The Perfect Balance of Classic and Contemporary

Author: AmayaInteriors | Posted: 12.12.2011

I can only answer in the way I always answer my clients why not have both?

Personally, I prefer a design that is a combination of classic, contemporary, and luxurious. I will now look at both styles, and then show you why you can benefit from the best of both.

Classic

When I think of classical furniture or interiors, I often think of tradition; tabeltops crammed with trinkets, upholstered furniture, oriental rugs, and walls crammed with pictures, mirrors and wall pieces. These rooms have a “warm” feeling, furnished to provide a sense of well-being and comfort, peace and repose. It is easy to imagine old fireplaces, heirloom antiques, objects bought for pleasure – all to enhance a period-type atmosphere. Classical interiors can be truly beautiful, suiting splashes of colour, table lamps or soft lights, mismatched furniture and small tables that can be moved about as required. These interiors can appear formal, but flexible, and capable of change depending on the number of guests.

Contemporary:

Contemporary interiors are clearly more about relaxation, space, and seating. Our way of life has changed from sitting upright on little sofas and hard chairs; to lounging on long and broad sofas that are large enough to sleep on. Colour of the furniture is more united and simple, the room looks more organized and has more “flow”. Everything appears neat and low, including side and coffee tables and chair seats. The floor itself can become an important living space, and the wall pieces can become more of a focal point. Contemporary interiors allow an environment to completely “breathe”, and empty space is definitely accepted and encouraged.

Clearly, there are tremendous benefits for both styles, and when I am consulting I look at what the space already contains (or what my client wants it to contain), and take the best that classic and contemporary have to offer. So my advice is not to be afraid to bring anything that might already be missing from your space: a splash of colour, mismatched furniture, small tables, prominent wall pieces, soft lighting, low furniture….don’t be afraid to mix these styles, and you will find the perfect balance for a harmonious environment.



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