Classic interior design ideas
20 Classic Interior Design Styles Defined
Whether you’re in the know or have no clue as to what makes design movements like traditional interior design ideas differ from transitional décor, we tasked ourselves to devise the ultimate breakdown of interior design styles as our Décor Aid interior designers and team members are frequently asked to define the differences for our clients.
One of the most thoroughly modern interior design styles to consider, people often tend to confuse minimalism with a stark coldness and uncomfortable severity – which is hardly the case at all. In fact, there’s even a warmer take on minimal interior design (warm minimalism) that’s full of no-fuss, clean elegance.
Think simplicity, refinement, and a deft hand at sumptuous comfort and functionality. The key here is to keep rooms spare and well-edited with printless fabrications and décor extras that must serve a dual purpose.
When thinking minimal interior design styles trends, think of a modern art gallery or museum as a reference with their pulled together approach to filling a space with the barest of essentials that still feature a lively sense of drama either organic or abstract.
Become a master of Minimal style with more tips here
Though people often tend to confuse modern interior design styles with contemporary interior design, there is a difference between the two that makes them unique in and of themselves.
Contemporary style is completely of the moment while modern interior design styles can almost mean anything forward-thinking from the 50’s to the early aughts. Contemporary interior design styles trends also have more freedom as modern is usually fixed around squared, graphic lines and a particular take on modernity.
Need more inspiration? Discover our complete guide to Contemporary design.
Check out our latest post: 30 Stylish Contemporary Living Room Ideas
When it comes to interior design styles, almost everything is rooted in traditional interior design ideas, and for good reason. That said, you can make traditional style interior design all your own by incorporating pieces that speak to your personality and lifestyle while making a statement.
Take the room above, sure it features a depth and layering, a traditional beige overstuffed sofa, a Persian rug, and requisite Louis VI chair, however, what sets it apart from any other traditional room is the updated contemporary light fixture and the conversation starting art piece.
Discover what it takes to truly master Traditional design here
Sure, after exploring what traditional interior design styles mean and then looking at the next image above, you’re probably asking yourself what’s the difference between traditional vs transitional interior design?
What makes transitional interior design ideas stand on their own are the combinations of tried & true décor styling utilizing traditional furnishings mixed with modern elements that keep a room from looking like too much of one particular style. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to blend interior design styles say after getting married, or if you’re moving into a larger home.
The best of transitional style interior design boasts balance in the unexpected mix while lending a home warmth and a relaxed feel.
Discover the ultimate advice for Transitional style here
Taking inspiration from the outdoors and a combination of farmhouse and industrial interior design styles, rustic décor places an emphasis on natural and weathered finishes, raw wood, stone, and leather, with unexpected touches and an overall sophisticated bent.
We love how the room featured above fuses a varied mix of statement-making furnishings like the custom plush sherpa sofas, the industrial inspired wire pendants, and unique leather chairs. That said, we’re all for modern interior design styles that combine various elements to create a beautifully realized, one-of-a-kind room.
For fail proof routes to acing rustic style, consult our guide here
Similar to transitional modern interior design styles, French Country is a hybridized mix of antique French, shabby chic, and farmhouse interior design elements full of cool, grown-up allure.
For your home, take note of the room above with its era-less sofa, Louis VI chairs redone in a mid-century modern geometric print, eclectic mix of art pieces, and minimal coffee table as its all about a varied, yet well-judged mix of juxtapositions.
Need ideas on how to get French Country decor right? Take in our guide here
After gaining massive popularity in the mid-80’s and 90’s as one of the top go-to interior design styles when looking to evoke laid back California cool, shabby chic ultimately received quite a bit of backlash having been mislabeled as granny décor – which is completely false.
For starters, shabby chic has roots in antique and vintage French design and furnishings with a decidedly comfortable take, and most importantly, boasts a timeless lived-in vintage-inspired appeal. Soft and slightly femme, shabby chic marries traditional style interior design elements with vague farmhouse touches .
Think a white overstuffed sofa, distressed painted wood, and ornate gilt touches like a gold French mirror.
Get the look with the ultimate Shabby Chic guide here
Though we’re not ones for themed interior design styles of any kind, there’s something novel and reassuring about an edited mix of coastal and beach house elements bringing a room together.
Coastal interior design notes feature light, bright, and airy environs often dreamed up in vibrant neutrals to soak up the suns rays. Common coastal color palettes include shades of light blues and greens inspired by the ocean along with an array of creams and neutrals for a relaxed yet elegant finish.
