Dec 9, 20203 min read

A New Take on Traditional

Updated: Dec 11, 2020

Traditional luxury with a modern flair.

For this design I took inspiration from more traditional elements, but kept it a bit more modern. I used a neutral tonal color scheme and kept the patterns limited but more traditional.

I am starting off this design with the wallpaper. I chose a Farrow and Ball wallpaper in a traditional pattern and a neutral colorway. I paired this with a wall paint in the same color as the pattern of the paper to create a calm design but also to let the wallpaper really stand out. For this design I am also speccing drapery in the same tone as the walls. I really like how this creates a lot of that traditional style but in a fresh clean style. For the trim in this design I chose a very white white to keep it traditional and bright. I do envision this as part of a more traditional home where other rooms can have entirely different color schemes but they all flow together.

For furniture, I chose a mix of traditional and more modern pieces that all have interesting details. I want this space to look like it has been collected over time. This is a great design to incorporate heirloom antique pieces. For the sofa - I was really torn over whether to select a more transitional or modern piece. Ultimately I chose this more modern sofa because I felt like it set the tone of the room stronger to the modern side and I like sculptural sofas. I chose to repeat the circle motif in the handles of the console and in the bookshelves. I felt like it needed those structured circles to tie the different graphical elements together. I chose to do most of the casegoods in darker finishes to help balance the space out. Because I did that, it was important that each piece be interesting enough to stand on it's own.

The chandelier in the space is a large modern piece with straight lines. This really helps set the tone for the space and acts as a counterbalance to the curves and traditional wallpaper. The reason it all works together is because of scale, tone, and balance. It is a delicate balance but that is what makes the design work.

I anchored the seating area with traditional area rug in a very light pattern that ties the different colors and tones together. For art - I chose a couple of small still lifes and then a large abstract piece that is bold enough to really stand out while also emphasizing the elements of the design. For this design - I would hang the two still lifes in a more modern way to elevate them in the space. I would love to see them hung one directly above the other, but not centered on a wall. Off-center can create a more interesting display and when doing really traditional art in a design like this, it needs some extra creativity.

Your home is art - treat is as art you live in. Be part of the art!

Let's get creative! - Trent