Legacy x modernism: How to add new statement furniture and art to your home without changing your entire decor

(from left) Jaipur Rugs and Hello Péro at India Design ID 2025.

Looking around the 2025 India Design ID space, one could see certain trends taking hold of Indian furniture and interior designers' imaginations this year. While natural materials, sustainable design, customization and hand-crafted and hand-embroidered pieces are still in, the display at the design symposium-cum-fair also included whimsical wall art, mosaic tiling, facade cladding, rugs for both minimalist and maximalist tastes competing with opulent chandeliers in glass and gold, stone-top tables, playful expressions in materials from resin to marble and concrete, and an emphasis on Indian design histories and crafts. Case in point, this Banu Pai cabinet from Ahmedabad-based Design ni Dukaan and majja._.co

(Image via Instagram)

Or this Rs 2.33 lakh "Ghariyal Pittikai" bench in teak and wood inlay from Bengaluru-based The Vernacular Modern:

(Image via Instagram)

Now, if you are redoing an entire room or building a new home, it can be easier to pick the new pieces you like and do the decor around those. But what if you are tempted to add just one or two highlights or statement pieces to your already furnished home? Are there principles and ideas that can serve as guardrails for what to do, what not to do? We asked the people at three interesting furnishings and furniture stores:

Balance of lines, textures, materials

How to marry legacy furniture with new pieces today? "The key is thoughtful integration—balancing textures, proportions and materials that evolve with time while maintaining sophistication," says Sukriti Sharrma, founder, Plüsch. "Clean lines, modularity and innovative materials bridge the gap, allowing heirloom pieces to stand out while seamlessly integrating with modern needs," Sharrma adds.

Plüsch focuses on German design, and Sharrma reiterates the German focus on multifunctionality. For instance, she says, if you are buying a chair today for a home that is already furnished with heirloom pieces, look for precision engineering for comfort, and adaptability to indoor-outdoor use. She also advises double-checking the pieces for "timeless appeal".

"True design is beyond trends. Choosing a piece with enduring aesthetics ensures it remains relevant for years," she adds.

Contrast, don't compromise

Harjot Singh, art director and principal designer at Wriver Design Studio says: "Think of contrast, not compromise. Pair clean, sculptural forms with tactile, rich materials to create a seamless dialogue between eras. Keep the foundation minimal and let modern pieces redefine the narrative, ensuring the space feels curated rather than cluttered."

"Pairing legacy furniture with contemporary pieces—like accent chairs, tables, or utility accessories—creates a distinct statement," Singh says. To style your home without it looking dated, he advises a "focus on refined silhouettes, innovative materials, and a neutral yet dynamic palette. Mixing textures—matte with gloss, soft with structured—keeps the space fresh, while accents like mirrors and bar elements add depth. This approach ensures a contemporary space that adds definition and balance, making interiors feel both timeless and personal."

Blurring lines, but with adequate space

Similar consideration can help when picking out a new artwork for an already furnished space. Mumbai-headquartered Baaya Design's founder Shibani Dasgupta Jain says: "The lines between tradition and modernity, minimalism and maximalism are blurring.... In the ever-evolving world of interior design and styling, 2025 has brought us to an exciting intersection where traditional art meets innovation, and personal expression remains paramount. As homes become more thoughtfully curated spaces, the addition of new artwork presents both a challenge and an opportunity. You can consider combining the modern piece of art with one or two accent pieces of furniture or artifacts that transform the room into a more eclectic space and remove the need to conform to a purely traditional style."

Jain adds that "contrasting compositions can be an interesting way to create a stylish statement".

"When introducing a heritage piece into a modern setting, the key is to provide it with adequate space to breathe and command attention. If you have a modern house and you want to add one heritage space, give that heritage piece enough space around the room, and give it enough white space or wall space. Make it a contrast piece to your space, so that you can use it to your maximum advantage," Jain says.

For those who want to play with extremes, say integrate a baroque or ornate piece into an otherwise minimalist home without overwhelming the design, Jain says "The 2025 design sensibility embraces thoughtful maximalism even within minimalist frameworks." suggests trying "combinations with already existing pieces, so they look like a set. Or, you can try putting them in a place that has an object or two that adds to the artwork, making it look like a special corner or nook. Imagine placing an elaborate gilded mirror in a clean-lined, neutral bedroom. By creating a vignette with a simple ceramic vase and a stack of art books beneath it, you establish a purposeful composition that draws the eye without overwhelming the space's essential minimalism."

"Choosing a statement artwork is both an aesthetic and practical decision... Consider not just current trends but timeless appeal. Keep in consideration that this might be passed down from generation to generation, so make sure it's something that has a meaningful story or theme behind it. When selecting a statement piece, you must also consider, the architectural features of your space, the existing colour palette and how the artwork will complement or purposefully contrast with it, the emotional response the piece evokes, the artwork's ability to serve as a conversation starter and finally the lighting conditions where the piece will be displayed," Jain says. And "when artworks compete for attention rather than complement each other, it may be time to edit", she explains.

Final check: "A well-designed room with art should lead the eye on a natural journey, with moments of rest between focal points," Jain says. "If your space feels visually exhausting or lacks cohesion, consider removing pieces until a sense of harmony returns."