circa 1857’s Garrett Kemp gives a lesson on layering antiques
Antique furnishings bring a sense of depth and character to any space. Garrett Kemp, co-owner of Circa 1857, says antiques are often a room’s focal point, bringing a sense of life like no other. But creating a space that feels collected and atmospheric isn’t necessarily about filling it up with antiques. Kemp says the most personal spaces are shaped by pieces that owners genuinely love.
“I think that you can make almost anything work, but your home should feel comfortable all of the time,” he says. Whether you opt for an ornate conversation piece or something sleek and understated, antiques have a unique power to evoke a mood and shift a room’s tone, and when paired with color or surrounding décor, they can emphasize it even more.
View this post on Instagram
Before bringing any piece into a space, one of the most important considerations is scale. A large piece can complement a room with high ceilings, while visually heavy pieces can make a smaller space feel overwhelming, he notes. But that doesn’t mean maximalist styling is off-limits for smaller spaces. Kemp takes a more-is-more approach to decorating with pieces like gilded frames, so long as their visual weight works with the space.
As with any furnishing, an antique piece needs to fit the feeling. Kemp says that for a moodier space, dark wood is the obvious choice, but moodiness doesn’t always have to mean dark pieces. Contrast and drama can produce that same moody, layered vibe when done properly.
“If you had a dark green wall but paired it with something bright pink, it can be very dramatic,” he says. Gilded mirrors, Venetian glass chandeliers and Sèvres porcelain urns all add a pop of personality without darkening a space.
Antiques also serve well as a backdrop for more personal pieces. Kemp likes pairing them with modern art, family portraits and souvenirs from trips to create a blend of history and personal stories.
“I try to make everything a little bit more personal than if I saw it in a magazine and bought it,” he says.
When it comes to antiques, Kemp says a room doesn’t have to look like a Pinterest board. Personal flair is the best addition to any space, and will always ground a design and add a sense of life.
See all of the deep hues, rich tones and antiques captured for the 2026 Fall Style photoshoot at Circa 1857, featured in our August issue.
