Decorate with Antiques:
As Americans, we are just starting to realize what our neighbors across the pond have know for centuries. You don't have use new when you redecorate. As a designer, I specialize in looks which focus on the use of antique & vintage pieces. I am adept at other styles but classic, timeless rooms are my forte. The antique and vintage pieces are easy to work with for a number of reasons.
First, antique pieces offer the ability to change the finish if it is needed. Although I don't advocate ever altering an original finish which is in good condition, some antique pieces have finishes which have been damaged to the point they must be changed. If you have such a piece it is sometimes hard to decide what to do. A complete strip and restain or just a coat of a fun funky paint?
It all depends upon how you want to use the piece. I prefer to keep pieces I will be using in a more formal room in a stained or tung oil finish most of the time. However, there are times when a room calls for an anchor piece, perhaps functioning as a secondary focal point, when I will use a painted piece. More times than not, it will be painted black. Just like a little black dress you can do so much with a basic black piece.
I like using painted pieces in bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms for a number of reasons. The primary one being that I believe a painted finish provides more protection in areas where surfaces are more likely to be exposed to moisture.