I recently visited a designer show home in Palm Beach, showcasing designers from around the country, and couldn’t help but notice a new trend that instantly caught my eye—modern abstract paintings in beautifully vintage, sometimes even ornate, frames. Something about the contrast felt effortless, collected, and completely transformed the space.

It’s a look that makes a home feel lived-in and curated—like each piece was gathered over time rather than pulled straight from a showroom.

The intricate details of an old frame paired with the expressive simplicity of abstract art create a balance that feels both refined and relaxed. Against the backdrop of a modern, clean-lined space, this mix feels even more striking. A bold, contemporary painting softens the formality of an ornate frame, while the frame itself adds warmth, history, and a sense of craftsmanship to an otherwise minimalist setting. It’s that interplay between old and new that gives a room depth and character.

A Perfect Pair: Bringing This Look Into Your Home

• Treasure Hunt: Vintage frames are easy to find at flea markets, thrift stores, and estate sales—and they carry so much character.
• Mix It Up: A bold abstract print in a delicate gold frame? A soft, neutral painting in a deeply carved baroque frame? Play with contrast!
• Let It Breathe: Keep the rest of your decor minimal so this combination takes center stage.
• Measure First: Have your artwork measurements with you when shopping for vintage frames. The five most common print sizes? 16x20", 18x24", 24x36", 11x14", and 8x10".

Home should feel like an extension of you—layered, intentional, and filled with pieces that hold meaning. Mixing vintage and modern is just one way to create a space that tells a story, that feels effortlessly collected rather than decorated. And isn’t that what makes a home feel good?

Love a space that feels layered, lived-in, and totally you? At GraylingHome.com, you’ll find art that pairs beautifully with patina—prints and originals that feel collected, not cookie-cutter.

Explore below and make the mix your own.