Sorry, what do you mean by "freshen up"? What does the decor in the rest of the room look like? Are you trying to make it less traditional?

We need a bit more information. :-)

I think it is the frame which does the lovely embroidery no favors. There’s too much yellow in the frame. I think a dark wood frame with a dark green mat would set it off much more effectively.

Such pretty colors and attention to detail! Yes, there are many ways to go as Sabrina says. You can streamline the frame to a plain white, neutral wood. Matting can go yellow, or neutral grey. Even an oversized mat and framing can be nice. (I’ve seen it referred to as museum mats). I don’t know how big the piece is. Anyhoo - what are you looking for? I’ve had good luck at Hobby Lobby and Michaels for framing. They can try their imager in store before you decide.

I'd put a creamy mat (similar to the fabric color) on it with a thin black frame

you could even add a couple inches to the bottom of the mat and add a v groove

... Take it to a custom framer.

Yes, we have traditional furniture and or grandmillenialist decor and taupe, cream, aqua and blush fabrics. The brown mat seems to really distract from my grandmother’s crewel work.

Just wanted to say, it’s lovely.

Larger/lighter mat and larger frame. Not hard to do yourself. Find the frame and head to an art supply store for a mat.

I absolutely would take it to a professional framing place, it’s worth it.

I’d do something like this (read the description):

https://galleriaonthird.com/needlework-framing/

“When framing needlepoint, the glass is set away from the canvas rather than pressed up against it, which allows the needlepoint to “breathe”.”

Another to show depth (ignore colors):

These are lovely vintage looks:

A pro can advise best on matting style, color, etc.

Lots of options! Hope you show us how it turns out. :)

Before I ripped apart a very expensive frame job, I'd try simply applying Ebony Rub N Buff to the frame. You'll have to apply multiple coats for coverage but it's an easy DIY project.

I'd take it to a professional. If the glass has been put against the fabric, it may be stuck. A professional can get it off without damage. Then, as above reframe it with the glass sitting a bit above the fabric. You can also get UV protection in the glass. And acid free mats to protect the fabric.

IMHO, recognie part of the personality of an heirloom is that it all looks like an heirloom. You could modernize it by chaging the matt and frame to contemorary bklack, but you'll loose that heirloom character. I'd display it as is. Or add a liitle plack on the bottom center indicating date it was done and by whom. It's lovely as is and in keeping with the art of the needlework.

I agree with Barabra Almandarz....would you "moderize" a Monet?

The frame is not the art. Modernizing the setting can integrate a much-loved piece into a new environment. Beverley's suggestion to darken the frame is the easiest option and a good place to start. But if you want something more, keep the following in mind:

• not all framers, even skilled ones, have experience with needlework. Make sure you get recommendations for framers from your local needle arts guild.
• do choose "museum" glass. The clarity and lack of glare are worth the extra cost
• if you're given the choice between laced or glued, choose laced. That stretches the work over an acid-free mounting board and secures it by sewing the item to itself. Your work never gets gummed up.
• bring in a couple other frames that live in the same area of your home and that you like, when you go to choose frame and matting. This will help you co-ordinate style and colours while still providing the most flattering setting to your piece.

It's a lovely piece. I'm glad it's on your wall and not tucked away "for good" like so many handiworks are.

I love Beverly’s suggestion! What a difference just changing the frame color makes!

I agree Beverly has a great idea and honestly when I first looked at it I could see it hanging on a wall the color of the matting . I often do wall color to enhance a piece of art and I think the frame is the right one for the piece.

Having framed many of my watercolor paintings, my experience is that the mat must relate in some way to the art. In this case, I am perplexed as to how this piece ended up with a brown mat.

Keep in mind the frame was specifically chosen in keeping with the piece, to enhance the piece. It probably wasn't chosen cause of a fad.

I love it all except I would change out the brown mat.