Wrought-iron garden gates will simply refuse to be relegated to the background. Where the garden is concerned, any sophisticated garden ornaments you select should work with nature, not against it. And as one good stylistic choice usually leads to another, pairing your sophisticated treads with a coupling of 19th-century hand-forged andirons would be a thoughtful, durable touch for any courtyard or comfortable lounge space, be they intended for an indoor fireplace or a patio firepit. While lending an attractive appearance to an exterior staircase, these safeguards render the steps slip-resistant for those coming and going. Victorian cast-iron stair treads hearken back to a time when adding decorative details to your property was a priority. It helps when design changes like these have a practical upside too.

Elsewhere, find a focal point in your living room and create a “feature wall” by bringing pops of color into a corner with handmade antique ceramic tiles. To introduce a sense of timelessness to a back patio or interior common area, choose cast-stone statues or sculptural busts for a dose of drama or select ornate architectural elements such as corbels, plaques or panels made of marble or iron. It takes time and effort to improve your outdoor space or merely to bring an air of tranquility to an indoor area set aside for private relaxation or gathering with friends. Choosing the right antique or vintage building and garden elements can prove pivotal when you’re working to beautify any room in your home or just put the finishing touches on a garden or other outdoor area.

Mid century modern fireplace screen