For some homeowners, bringing together modern and traditional is like mixing oil and water.
Rebecca Klar thinks otherwise.
“I’ve found in my generation, everybody wants the new and the modern, and we want that, too,” the 35-year-old says. “But there’s a way to make the old things work today, and when you do that, it’s just beautiful.”
Klar’s husband, Kris, owns Stone and Cloth Baton Rouge, a home finishes and furniture company. The couple’s eye for reimagining spaces and furniture is evident in their two young daughters’ bedrooms. In both spaces, they’ve mixed modern accessories and fabrics with heirloom furniture and other generational treasures.
“I’m just very sentimental, and the old pieces help me feel so connected to my family,” Klar says.
One of her favorite pieces in her daughter Charlotte’s room is the dresser. It originally belonged to Klar’s grandmother and was a walnut wood color. Klar painted the piece white and added a marble top. The pairing captures the traditional feel of the antique base and the contemporary sleek look of stone.
“I remember seeing this dresser at my grandmother’s house. It just makes me feel so good to see it here and to share it with my children,” she says.
Other objects, like the bed, sewing cabinet and a silver-plated tussy mussy (a wedding bouquet holder), were family heirlooms. The age takes the pressure off keeping everything pristine.
“I want my kids to be kids,” Klar says, adding that Charlotte’s room is definitely her space. From the 7-year-old’s tea set to piggy bank, the room is ready for action.
Next door to Charlotte’s space is the bedroom of her sister, Juliette. The 3-year-old’s room has framed china plates from the girls’ great grandmother, a chair Klar’s grandmother once used and Klar’s childhood white bed. A framed Monet print also brought back lots of personal memories.
“I bought this when I was studying abroad in France during college,” Klar says. “I just loved it, but it was tough getting it home undamaged.”
This article was originally published in the 225 Extra: 2018 Spaces & Places issue. Click here to read more articles from this issue.
