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Q: I recently inherited some tables, chairs and upholstery from my great aunt. My style is not as traditional as hers, but I know that she valued quality and I am sure that these are good pieces. Do you have any tips as to how I can go about adding this furniture in with my existing decor? — Sandra, High Point

A: With the mass catalog retailers selling furniture by the truckload, the furniture that we are likely to buy today is more disposable than ever. Inheriting valuable furniture is not something that the next generation is likely to experience as much. Furniture stamped with “Made in U.S.A.” is now harder to find.

If your aunt is from North Carolina, chances are that her upholstery was as well. If the bones of the upholstery are solid, kiln-dried wood with a double doweled frame and the springs are in good shape, you have a piece worth reusing.

Traditional classics never go out of style. A good quality upholstered piece can easily be restyled during the recovering process. You can transform a classic tufted back sofa into a more streamlined, tailored look by having your upholsterer fabricate the piece un-tufted or add loose back cushions.

You can swap a traditional ball and claw leg for a more contemporary, tapered style. As you can tell from these two examples, simple design changes can make a huge impact on the overall look of your piece.

I would recommend consulting a professional if you intend to undertake a design change because it is very important to maintain the proper proportions in upholstery. Much like finding a complementary paint color, if you opt for the wrong selection, the results can be disastrous.

Case goods, like wooden tables and chairs, can be added to your decor more easily. I personally love the look of  a well-placed antique in a contemporary design scape. Mixing styles creates texture and interest.

Having everything match can sometimes look sharp and sophisticated, but it can also look boring. I love flipping through Elle Decor magazine and seeing how my fellow designers have incorporated the family heirlooms. You might find a sleek leather Barcelona chair next to a Chippendale writing desk — and it works.

If the original finish on your tables and chairs is not your favorite — and your pieces are not true antiques, but good enough quality to preserve — refinish them.

If you have a finer piece, consult an expert and get your piece appraised. Having an antique poorly refinished can ruin its value. There are reputable companies that specialize in antique refinishing. If in doubt, ask a pro. If your piece is not notable, but the lines are pleasing, get it refinished or repainted, swap out the hardware, and — voila — you have a new piece.

Styles are always changing and each of us has our own particular taste, but it is nice when family heirlooms can be passed on and appreciated in some form. An added benefit of using your new acquisitions is that you are doing your share to help out our landfills by reusing what you have.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Visit her Web sites at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com or www.thestudioofgreensboro.com. Have questions? E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.