There’s something so elegant about vintage interior design—they just don’t make furniture and homes like they used to, after all. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate traditional style into your space, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll give you 7 interior design hacks to help you strike the perfect balance between traditional style and modern amenities.
1. Fake it ‘til you make it
Architecture is constantly evolving as time goes on. From decade to decade it’s easy for even an untrained eye to recognize the changes in architectural trends. The 1800s were marked by gothic revival homes and federal architecture while the Queen Annes were popular in the late 1800s while modernist homes marked the mid-century.
Gorgeous original homes are hard to find these days, and old homes often come with a lot of work which drives people to opt for homes built in more recent years. But just because you’re buying modern doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice your love of traditional style. There are plenty of ways you can incorporate the things you love most about timeless style without having to buy an 1800s fixer upper.
- Create dimension with Walls Republic faux wallpaper
- Install your own crown molding
- Replace new doors with vintage ones (hello, fleamarket)
2. Find classically-inspired pieces
While paint and accents can put the finishing touches on a space, it’s the furniture you choose that makes the biggest statement in your home, especially if you’re going for an ultra polished traditional style. Liberty Furniture has some really beautiful classic-inspired pieces to deck out any room in your home. What’s more, these pieces strike the perfect balance between stunning and understated, so you can feel free to express your creativity with accents, art, and color.
3. Add vintage accents
The key to creating an authentic, traditional style space is mixing new and old in a sophisticated way. Too much new stuff can make your space look more modern than you intended, while too many old pieces can quickly turn your curated space into Grandma’s stuffy living room.
Head to your local vintage market or browse online vintage retailers to find unique accessories to dress up your decor. A classic mirror, interesting side table, or an elegant lamp can elevate your aesthetic.
4. Invest in luxury fabrics
When we think about timeless style, a certain elegance comes to mind. Decorative drapes, elegant throws, and intricate rugs are a few things that take that timeless style to the next level. Incorporate these accents into your space to achieve that dramatic look that’s so iconic in classic homes with traditional style.
Here are some ideas to incorporate luxury fabrics in your space:
- Reupholster modern furniture with luxury fabrics
- Make custom pillows with your excess fabrics
- Tie in modern and classic details with a Persian rug
5. Incorporate art
Nothing completes a room quite like a piece of art does. What’s more, a period-inspired piece of work can be the finishing touch that conveys the style period you want. For example, geometric paintings and metal sculptures were really popular in the mid-century modern era while still life paintings express more of a renaissance vibe. This is a great way to add traditional style to your home.
6. Don’t compromise on quality
Another thing that’s so common and so striking in traditional style homes is the gorgeous, handbuilt quality of every furniture piece and accent in the room. When shopping for furniture, art, and accent pieces, be sure that you value quality above all. That’s not to say you have to have a humongous decorating budget, you can still be crafty with your design dollars, you just have to know where to spend them.
7. Bring in greenery
Houseplants are a great way to finalize home design no matter which room you’re decorating. In addition to looking beautiful, incorporating indoor plants can promote respiratory health, cleanse the air, and even boost your mood. Plus, indoor plants can add that level of drama that’s the cornerstone of elegant design. These indoor plants from The Sill are delivered right to your door so there’s no need to worry about transporting oversized palms or full florals. Best of all, it’s a great way to maximize light across your home.
Final notes
Achieving a striking classic, traditional style is easier than you might think! By using these seven design hacks, you’ll be lounging in your ideal space in no time.