Our favorite coastal inspired projects, such as this residence in San Francisco often boast contemporary interior design styles to give the aesthetic an unexpectedly contemporary twist.
For more beachside everyday glam in your home, consult our guide here
Popular from the 40’s to the 60’s and back since the mid 90’s, Hollywood Regency is one of the most timeless yet fun interior design styles out there to consider as it delightfully blends Art-Deco inspired touches and silhouettes with a grown-up sense of high-polished glamor. Think a mix of period French furnishings, clean lines, vibrant hits of color, and ultra-glam notes brought in via crystal, mirror, and high-shine surfaces and finishes.
Though it can be considered a go-to for traditional style interior design, there’s nothing old-world in spirit about Hollywood Regency interior design styles as to us, it always boasts a modern, upbeat energy.
Bring Hollywood Regency sophistication into your home with our handy guide here
Increasingly popular, Scandinavian interior design styles emphasize a clean and serene simplicity that’s universal in appeal. Fully functional and minimal to a degree, Scandinavian décor highlights organic shapes with subtle interest, tonal textural plays, and a relaxed appeal in all-white spaces with gray undertones. Hints of color are brought in via art and a single textile such as a small throw or rug.
One of the easiest to master of contemporary interior design styles, Scandinavian interior design is all about a balanced and carefully edited mix of elements. Though there are plenty of interior design styles trends that take cues from Scandinavian interior design styles, we’re all about going full throttle as this is one design movement that’s worth taking note of.
Bring the soothing cool of Scandinavian decor in your home with these tips
For the ultimate in cosmopolitan living, Urban Modern design is perfect for elevated city life as it marries the best of deluxe contemporary, modern, and industrial influences for an inspiring and timeless approach to decor. Think the Big Apple with a mesmerizing mix of chic highlights from different era’s brought together to bring a home to life with statement-making appeal.
Master the Urban Modern look with our handy guide here
One of the most timeless and endlessly popular interior design styles out there, bohemian décor represents a care and fuss-free freedom that’s unquestionably heady and intoxicating. Boasting a globally inspired comfortable mix of exotic finds and vintage and antique furnishings sourced from passionate flea-market treks and travels, the eclectic style also touches on hints of everyday glamor via crystal extras, beaded fabrications, jewel tones, and overall relaxed mood.
If you’re already blessed with a varied array of distinct furnishings and admire the idea of beautifully rendered juxtapositions, this may just be the perfect interior design styles living room to consider.
Create your own Bohemian oasis with these tips
Probably one of the most prolific interior design styles of all time, mid-century modern borrows from the best of 50’s and 60’s for a clean retro Danish inspired feel. Simple straight forward silhouettes, organic shapes, quiet fabrications, and an emphasis on functionality are hallmarks of mid-century modern styling. That said, the movements minimal bent makes it a great option when looking to update traditional style interior design with ease.
Plus, mid-century modern furnishings look great in almost any room and make for great elements when looking to create rich, diverse, interior design styles living room. And as far as interior design styles trends go, this is one fail proof one we suggest you give a go.
For more info on Mid Century Modern design, explore our complete guide here
As the name evokes an urban vibe with warehouse and factory elements thrown in the mix, it should come as no surprise that industrial interior design practices lend a clean, somewhat masculine and minimal spirit to any room.
Think a neutral color scheme, reclaimed machinery, moody hues, raw woods and unfinished metals, and ultimately, statement-making throwbacks with a slightly steampunk feel.
That said, we wouldn’t recommend going industrial when considering the best interior design styles for small house as this is one aesthetic that calls for plenty of breathing room to take in the often oversized machinery inspired elements.
However, you can inject small doses of the design movement when looking at industrial interior design styles living room by incorporating raw metal decorative extras say on a bookshelf here, or a in small nook there.
Get the Industrial look for your home with sage advice here
Similar to bohemian décor but with a decidedly grown-up allure, eclectic interior design is all about high-energy, spell binding finds and furnishings. Think bold color palettes, textures, and patterns brought together to create a rich mix with utility and focal points in mind.
Not to be mistaken for an anything goes spirit, eclectic design is all about consistency, go-to hues, and best of all, the freedom to explore creative directions with studied nuances.
Ace Eclectic style with these need-to-know essentials
If warmth, practicality, comfort, and a relaxed approach to pulled together design are on your agenda, modern farmhouse décor is a great option to consider. Warm and inviting, modern farmhouse takes its cues from the provincial for the ultimate mix of high & low contrasts that works beautifully especially for a growing family.
