Classic vs. Contemporary Room Design
It’s a new year, and we all know what this means: it means that we need to start planning. Just like we deserve a “new us” makeover, so do our rooms. However, at this point, we stumble upon a problem: should we keep a traditional design, or should we go for a contemporary approach?
Both have their advantages, which is why you need to weigh the elements of each one. Decide what option works best for you and your aesthetics. Here is a breakdown of the two styles.
Elements of Classic Design
Classic interior design follows a certain path: warmth and harmony. It’s meant to be cozy while keeping the tradition alive and offering timeless elegance. Here are some elements you will commonly find in classic room designs.
- Soft Furniture Lines
Classic room design involves a lot of soft furniture lines. For instance, it won’t be uncommon to see the furniture edges or armrests curve at the ends. Unlike modern and contemporary sofas, classic ones also tend to be more puffed up.
“The lines of the furnishings in a traditional home tend to be softer and more organic as opposed to modern interiors which have crisper lines,” says interior designer Clint Lewis. You will see plenty of curved lines and circular edges when it comes to traditional furniture.
- Textured Ornate Furniture
One thing that you will notice is that traditional furniture features many details and ornamental aspects. It is the type of furniture that you would normally see in the homes of royalty.
The classic design relies significantly on the 18th-19th century homes of Europe and England. This means that the furniture will look heavy yet ornate, most of the time carved with various patterns. Clawfoot legs and tufted upholstery are very common in this room design.
- Symmetry-Focused Harmonious Design
Aside from the comfort element, classic furniture strives for order. The overall designs create a sense of order and calmness, which is why the furniture will match to a tee. Symmetry is of great importance here, which is why you will frequently find two armrests in the same design as the couch.
- Dark, Warm Tones
In traditional design, dark yet warm tones are often a popular choice. For instance, dark wood such as mahogany is common for classic furniture. The reddish-brown color adds warmth to the room while making it look more elegant.
“Palettes can be bold and saturated or pale and soft but tend to be welcoming and not jarring or too graphic,” says interior designer Erin Gates. In the end, the intensity of the color is up to you, as long as it fits your overall vision.
Elements of Contemporary Design
Contemporary room design has a charm of its own that draws people in. It’s the perfect choice for people that want that modern look, but don’t want to fully commit to it. It is somehow traditional but gives way to a modern setting. Sitting right between the two room designs, contemporary styles feature the following elements.
- Sharp Lines
Unlike classic design that uses smooth, curved lines, contemporary design mostly makes use of the sharp kind. The furniture has the purpose of making a statement, while maintaining a simple design. This is why it does not have any decorations or curves.
- Uncluttered Aspect
While the classic room design has various details and ornaments, contemporary designs steer more toward minimalism. Room decorations such as vases, paintings, and other items will be kept at a minimum. This gives an uncluttered feeling, adding more dimension to the space.
- Neutral-Toned Furniture
Classic room design uses a variety of colors, for ornamental purposes. Even though the colors are muted, there will be different shades to create an impact. On the other hand, the contemporary design uses neutral-toned furniture. This creates an uncluttered look that is easy to decorate.
- Mismatched Designs
Contemporary design, unlike the classic one, is more about experimentation – while maintaining a type of order. For example, it may have a single armrest instead of two and it may be in a different color. It will make a statement, but without sticking out too much.