Accessories
Blending traditional and modern decor can be quite a challenge, since they’re on opposite ends of the design spectrum. For example, matching the Traditional Chesterfield sofa with a modern coffee table maybe a bit confusing, if you don’t know how to go about it. Not only are the lines and shapes present in modern and traditional spaces quite different—but the sheer amount of stuff in a traditional in contrast with modern space tends to be quite unusually opposite. While not always the case, modern spaces tend to have a more pared-back, minimalist bent, whereas traditional spaces lean more maximalist, with more going in appearance. One of the advantages of blending traditional and modern interior design styles is developing a personal style that you won’t see in other homes. Unfortunately, this interesting mixing of styles intimidates most people. It’s a big risk, but it is also a risk with a very high reward. Let’s discuss the basics of each interior design style so we can better understand how to mix the two for a more cohesive design.
Modern décor
When people talk about preferring a modern decor, they’re often referring to Mid-Century Modern. Not necessarily contemporary décor. This style is inspired by mid-20th century design and it combines natural wood with bold colors. Modern décor furniture pieces have clean lines and organic shapes with minimal ornament beyond the shape of the piece itself. It also tends to have tapered edges and rounded edges without hard angles. Colors in these spaces tend to be bold, with primary and secondary colors used a lot. Graphic or geometric patterns are also common in these spaces. Wood tones tend to be light [either a Scandinavian blonde finish or an acorn or teak coloring]. Though, a dark walnut finish wouldn’t be out place! When it comes to metal, chrome is the most common finish you’ll find in a mid-century space, though brass and black metal may be also used. For upholstery, leather, tweed, velvet, and vinyl are all common fabrics used on furniture. The popular modern décor designs of today feature heavy textures, ornamentation, and contrasting elements. One defining component of modern design is the minimalistic touch. Modern designs heavily rely on lack of fussiness. Clean lines, neutral colors, and boldly designed furniture… that’s what you see.
Traditional décor
Traditional decor often refers to older Americana styles of Colonial and Craftsman furnishings. But, as traditional décor ideas rise in popularity, designers are also pulling inspiration from British designs. Traditional spaces tend to feature dark wood furniture. Craftsman and Colonial furnishings have minimal ornamentation, while Victorian-era furniture pieces are a bit more ornate and detailed. Patterned and leather upholstery are both common in traditional style, as are wallpapered walls, slipcovered sofas, and finishing details like wainscoting and crown molding. In terms of color schemes, a blue and white palette is a classic traditional décor look. But for those who lean toward the British; their designs take on traditional, saturated, earthy colors. Brass is the most used metal finish you’ll find in a traditional space, due to its beautiful patina that takes on an antique vibe. Traditional décor is calm, orderly, and predictable. When you think about traditionally styled interiors, think of comforting and classic designs. Your family home growing up might have even been styled in traditional décor furnishings. Traditional homes are generally casual looking, with every piece going together. It’s all about functionality and ease.
Mixing Modern And Traditional Décor
Go Modern in Your Base Furniture
When it comes to traditional and modern décor furniture, modern is easier to have as a base because of its cleaner lines. And, since traditional pieces tend to have a bit more personality, they’re easier to use as accents. Mixing both styles this way, gives a very dynamic look to your space. For example, a traditional pedestal side table next to a modern sofa and coffee table creates balance and focus.
Use Color to Set the Tone
Traditionally styled spaces [especially those that lean toward that adorned British style] feature more warm and saturated color palettes. Meanwhile, modern color palettes are naturally more monochromatic and on the “cool” color spectrum. When mixing these two styles, there are two approaches you can take with color:
Pairing a modern, neutral color scheme with traditional furniture pieces is a way to go. This lets the rich wood tones and ornamentation of traditional furniture do the talking in the space.
However, pairing a warm and saturated color palette with modern-lined, neutral furniture is also a way to blend these styles into one space.
