Design Styles
Written By Anna Davidson
Modern Classic style, also known as Modern Traditional, is the perfect blend of modern + traditional… aka timeless! This style features the sleek, simple, contemporary lines of the modern design style paired with traditional furniture, finishes, and accessories to take what was "then" and make it "now". This design style is a true juxtaposition of modern & traditional that somehow just works! This has become highly popular with designers like Studio Mcgee and influencers like Chris Loves Julia. Modern Classic style features mostly neutrals with a few pops of color and simple patterns like stripes, vintage, or solids. The neutrals in Modern Classic homes are the perfect blend of warm and cool colors.
As a Modern Classic fan, you can shop just about anywhere to decorate your space from Pottery Barn and Lulu and Georgia to West Elm and Ballard Designs. Don’t forget to clear out your grandparent’s garage and parent’s basem*nt for some antique treasures you’ll want to show-off!
The best way to begin decorating in the modern classic style is to start with your modern furniture pieces. Set the stage by working in a variety of modern lined furniture - even mid-century styles have a place here. The use of clean & simple lines allows you to show off that special vintage furniture and decor. Go for comfort! This style isn’t like the stuffy, traditional, untouchable spaces of the past. Choose furnishings that feel soft, comfortable, and casual.
Mix of Modern and Traditional Furniture
The best thing about the Modern Classic style is that you don’t have to have a lot of money to pull off this style. Instead, you can take what was old and give it new life! Have a traditional chest of drawers you’ve been handed down? Great! Pair the more traditional & detailed furniture with a modern mirror and simple styling to introduce the modern + traditional mashup. The key is balance! Typically, or at least currently, about 3/4ths of your furniture & decor should be modern and 1/4 should be vintage or traditional. Keeping this balance will help ensure you nail the modern classic style and don’t lean too traditional.
Simple timeless patterns
This style is all about striking a unique balance between old, weathered and storied with new, modern, and simple. When decorating with pillows, bedding, and throw blankets it’s important to keep your patterns simple. Textures work great with this style -quilted patterns, velvet and linen all fequently make an apperance when decorating in the modern classic style.
The pattern and prints you’ll see with this style are typicially solids, stripes, vintage, or small pattern prints. One thing you won’t see is bright, bold, large scale patterns in this style. Unlike other design styles, patterns should be supporting players but shouldn’t draw too much attention.
Warm and neutral color palette
The color palette associated with the modern classic style is one of it’s distinct features. It’s also one that I fully expect to evolve over time. As they say in design, everything comes back in style. Currently the modern classic style is full of rich warm neutrals with sharp black contrast. You’ll often find deep greens, navy, natural and walnut toned wood, even some warm rich brick and rust tones. The key is to keep your overall base neutral with creamy beige furnishing and build in black accents for contrast. Interestingly this style can feel both light, bright and airy while also feeling moody and rich.
Sprinkle in your vintage decor
Our favorite aspect of this style is that it takes what was formally stuffy and “too precious to touch” and makes it feel casual, touchable, and nostalgic. Decorating with vintage and antique style decor is the fun part! Of course, you’ll want to start with what you have. An old record player? Vintage photos of landscapes or family? Small gold or brass object? Incorporating these pieces into your styling will give your guests something to talk about in your space, and keep your most precious memories close. However, if you don’t have actual vintage items they are easy to find! We love sourcing digital vintage art prints and adding an antique brass frame. You’ll also want to incorporate plenty of rustic textured decor items think vases, lamps, bowls, etc! The addition of these rustic items adds to the overall “old to new’ vibe that the modern classic style is known for.
Things to consider when decorating in the Modern Classic Style
Okay! So you think you are the perfect mix of both modern & traditional, great! The key to nailing this style is proportions. Keeping 3/4 of your furniture & decor modern with clean simple lines and then the other 1/4 of furniture and decor ornate, storied, and vintage. Striking this balance can be tricky, but the payoff is stunning! You’ll also want to watch your color palette! Keep things overall warm and natural and sprinkle in a little black for contrast! Lastly, enjoy the process! This style isn’t one that should be “thrown up” but rather take time to access those truly special “finds” and give them a place of honor in your space.
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Anna Davidson
