Where to grab high quality antiques then fix them up into original pieces

Despite the trend of moving towards new materials, plastics (which are of course coming back as they are improved and developed) and stark linear modernism, Angela's interiors still believe there is plenty of mileage left in antiques. We love high quality old pieces, and there's nothing more fun than scouring some of the fine and not so fine antique stores both online and offline.

Antiques have traditionally been in and out of fashion since, well since they became antiques, but there are so many classic designers from really the 17th century onwards that many period homes are crying out for quality antiques or - dare we say it reproductions.

Where to site antiques and best restore them to original beauty

Depending on the room being renovated and the style being embraces, antiques can really find their home just about anywhere. Mixing hard linear modern lines with softer over the top gold leaf antique mirrors can create just the mood your room is after. Wherever the design inspiration comes from antiques can be dotted around your home. From tables and chairs to antique restored tiles in a Victorian hallway there is plenty of choice. We have worked on many period homes, particularly large Georgian town villas and Victorian properties around Brighton and London, and there are few exceptions when I say that our clients have absolutely loved the pieces selected. If you remove the newer plasterwork in many of these properties you will find a wealth of antique and traditional features underneath, and who wants awful plastic PVC windows when you can potentially restore the original ones? Sourcing products with an antique or original feel is also part of this aim, which is to create an inspired and original interior design which, even if on a budget, looks and feels like the original. This company used a modern take on Victorian window shutters to blend old with new and we think it looks really successful. That is the aim of any interior layout, including materials and items within, to look successful and authentic.

Antiques abound in Britain as well as abroad. We've been asked to source wood burners for alcoves simply as decorational items as well as functional and have found some beautiful pieces which with the right treatment will polish up and withstand the most scrupulous attention. We have been to France for these as many places in the UK will sell original wood burners at over £600 whereas we picked up a couple of real treats for under £200! How about that for original beauty? Of course this will not always be the case as there are transport costs as well as packaging, but when you can source an original item for less then the modern remake, even an AGA will look pretty tough to beat at half the price.