How to Blend Classic And Contemporary Design
You have countless options for decorating your home. If you’re shopping for furniture in Edmonton, you have undoubtedly discovered this firsthand. Maybe your house has classic elements, but you love the sleek look of modern furniture.
Don’t fret – design trends are always changing, adding new twists to conventional categories that allow you to showcase your personality by combining multiple interior design styles. If you can’t decide between classic and contemporary, use these tips to help you blend them seamlessly.
Define “Classic” and “Contemporary”
These broad design terms can be used to describe several subcategories. For instance, “classic” might refer to historical styles such as Victorian, Georgian or Baroque. On the other hand, you might consider classic design to be a throwback to the 40s and 50s. In short, homes with a classic or traditional design tend to incorporate soft, curved lines and more intricate details.
When you say “contemporary,” you might mean bold colors set against white walls, with large frameless windows and sleek fixtures for a minimalist look. Alternatively, you might picture concrete walls, exposed pipes and bare-bulb light fixtures, which create an industrial look. In general, homes with a contemporary or modern design usually have a simple color scheme, minimal patterns and sharp, geometric shapes.
Find a Balance
To create a home that successfully blends classic and contemporary designs, it’s wise to emphasize one more than the other. As a general rule, try to follow a ratio of 80:20, with 80% of the room being distinctly contemporary and 20% maintaining a classic look, or the other way around.
You have a few options for making traditional architecture appear more contemporary so it doesn’t look out of place when you fill your home with modern furniture. We suggest:
- Painting the walls white or grey while keeping the traditional crown molding
- Pairing an elegant rainfall showerhead with your traditional claw foot tub
- Hanging contemporary art
- Laying down solid-colored area rugs over the traditional hardwood floor
- Installing bold-colored window treatments over classic double-hung windows
- Accessorizing with sleek metal table lamps, glass flower vases, stacks of books and large wall mirrors
With these updates, you follow the 80:20 rule, leaning heavily toward the contemporary side while maintaining traditional architectural elements.
Find Inspiration
Unless you’re a designer, you may find it difficult to pinpoint the precise look you want, especially when mixing two opposing styles. Before you start making changes around your home, scope out some inspiration. Browsing the web is a great place to start, but it’s also helpful to see and touch objects in real life.
Stop by Mobler Furniture in Edmonton, Alberta to see sleek, versatile modern furniture in person. Try out our dining chairs, stretch out on a sectional sofa, and envision what new coffee and end tables will look like in your living room. We look forward to helping you complete your blended classic/contemporary look with our high-quality furniture. For answers to any questions you have, please contact us at 604.270.3535.
