Mixing Styles: How to Blend Modern and Traditional Design Elements
- Becki Andrus
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Are you looking for the best way to mix both modern design trends with traditional elements? There is a fine balance to creating a customized design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The process is more than just throwing random things together and hoping for the best. With the right approach, you can blend both old and new, creating an overall feeling that is both stunning and welcoming.
The traditional side of design is great because it brings both history and warmth to your home. In comparison, modern design trends add a touch of function and simplicity. In order to be successful with this process, you need to layer the styles so they look natural together, without one side overpowering the other.
Choose Your Dominant Style
What is the main style that you want to lead with? The primary style will be the foundation of your design, with the secondary style adding accents and additional details. For example, you might have a modern design overall but incorporate a bit of traditional elements into your home.
Leaning Modern: If you want the dominant style to be modern, then choose sleek and contemporary materials and colors for the flooring, walls, and larger furniture. Then, you can bring in a few traditional touches, such as décor, lighting, or antiques.
Leaning Traditional: For a more traditional dominant style, you’ll want to create a base of warm wood tones in your home, with classic furniture and trim details. Then, bring in the modern elements by adding minimalist accessories and clean lines.
Pairing the Old with the New
As you are planning this combined approach, look for ways that you can mix materials to bring both the old and new into your living space. Here are some of the combinations that work well with modern design trends:
Wood and Metal: Traditional wood and modern metal are a great combination. For example, you might have a wooden table paired with iron chairs and light fixtures.
Marble and Matte: Look for ways that you can bring marble into your home, such as a marble fireplace. Then, add matte-black hardware for accents.
Glass and Fabrics: Glass tables are a beautiful modern element that you can use. Then, add patterned and textured fabrics with table runners and/or furniture upholstery.
Distressed and Polished: It’s fun to have the antique feel of distressed furniture while also using other clean and polished pieces for the modern feel.
Color and Texture
The secret to bringing traditional and modern together is by blending both color and texture in the right way. Start by choosing a cohesive color palette so that you can maintain consistency in all of the design details. Then, incorporate neutral colors (beiges, soft whites, and grays) as the bridge so that you can connect modern and traditional pieces.
There are ways that textures can be layered to bring depth to the room. For example, don’t use the same type of fabric and material in all of the elements. Instead, look for complimentary and contrasting fabrics – such as a leather couch with soft linen pillows or throw blankets. Another great way to pair textures is by combining raw wood with sleek materials.
Ultimately, you need to avoid matching too much. Adding a bit of contrast is a great way to add personality so that you can avoid having the room look too “staged".
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