Maybe you have a traditional-looking home that you’d like to add some modern touches to. Or perhaps you’re building a contemporary home but would like some classic features as part of the mix. Whatever your reasons, here are some tips on how to blend trendy with traditional.
Add a feature to focus on
White walls and cabinets are a perpetual favourite for either modern or traditional interior designs, in part because the lighter shade can help make a room seem larger than it is. But too much white can feel bland and repetitive. Liven things up with some colour. Contrast a clean white look with a feature wall – a section of wall that is different from the surrounding ones – covered in some heritage wallpaper, a vibrant splash of paint or an eye-catching stone veneer.
Mix vintage with modern furniture
If you have some family heirlooms or a cherished piece of mid-century modern furniture but are planning a thoroughly modern renovation, don’t fret about having to trash those items. One or two vintage pieces mixed in with an overall modern vibe provides some balance – and a talking point.
Make light of the situation
Your choice of light fixtures can be a great way to balance the overall look of your home. Warm up a modern room with a vintage Tiffany lamp or chandelier. Or, conversely, colour-changing LED lights add some modern flair to a traditionally styled room.
Renew your view
Don’t underestimate the impact new windows can have on your home’s curb appeal. The ongoing trend for modern windows is large, black frames, with or without tinted glass. For a more classic look, there are stencil kits to add faux leaded glass to existing windows.
If you’re replacing windows, muntins – wood or metal pieces that form a grid pattern on the glass – are an easy upgrade for a timeless look. If you wanted to elevate the traditional look and feel of your exterior, consider using window surrounds, keystones or sills.
A brightly painted door is another option for adding exterior contrast.
Add literal warmth
A stone or masonry fireplace is a classic feature that can anchor any design style. Wood or stone provide natural warmth and a nice contrast to a starkly modern space. For a trendier choice in a more traditional space, consider a product like Urban Brick Smooth. The extra-wide bricks are the perfect choice for a clean, linear look. Choose a conservative tone like off-white Polar or go really bold with dark Galaxy bricks.
Choose masonry
Whether you’re building a new home or extensively renovating an existing one, masonry is the perfect choice for either classic or contemporary designs. Shouldice Stone has a wide range of profiles suitable for any design esthetic. For a classic exterior consider Shale Stone or Shouldice Stone’s most popular product, Estate Stone. For a contemporary design, opt for something like Strata Brick Smooth which is available in both trendy off-whites (Oxenden and Polar) and dark tones (Jet and Galaxy).
For more inspirational design ideas, check out the Shouldice Stone project galleries.
