On my show this week, the Sherman Family wanted to mix their cool, contemporary style with their heirloom furnishings and housewares. Designing and styling a dining room for a professional party planner definitely kept me on my toes!

It’s a fun design challenge to build a room around new pieces and old finds while keeping it contemporary.

• I created a feature wall with contemporary wallpaper and silver frames showcasing images of family history.

• I prominently displayed the Ketubah at the head of the table, the Sherman’s marriage certificate, to spark fond memories and conversation. I even matched the color palette to it!

• I set the table with Jill’s grandmother’s silverware, as well as their marriage china and her Mother’s crystal.

What are your favorite tips for featuring Old and New?

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Author: Krista Watterworth

Krista Watterworth considers herself a true multi-tasker: mom, author, television personality, and interior designer. Krista starred in four seasons of HGTV's Save My Bath as host-designer and her new HGTV show called Splurge & Save airs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30pm EST. She has quickly gained celebrity for branding her unique aesthetic. "I like to find out your intimate secrets, and then create an entirely personal world around that."

Krista Watterworth has written 194 articles for us.