Old and New: Combining Past and Present in Contemporary Homes

Forget all the old rules about what furniture goes with what. Old & New encourages you to trust yourself-if it looks good, don't be afraid to combine a 1950's metal chair with a 19th century gilded French table. Katherine Sorrell takes you through the home room by room, showing how to combine antique, retro and modern objects to create spaces that reflect your spirit. Additional highlights on second-hand pieces found at flea markets and swap meets help you train your eye to search out the special pieces from among the throng.

Old & New is an inspirational guide to combining old and new with confidence and style. Katherine Sorrell shows how introducing unexpected and individual elements - an old portrait, a piece of 1960's glass, a gilt-framed mirror that belonged to grandma - can add interest to your home. Spotting a gem at a market or a garage sale is satisfying, and lots of fun. Even better, you won't see it anywhere else - unlike items bought at the mall. The first section, Rooms, shows how to combine antique, retro and contemporary objects to create rooms that are original, comfortable and stylish. Mini themes such as urban sophistication, tranquil spaces or modern country offer a kaleidoscope of different looks. At the end of each chapter, 'Get the Look' sections provide hints and advice. The second section, Elements, takes a closer look at the ingredients of the Old & New look, focusing on pieces found in second-hand shops and antique markets or at car boot sales or auctions.

Katherine Sorrell is Associate Editor (Features) of Homes & Gardens magazine. She has also written for numerous publications, including The Times, the Sunday times, the Telegraph, the Independent, and Elle Decoration. Her previous books include The Ultimate Home Style Guide, Modern Comfort, and Living Textures. In 1999 she was a selector for the prestigious Chelsea Crafts Fair in London and also the Crafts Council's buyer's Guide to Contemporary British Textiles for the Interior.