Confused by the title? That’s OK…I’ll clarify. One of the big buzz words or terms in interior design lately has been “New Traditional”. Although I don’t consider it a new concept, I do love the fact that it’s bringing the blending of old + new items into the mainstream. This is a style that I think everyone can appreciate + allows each individual to create a home that truly reflects them.
For those who love homes that are all one style, like extremely modern, ornately traditional or ultra glam homes, that is all well + good if it truly your thing. But when you decorate based on trends vs. what you love, your home will never truly feel like your own. It’s so easy to get caught up in the comparison game on Pinterest or HGTV. These are great places for inspiration but just because everyone is doing the farmhouse style decorated homes it doesn’t mean you have to go out + buy every pieces of galvanized metal to put in your home.
Words of warning: if you are seeing a lot of something all over…it’s a trend + will eventually fizzle out. However, you can certainly love something that is trendy now but is also considered a classic. The key is to use it sparingly in decor + only buy what you love.
What I particularly love about the New Traditional approach to interior styling is that you can really focus on including pieces you love + not worry about decorating “rules” per se. For example, I know that I love furniture with simple details + relatively clean lines because I don’t like the build up of dust but I still need dimension + style. I like to add in semi-rustic pieces, like an old church bench, but pair it with more modern art + side table. We have a relatively traditional style dining set but in black which makes it more modern than traditional cherry, oak or mahogany.
As far as decor pieces go, I have mix of glam {crystal + glass candle holders}, rustic {handmade wrought iron lanterns} + vintage or antique pieces that are family heirlooms {like a cut-crystal bowl + old family photographs + recipes} that add a lot of meaning to our home.
You can see with this console table that I have mixed a large rustic piece {the table} which is also relatively sleek in design {not too heavy feeling} with more modern style lamps. On a side note, these are place holder lamps until I can find/purchase the perfect crystal or cermaic gourd lamps.
I also have a stack of some favorite design/entertaining books + candles. The vintage style trunk {a TJ Maxx find} with dark details ties in the wrought iron from the table but also the lightness from the wall + lamps. The mirror is also a place holder until I purchase this one from Ballard Design which will add in some Parisian style {which I love}. And after the kids get a little older + less curious about things, I’ll put our basket of wishing stones collected from Campobello Island back on display. For now, they are safely out of reach!
Here are some other New Traditional looks to give you an idea of how to blend styles:
BATHROOM
Image Source: Sarah Baynes
The modern sleekness of this bathroom vanity gives balance to the traditional stone. Even though the mirror, faucet + sconces are in a traditional brass, they have a streamlined, modern style. The overall color palette is also more traditionally warm rather than the cooler tones we see in more modern bathrooms.
DINING ROOM
Image Source: Pinterest
The more formal dentil trim work, chair rail + arched doorway in this dining room are balanced out with the modern curtain rod + textured grasscloth wallpaper, as well as the very simple light fixture + wood grain table with straight edges.
LIVING ROOM
Image Source: A Note On Style
I love this blending of modern + traditional looks! Again, the traditional details of the millwork, windows + dark wood floors are wonderfully complemented by the modern shaped sofa {which looks like it has comfy cushions} with an eclectic bunch of pillows that perfectly tie in the zebra hide rug. The hammered brass legs of the sofa also pull together the table + the modern hanging sconce. Total perfection!
Image Source: Becki Owens
In this space, the modern all white/cream colored walls + light wood flooring is warmed up but an antique dresser with some traditional lined in the legs + drawers, as well as the antique style rug. The dresser is further balanced by the modern art + simple decor on top.
FUN STUFF
Image Source: Pinterest
This picture is a little grainy but you can still get a good idea of the juxtaposition of design + decor elements. This antique trunk it beautifully repurposed into a bar, flanked by modern acrylic Louis armchairs, oversized beveled mirror, thin lamp with sleek black lampshade + touch of glam with the pink peonies in a shiny julep cup. Because the antique trunk is such a large + heavy piece, it needs the surrounding modern elements to balance it out. I especially love that the acrylic chairs add balance while also basically blending into the background because of their translucency.
Image Source: Decor Pad
And finally this masterpiece. If I were ever to have a butler’s pantry, I would probably have it look like this. First, those floors are amazing! The herringbone design is a stunning traditional Parisian style but the dark blue/black color of the cabinets with the marble countertop is more modern. And the plain glass middle cabinets add in a bit of casualness. The traditional brass hardware tones down the general modern look of the cabinets, while the modern/glam light fixture blends well with the detailed molding.
HOW TO GET THE LOOK
Start with the bones of your home. If you have a lot of detailed trim work or molding + older furnishings, start adding in more modern pieces in the form of lighting, rugs + accent decor. On the other hand, if you are living in a new builder grade home + have been a slave to the more modern movement, layer in some older items. Look in your parents attic or storage spaces for old furniture that may need a little love but that can have a second chance at life. Dig up some old family photos in black + white to display around the house. Or go antiquing + look for an old mirror or candle holders.
No matter where your home currently fall on the spectrum of modern vs. traditional, this New Traditional look is so easy to achieve by adding or subtracting elements from the other end of the spectrum. I truly love this look because it keeps a space looking so interesting + fresh. It’s easy to get overwhelmed {or underwhelmed} when an entire room is one particular style + everything blends together. With New Traditional, pieces complement one another but are also able to stick out on their own.
Here are some favorite New Traditional pieces for decorating the home {contains affiliate links. Read affiliate disclosure HERE}
You can check out more styles on my Pinterest board here:
So is this a design style you can get on board with?
Related Links: How to Style a Buffet Table // Making Your House A Home // In With the Old + The New
