With more and more people opting to live in modern developments and otherwise atypical spaces, classic style can be hard to come by. With the proliferation of mass-produced furniture and accent pieces aimed at these new spaces, it’s getting much harder to find traditional furniture and decor suited to smaller, contemporary climes.
The following handy tips are aimed at helping you create a classic space in not-so-classic surrounds – it can be much easier than it might seem.
Piece By Piece
An excellent way to start integrating classic style into your contemporary space is through the procurement of an ‘investment piece’ – that is, a central or special piece of furniture which captures the mood or the intent of a space.
Investment pieces for you to consider are , vintage tables or easy chairs. These pieces are effortlessly stylish, and are easy to combine with a range of different decors. They are also able to hold their value, and in many cases will accrue value with age (particularly if they’re well looked after).
Resist A Theme
Although you may really enjoy a particular time period or design style, where possible, try to resist fully embracing a theme. Focus on quality eclecticism – rather than loyally reproducing and carte blanche implementing a ‘style’.
For example, mid-century and ‘Scandinavian’ style designs have gained in popularity over the past few years. Choosing one (or two) quality inclusions of this style is far more effective and stylish than redecorating your home to (or The Brady Bunch). It will also make it more easy for you to periodically change and reinvent your style seamlessly – without having to update the entire contents of your home.
Start With Colour
Your choice of colour palette will do much to provide you with the inspiration to be able to play with your decor choices. If your space hasn’t had a lick of paint since before you were born, the walls could be a great place to start.
Choosing neutral colours and tones will allow you to have the greatest selection of decor options. It will also melf well with more classic styles. If you’re not in the mood for bright white walls, try shades of grey, taupe or charcoal. These match well with almost all other colours and will help highlight any feature furnishings or decor.
Play With Light
Lighting can transform and invigorate the feeling of a room, and there are now if you’re looking to enhance the style of your space through canny lighting choices.
Look for lamps and pendant lights which draw attention to favoured areas or furnishings. Large, elegant lamps placed near classic armchairs can really create an inviting setting in which to read or relax. Brighter, more streamlined pendant lights over social spaces create a lively, bright feeling, perfect for social gatherings or meal times.
A Circle For A Square
Clever substitutions can help you integrate classic style into your contemporary space. Look for areas in your space where you can easily swap out or adapt existing features for more effective design choices.
of a feature which can easily be amended to a more classic style. Switch square or rectangular tiles for elongated subway tiles, or play with the geometry and artistry of mosaic. Bathroom vanities and wash basins are also easily substituted – with freestanding 50’s style basins easily (and cheaply) found.
If you’re looking to introduce more classic style into your space, it’s best to start small. Find key pieces which suit you needs and your aesthetic, and find decor to help blend the elements together. Having a clear, neutral palette to as you begin is almost always the best way to help your design visions come to life.
Image via thinkstockphotos.com
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