Think rustic country elements updated for the now with a rich mix industrial, minimal, and Scandinavian touches for unique spaces that take full advantage of every architectural hallmark – flawed or not.
For more on Modern Farmhouse design, consult our handy guide here
Modern country style features dynamic layers of the rugged and the organic for a warm, and comforting take on interior design classics. from exposed beams to cherished industrial finds, the look is elevated yet au naturale.
To get the Modern Country look in your home, consult our guide here
If your taste veers towards the ornate and jewel-like, this 1920’s design style throwback might just be your best option.
Art deco interior design instantly evokes opulence; elegant, glamorous and sleek, this style was popularized as the epitome of chic in the 1920’s.
To master Art Deco design, visit our handy guide here
If you’re looking to create a rich take on pared down interior design in your home, taking inspiration from the Asian Zen design style might just be the right direction for you as an Asian zen interior is minimal yet uniquely layered.
Make Asian Zen interior design work in your home with these handy here
Feng shui isn’t just limited to the way you arrange your furnishings. It’s more of a philosophy to create balance in your home for harmony and is certain to add a sense of tranquility to your everyday life.
For more on how to master Feng Shui, consult our guide here
20 Classic Interior Design Trends That Never Go Out of Style
How to stop chasing decorating fads by incorporating these classic interior design trends to create a home that never goes out of style.
Maybe I can blame it on the fact that I’m in my mid-30s or that our current house makes me lean more traditionally, but for the past several years, my style slowly evolved into a more classic interior design style.
That’s probably because if I paint a room, I reeeeaaaally don’t want to paint it again in 2-3 years just because I followed a fad and the trends changed yet again. Boo no fun.
Kind of like those stilettos in my closet that look great for a night out, but if I’m being totally honest with myself, I’d much rather trek around town in comfy, pretty flats. (Yep… really thinking this is a mid-30s revelation here.)
I’ve mentioned before how I transitioned my decorating style from farmhouse to modern classic style. Don’t get me wrong; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with farmhouse style design choices. It just no longer felt right once we moved into a traditional colonial house.
How Long Do Trends Last?
Did you know trends in fashion and interior design have an average cycle of 10 years? That means after a decade, if you’ve heavily followed trends, your home decor is likely to be going out of style.
Keeping up with trends is expensive!
Usually the more intricate or over-the-top the trend is, the faster it will fade out, while simpler trends have more staying power.
BUT choosing classic interior design trends is a way to get off the constant merry-go-round.
So if you’ve been thinking the same lately and want to decorate your home so that it never goes out of style, I hope these tips will help you as much as they’ve helped me.
Decorate smarter, not harder, right?
Room Sources
1. High Contrast
Black and white combinations are your friends! If you go for black and white hexagon tile, white walls and black doors, or a black and white wallpaper, you can pretty much bet that it’ll never go out of style. We use Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron on most of our painted interior doors.
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2. Plaid and Striped Fabrics
Fabric patterns come and go, but plaids and stripes are forever. The colors you choose for those fabrics could be trendy, but the pattern itself will always be in style.
The same goes for choosing wallpaper.
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3. Pinch Pleat Linen Curtains
Linen curtains go with absolutely everything! Go for full length, puddled if you like a romantic look or hemmed to “kissing” the floor for a tailored look. Pinch pleats add a luxe detail that will always stand the test of time.
These linen pinch pleat curtains are my absolute favorites. Here’s a less pricey alternative. Or make them for $20 each using this IKEA curtain hack.
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4. Marble
Use marble look tiles on floors or in showers, put a marble top on a dresser, opt for marble or marble-look quartzite countertops, or go really inexpensive by adhering marble contact paper on table tops.
If you have real marble, but it needs a good cleaning, here’s how to remove stains. If you can’t decide between marble and marble look porcelain, here’s a guide to help.
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5. Traditional Molding
Crown molding is very DIY-able and can add resale value to your house because it’s one feature that is always “in”.
(Here’s a quick way to beef up your crown molding if you already have it.)
If you want to make a room feel extra upscale but still timeless, add large picture frame molding to the walls too. Here are 8 more wall molding ideas too.
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6. Gilded Mirrors
If you have a window on only one side of a room, a gilded mirror can help balance the natural light in the space and remain classic in style.
Antique mirrors don’t have to be pricey either. I’ve found most of ours at thrift stores and on eBay. (Here’s a trick we used to hang ours in a gallery wall.)
