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Teach Old-World Style New Tricks
Layer modern, minimalist accents with antiques and traditional decor for rave-earning style contrast
Katya Popova graduated in 2008 with a degree in Marketing Management complemented by her Studio Art and Communications minors. Her graphic design career started in a Fortune 200 Oil & Gas company while working on the organization's e-commerce architecture and design.
Since then, she has expanded her online presence through her personal website where she chronicles her ongoing design projects, remodeling undertakings, and interior design concepts.
Katya Popova graduated in 2008 with a degree in Marketing Management complemented... More »
Being an antiques dealer's daughter exposed me to the beauty of old-world design from a very early age. Growing up, I was surrounded by 19th-century wall clocks, sterling silver trays and crystal. Naturally, as I matured (along with my design taste), I decided to rebel against my upbringing and become a fan of the extreme minimalist design movement. Yet as more time passed, I learned that beauty lies in the ability to combine opposing design styles into one dynamic interior. So I was inspired to share with my fellow Houzzers several interiors that represent an outstanding job of bridging the best of both worlds.
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by Mikel Irastorza
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| The designers of this gorgeous interior allowed the classical architectural details of the room to set the stage for the few well-selected modern treasures. A good rule of thumb when working with more than one style in a room is to pick a dominant style and a complementary accent style. |
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This dining room showcases how the predominantly modern style of the furnishings can contrast beautifully against the traditional feel of the fireplace and moldings.
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| When it comes to kitchens, you could go in two different directions: select traditional cabinetry to contrast with a few modern accents (such as the lamps in the interior above) or ... |
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| ... choose ultrasleek and modern cabinetry to contrast with a rustic dresser-turned-island. No matter which style dominates, pick contrasting accents that are few but have a high impact. |
| When it comes to living spaces, make sure your design plays against the architectural details you already have in the room. For instance, this space boasts incredible details in the crown moldings, crystal chandelier and fireplace treatments. The designers have successfully offset the classical background with a few very modern and minimalist pieces of furniture. |
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by Nicole Hollis
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| If you have a modern room to start with, purchase one or two antique pieces with a lot of detail work. They will contrast beautifully against the smooth surfaces of your modern design, as showcased by the image above. See the rest of this home |
| Another room that greatly benefits from the juxtaposition of old and new is the bathroom. The same rules apply: Make sure you use the architectural details of the room to your advantage. In this case, the designer was able to pick an ultramodern tub and chandelier to contrast the rest of the traditional decor. See the rest of this home |
by Jane Kim Design
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If, however, you were not blessed with architectural details from the 1800s, you can always complement your sleek and modern bathroom with a classic iron-claw bathtub.
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An additional way of bringing old-versus-new contrast to your space is through storage. In this case, the traditional architectural details of the foyer are paired with the modern horizontal grain and minimalist design of the built-ins.
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On the other hand, the modern lines of this room are a beautiful and uncluttered backdrop for the ornate armoire and chairs, reaching a perfect balance of textures.
Tell us: Have you used an old-new contrasting design in your interiors? What practical advice can you give your fellow Houzzers on successfully creating a cohesive space? Share below.
Find your design style
More:
Relax and Enjoy an Extreme Style Mix
Home Styles: New Traditional Design
Tell us: Have you used an old-new contrasting design in your interiors? What practical advice can you give your fellow Houzzers on successfully creating a cohesive space? Share below.
Find your design style
More:
Relax and Enjoy an Extreme Style Mix
Home Styles: New Traditional Design
Ideabook published on April 5, 2012.
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