Mix Materials and Finishes
Mixing materials is another great way to blend traditional and modern decor styles together. The use of a chandelier is a more traditional move, but the minimalist style in a black metal finish could add a modern touch. Additionally, the mix of a brass mirror, seagrass bench, and hide rug could add a more eclectic and modern feel to the space, while still using more traditional materials and finishes. Warm, worn leather is a more classic material—but the form of the chair has to be clean lines and tapered legs, to gives it a more modern vibe. Textural fabrics like tweed can happily be used to tie together both styles as well. And think about wood tones as well. While Mid-Century furniture styles don’t tend to feature lighter wood tones, we mentioned that a dark walnut finish is sometimes used in these spaces—and walnut is a common finish in traditional spaces. However, mixing wood tones is a great way to bring in the heart of both décor styles! You can also mix darker woods (more traditional) with shiny metals (a total mid-century modern move) for an interesting material combo.
Pick Harmony Or Contrast
Another important thing to consider is whether you want to create harmony between the two décor styles or contrast. Each has its own benefit. However, balancing both creates a more calming look, while contrast creates visual excitements. By deciding which you want in your space, you can narrow down your décor choices.
Tie items together
You may want to find a way to tie pieces together to create an overall look and feel. While you could use contrast as your guiding light, you have to find a balance between the two styles. A few ways you can tie the two interior design styles together is by using the same color, textures, patterns, upholstery, or shapes.
Use accent pieces
Not everyone has the appetite or budget for creating large-scale drama with a splashy a traditional focal point. If you love traditional decor but feel intimidated by buying antique furniture, start with small furniture pieces such as end tables, accent chairs and wooden stools, or decorative pieces like antique French gilded mirrors, lighting fixtures, and rugs.
Needless to say, there are many more ways you can combine modern and traditional décor designs into one space. And if you need some ideas on how to style you space, Regency Shop has a wide variety of both traditional and modern furniture for you to choose from. Why not get started now?!
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Modern home decor
Modern décor furniture pieces have clean lines and organic shapes with minimal ornament beyond the shape of the piece itself. It also tends to have tapered edges and rounded edges without hard angles. Colors in these spaces tend to be bold, with primary and secondary colors used a lot. Graphic or geometric patterns are also common in these spaces. Wood tones tend to be light [either a Scandinavian blonde finish or an acorn or teak coloring].
Mid-century modern décor
When people talk about preferring a modern decor, they’re often referring to Mid-Century Modern. Not necessarily contemporary décor. This style is inspired by mid-20th century design and it combines natural wood with bold colors.
Aesthetic living room
To make your living room an aesthetic one; diffuse your favorite scents. You could add a wash of color to the walls with removable wallpaper. You could also bring in a plant or flowery décor. Add a mirror too. Go on and hang some wall art. You could also change up your lighting scheme. Finally, you could rearrange your furniture layout
Traditional home
Patterned and leather upholstery are both common in traditional style, as are wallpapered walls, slipcovered sofas, and finishing details like wainscoting and crown molding. In terms of color schemes, a blue and white palette is a classic traditional décor look. But for those who lean toward the British; their designs take on traditional, saturated, earthy colors. Brass is the most used metal finish you’ll find in a traditional space, due to its beautiful patina that takes on an antique vibe. Traditional décor is calm, orderly, and predictable. When you think about traditionally styled interiors, think of comforting and classic designs.
Decorated living rooms
A decorated living room refers to a living room designed with aesthetic components, used to make it more attractive and visually appealing.
Decor idea
Refers to design ideas that relate to the aesthetics of a space and its furniture, furnishings, surface finishes, lighting, and so on.
Traditional furniture
Traditional spaces tend to feature dark wood furniture. Craftsman and Colonial furnishings have minimal ornamentation, while Victorian-era furniture pieces are a bit more ornate and detailed. Patterned and leather upholstery are both common in traditional style, as are wallpapered walls, slipcovered sofas, and finishing details like wainscoting and crown molding.
Traditional living room
In terms of color schemes, a blue and white palette is a classic traditional décor look. But for those who lean toward the British; their designs take on traditional, saturated, earthy colors. Brass is the most used metal finish you’ll find in a traditional space, due to its beautiful patina that takes on an antique vibe. Traditional décor is calm, orderly, and predictable.