Can i mix contemporary with traditional

However, the accent pieces—like the side table and the rug—are much more traditional. This mixing of forms gives a very dynamic look to your space. The traditional pedestal side table next to the sleek sofa and coffee table creates balance and focus in this space. Like a super mod egg chair with an antique, spindle side table! The accent pieces you choose in your space can totally shift the vibe, pushing the overall look more modern or traditional. Consider this especially when picking out a rug, artwork, and tabletop decor.

In this bedroom, opting for botanical-inspired prints feels more traditional, while abstract art leans more modern and eclectic.

You could also go for a more traditional art piece, but lean it on a shelf instead of hanging in on a wall, or hang a print in poster hangers instead of a full-frame. Either approach will give a traditional subject a more modern spin. With rugs, a lighter, vintage-inspired rug will feel more traditional, while a bold geometric rug will feel more modern. Layering rugs is also a great way to add a more modern and casual aesthetic to a living room or bedroom.

Try a neutral woven rug as your base, with a slightly smaller patterned rectangular rug on top. This will add depth and a more modern feel to your space. You can also layer by hiding rugs, which can add an organic shape to a more traditional space. Keep scrolling for a perfect visual example of this….

However, if you want to take a traditional-first approach rather than modern being the dominant style find base furniture with traditional silhouettes—but with a modern twist. A modern finish is a great way to achieve this balance because what determines the style of a piece of furniture is not just the shape, but also the finish. Take this headboard for example.

But its pared-back form and cool grey upholstery give it a more modern perspective. The same approach could be taken in a living room, with sofas or accent furniture. A traditional roll-arm sofa can feel updated and modern with a contemporary upholstery.

And a spindle-leg coffee table in a sleek finish, like a matte black wood, accessorized with modern accents and objects will give your set-up a more contemporary vibe. Traditional spaces—especially those that lean toward that adorned British style —feature more warm and saturated color palettes.

When combining these two styles, there are two approaches you can take with color, both of which will help set the tone for this blended style. Pairing a modern, neutral color scheme with traditional furniture pieces is one 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 another way to blend these styles into one space.

Your home should be a reflection of you and your style, and if you love a couple styles…that is what you should do! What Is Contemporary Style? Fundamentally, a contemporary style of decorating is defined by simplicity, subtle sophistication, deliberate use of texture, and clean lines. Interiors tend to showcase space rather than things.

By focusing on color, space, and shape, contemporary interiors are sleek and fresh. Whether you need to make a quick match or are simply trying to stay in budget, you can successfully mix and match furniture by playing off common elements and themes. There may be different coordinating styles, finishes and fabrics involved to make up a cohesive and well-designed room. But you may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume and furniture options available today.

Okay, not all of it is. But too much is. A lot of what makes a room feel more traditional or more modern is how the furniture is treated. Sikes Can we do it the other way around? Usually not. In addition to coffee tables are there other Universal elements for mixing modern and traditional furniture? Yes, indeed! There are no hard and fast rules.

Remember when I said there are no rules. Well, I lied. This one below is pretty solid. Architecture Aside. The room is either going to be predominantly modern or predominantly traditional— with only accents of the other style.

This is one instance where being equitable is most likely going to result in a sucktastic room. So, how does that work? Peking Cocktail Table. Mark D. Sikes — Love everything he touches. Turn on your JavaScript to view content. Below is a graphic to pin for reference if you like. Please note however, that the blog is meant as general advice. Thank you for your understanding. Facebook Pinterest Twitter LinkedIn. Laurel Bern - July 15, - AM.

Hi Karen, I love that table! Laurel Bern - July 16, - AM. Catherine - June 24, - PM. Laurel Bern - June 25, - AM. Hi Catherine, Thanks for such a sweet comment. Paula P. Hi Laurel, This is one of my favorite posts, but so many amazing ones, who could pick! Laurel Bern - June 11, - AM. Hi Paula, Thank you so much! Laurel Bern - June 6, - PM. Hi Ashley, Thanks so much! Jenn - June 6, - PM.

Hi Laurel, I love this post! Leslie - June 5, - PM. Hi Laurel love your post this week. Keep them coming!! Laurel Bern - June 5, - PM. Ann Chapman - June 5, - PM. Laurel Bern - June 4, - PM. Michelle - June 4, - PM.

Libby - June 4, - PM. Tasha - June 4, - PM. Hi Tasha, Thanks for that info. Christine Murray - June 4, - PM. Hi Laurel, Thank you, thank you for this great post. Wendy - June 4, - PM. Mary - June 5, - PM. Jenny - June 4, - PM. Hi Jenny, Haha! Dianne - June 4, - AM. Joanne Andresen - June 4, - AM. Laurel Bern - June 4, - AM. Hi Joanne, What a lovely comment! Marianne - June 4, - AM.

Susan Squires - June 4, - AM. Hi Susan, Glad that the post is helpful! Mary - June 4, - AM. Leah - June 4, - AM. Hi Leah, That is so kind and very much appreciated! This is what I do now. No clients.

No kids. No husband. Linda - June 4, - AM. Hi Claudia, I had never thought of it that way either, but as I was putting it all together, it occurred to me that there are pieces that wold look good in a variety of decors.

Catherine - June 4, - AM. Laurel, What a great post! Hi Catherine, Oh, that is so sweet! Michele - June 4, - AM.

Hi Michele, Thank you so much for the lovely post! Mary Bogart - June 4, - AM. Laurel Bern - June 5, - AM. I've been creating new-traditional interiors for over 27 years. The blog is where I share all. Sign Me Up. But you know the rest, mid-century modern, Mies van der Rohe modern, Danish Modern, Italian modern, shrimp modern… … shrimp cocktail, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo, pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp… But the mixing of styles is a VAST subject.

But Bohemian with a hefty trust fund and a Maserati parked out front. Also consider the scale in relation to the dimensions of your interior. The large credenza you previously had positioned in the hallway of your family home may look too dominating in the entrance of your new apartment. However, the scale may work better when placed in a living or dining room. Decide on the mood you desire for each space of your home. Are you wanting your living room to be casual and open?

If so, avoid layering formal and heavy pieces of furniture into the space. Instead, play with simple lines and materials that are soft, light and classic while still mixing different eras. Darker timbers, brushed metals and luxurious fabrics like velvet will help emphasise the formal mood you desire. Modern lighting and art can help you incorporate more traditionally styled pieces into a modern interior. A contemporary light sitting on an antique desk for example, can make a dynamic combination.

A vintage dresser with a modern painting hung above will help the two styles come together. A traditional lamp positioned on a side table next to a modern, casual sofa like our Marcus can add a layer of visual interest to the space.

You can also try reframing older art pieces to create a more contemporary look by bringing the decades closer together.