It is going to be another busy year filled with interesting projects and collaborations.
Working with my clients, I like to educate them on interior design topic. I want them to have understanding what works and what doesn’t work in their homes and WHY. Understanding how internal space works and how to complement different aspects, helps to improve your lifestyle and mental health in general.
Recently I had a very interesting conversation withAIG about what key elements design consists of and how they are important. If you like design and would like to learn about fundamental principles of design, you should read full interview in the link below. Design is much more than a bit of colour 😉
To find own interior style is one of the hardest things for many homeowners.There is no surprise here, when design magazines and social media show us beautiful and contrasting interiors. They do look rather stunning with a WOW factor and that’s the goal of publishers to catch your attention.
We live in a very artistic design period and interior solutions can be quiet creative. But would you be brave to use some of the ideas in your home?My professional advice, If you are not sure if modern design influence is for you, go for Classic Contemporary style!If you’ve never had a love for creative or “different” look, don’t make yourself to start liking it because trends are like this. Stay true to yourself and I will show you how to make your home timeless!Classic contemporary style is not a traditional “old” style and it doesn’t mean you have to bring antiques and heavy picture frames. This style is not aging elegance! Trends don’t have influence on it. Some people call it “Hotel look”.
Here are key principles of your Classic Contemporary Interior to apply for your home:
#1 Furniture
As we talk about timeless interior, furniture is considered as an investment. Good quality is a key, firm foam, straight design lines. Fabric is cotton, linen, velvet or a mix. Try to avoid large patterns like flowers or multi-coloured stripes. Fabric should have a neutral tone, be plain or with a nice visible fabric texture. Sofa should look neat in design.
If you plan to have occasional chair or an accent chair, you dont have to match its fabric with sofa. Although, you have two options: keep it neutral but with different fabric pattern or add colour and keep it simple (plain). The idea of interior look is to be versatile. Than more simple colour scheme will be than easier will be to add and change styling details around it.
Other furniture like sideboard, console table or side tables can have more of a designer’s touch with various decorative details. That’s where interior becomes more ornamental and less plain! Furniture might contain unusual knobs, carved detail, glass / brass /nickel or other finishes.
#2 Colour scheme and other finishes
As it was mentioned above, colour scheme is a very neautral and mostly light. Choose shades or grey, taupe or beige. If your room has a lack of natural light, choose rich tone of your neutral colour. Making it visible, you will make room feel more cozy.Some of you might think that all walls painted in one colour can be a boring sight. If you feel that way then add texture! You can choose textured wallpaper, wall moulding, paneling, plaster etc. Your eyes will catch added details, even small ones and that’s how visual interest will be born.
#3 Window dressing
There are two ways of styling your window, better to say wall next to your window! Don’t cover your window, instead allow maximum of natural light.If you have no furniture under your window, use full length curtains, (No shorties!). If you have sofa or large sideboard, then go for Roman blinds. Alternative option can be a roller blind in a cassette.
Contemporary sitting room design byAlenaCDesign
#4 Lighting
Statement lighting is a main room feature what makes it look luxurious and expensive. Don’t use lampshades but go for ceiling light or chrystal/ glass pendants. Reflective surface brings more lighting into the room.
Classic Interiors don’t like clutter or too many display objects. Group your display pieces by 1 or 3 or max 5 objects together but they should be displayed as a group with variety of textures, colour tones and heights. You can find more recommendations in previous posted topic How to style accessories on display.
Use plants, artficial or real branches with leaves, floor plants – they add freshness to any room!
Display paintings or photo prints in frames. That’s a good way to add a bit of colour into interior and over time easily can be changed.
To make room look finished and cozy, please don’t forget to place right size rug (size of your seating area), and of course, cushions.
Classic Contemporary is one of the styles which can look more expensive than actually spent budget! It’s a good example when less is more!
