Wednesday, June 22, 2016

The Classic Style Guide


If historic detail and classic grandeur define your tastes, a traditional look could be your home’s perfect fit. Whether you’re outfitting a townhouse in the city, decorating a stately Colonial or Tudor, or simply looking to add a sense of elegance to an updated apartment, traditional furniture and decor bring warmth and polish to any home. Follow these tips for pulling together a timeless look.
Classic Style 101: The components of traditionally elegant decor
  1. Timeless Details:  For a look that will never go out of style, incorporate Oriental rugs, furniture with classic elements like turned legs and carving, and antiques-inspired accents like ceramic lamps and gilded mirrors.
  2. Grand Proportions:  Complement a larger room’s proportions with oversized pieces that command attention: a dining table fit to entertain a crowd, a four-poster or sleigh bed, or a generously sized Chesterfield sofa.
  3. A Sense of History:  Incorporate antiques as well as traditional silhouettes such as Louis-style dining chairs, secretary desks, wingback chairs, and trestle tables. To freshen the aesthetic, look for classic shapes in updated materials such as neutral linen or jewel-toned velvet.
  4. Timeless Materials:  When choosing traditional furniture, lighting, and accents, you can’t go wrong with proven, durable materials such as linen, polished wood, brass, leather, and marble. Incorporate shine with crystal chandeliers, silver and gold accents, and lacquered furniture.

Tufted armchairs are a good choice for the traditional style room.

Leather upholstery is a timeless look that will always be in style.
Elements of Traditional Style: How to put together a classically refined look
The Palette:  A traditional interior is all about understatement—designs that catch your eye but don’t feel trendy or overdone. Consider decorating within one of the following palettes, which add depth to a space while retaining a sense of elegant restraint.
  • Polished Neutrals:  Cream, taupe, and espresso are versatile tones that blend well with nearly any accent colors and decor. Stick to neutral shades on your foundations, such as walls and upholstered furniture, and incorporate texture via plush pillows, rugs, abstract wall art, decorative lighting, and accents with a hint of shine.
  • Classic Drama:  A neutral palette with one or two deep color pops, such as navy, deep claret, olive, or rich gold, walks just the right line between conservative and fashion-forward. Vibrant window treatments, accent chairs, pillows, and throws are perfect ways to incorporate bolder shades while maintaining Traditional style.
  • Gorgeous Grayscale:  The combination of black, white and gray feels both sleek and traditional. Mix furniture and accent pieces in black and white, and incorporate grayscale patterns to provide visual interest. For added drama, layer in glossy lacquer, shimmering mercury glass, and touches of brass, chrome, and pewter.
Choosing Traditional Furniture
For traditional spaces that still feel fresh, aim for a balance between old and new, antique and contemporary. Opt for a more contemporary china cabinet or etagere, while picking traditional couches and loveseats matched with an antique estate sale coffee table. Nailheads, tufted fabrics, and linen upholstery are great ways to help your home achieve the traditional style look. These guidelines below can help you select just the right blend:

Showcasing a diamond trellis motif and rolled arms, this charming traditional bench makes the perfect addition to your master suite or entryway.
  • Choose classic silhouettes:  Wing chairs, spool chairs, trestle tables, and chaises are beloved for a reason and essential traditional furniture choices. Features like cabriole legs, and claw feet make tables and chairs feel regal, and interesting details keep the eye moving from piece to piece.
  • Look for tailored upholstery:  The traditional look is very finished. Hand-applied details such as button-tufting, nailheads, and welting convey refinement and speak to classic aesthetics.
  • Mix your finishes:  For a collected look, combine wood furniture in ebony, cherry, and chestnut shades. Don’t be afraid to break up a living room or bedroom set. Mixing in glass and stone-topped tables can add to a room’s layered effect.
Traditional Accents & Decor
A hand-selected assortment of decorative touches sets a thoughtful, dignified tone. Consider these ideas when choosing accents for your traditional space.
  • Mix in antiques:  A few key heirlooms lend seriousness to a room. Try hanging an antique mirror above a contemporary sofa, or dress a sleek bookcase with a set of vintage figurines or leather-bound books. The contrast will draw attention to the age and history of your finds, sparking conversation.
  • Dress walls and windows:  Whether you opt for simple rod-pocket curtains or elegant pinch-pleat drapes, window treatments and hardware help to finish a traditional decor scheme. Similarly, hanging a collection of wall art can give a gallery-like sophistication to a space.
  • Fill it with flowers:  Nothing says classic hospitality like an arrangement of greens greeting you (and your guests) at the door, or a vase of small blooms in the guest bath. Change out seasonal arrangements to reflect upcoming holidays and occasions, and guests will always look forward to dropping by and seeing what’s new. 

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