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7. Vintage Furniture
It’s hard to go wrong with a solid wood vintage dresser or dining table. Even if you prefer modern decor, adding just one vintage piece can make a room feel layered and collected.
Plus, it just feels good to rescue something secondhand of excellent quality. Give furniture new life with this wood cleaning method. Here are ways to score vintage furniture on Facebook Marketplace.
8. Neutral Walls
Stick to whites and creams for wall colors to last you years without painting. Get colorful with accents and small textiles like pillows and throw blankets instead. (See a list of my favorite neutral paint colors here.)
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9. Built In Shelves
Built ins help elevate a room, make a space feel bigger, and the concept has been around for centuries. Not to mention the storage space is pretty rad. Here’s how to make built in shelves using this IKEA bookcase hack.
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10. White Bedding and Towels
They go with everything and they’re easy to bleach (or whiten using my favorite baking soda / vinegar method). Plus bedrooms with white sheets and bathrooms with white towels just feel fresh, clean, and calming. There’s a reason spas and hotels choose white linens. They’re timeless.
These are my absolute favorite budget-friendly bedding picks.
Room Sources
11. Navy Blue
It’s the number one color you can know for a fact will never go out of style.
Navy blue is like wearing a comfy pair of blue jeans. It just goes with everything!
And like denim, even though you may style everything around it according to trends, the base of the ensemble will always be a classic. Here are some favorite designer recommended navy blue paint colors.
12. Jute Rugs
Jute rugs are like that chunky woven basket that just works no matter where you put it. Because they’re neutral and add great texture with natural fiber, they instantly add warmth to a room. Plus, they’re great for layering if you want to roll out a patterned vintage rug on top of it that might otherwise be a tad too small for the room.
Here’s more you should know before buying jute rugs.
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13. Calming Color Palettes
Think of colors you’d normally find walking outside in nature – light blues, earthy greens, wispy grays.
There’s a reason we feel calm when we are surrounded by colors that mimic the sky, plants, and water. Our bodies are naturally programmed to respond to these colors this way.
They will always be “in” for this reason. (These are some of my favorite blue gray paint colors and sage green paint colors.)
Room Sources
14. Blue and White Chinoiserie Ceramics
This one is a huge staple in traditional decor but one that’s also fun to mix into more modern styled rooms for a little juxtaposition. Chinoiserie ceramics date back to the 17th century, inspired by trade routes between Western Europe and China. It’s made an impact on interior design ever since.
15. Medium Brown Toned Hardwood Floors
If you want to refinish hardwood floors and choose a look that’s always on trend, go for brown hardwood floors that aren’t too light, aren’t too dark, and don’t have any major red, yellow, or blue undertones. Neutral medium brown forever and ever baby. Our hardwood floors are red oak stained in Minwax Provincial.
16. Clean Lines
The fewer curves, details, tufts, and complicated shapes you have in a piece of furniture, the more likely it is to remain in style.
Simplistic furniture just has staying power.
17. Subway Tiles
These had a big “trend” moment in Joanna Gaines’s early days when the concept of modern farmhouse style first hit the scene in the 2010s.
But despite their surge of popularity, you can always count on subway tiles to remain a classic in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, especially in a traditional brickset pattern.
18. Herringbone Pattern
For hardwood floors (or LVP) and tiles, laying them in a herringbone pattern is always a classic look. The concept of herringbone dates all the way back to the Roman Empire! So when in Rome… or at home… go for herringbone for a classic interior design.
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19. Gilded Framed Paintings
They’ve been around for centuries for good reason, and they’re definitely here to stay for a long time.
The best part is you can score gilded framed paintings at estate sales, antique shops, and thrift stores for as little as $20-30.
(Or just fake it with vintage art downloaded as printables and gild frames you already have using gold spray paint or gold Rub n Buff.)
20. Being Yourself
Okay, yeah, it’s corny. But THE most timeless decorating style ever is one that is uniquely YOU!
No trend could ever top you being your most authentic self. If some of these classic interior design trends don’t resonate with you, kick ’em to the curb.
Following trends isn’t a bad thing as long as you are following them because you genuinely love the look and not just a default because it’s what everyone else is doing. 😉
Room Sources
I’m certainly not a school-trained interior designer or anything, but those are just the 20 things that I always find myself spotting in classic interior design time and time again.
If it keeps me from spending way too much on trendy things that will fade out tomorrow and loving our home’s timeless style choices for much longer, then I’m allllllll for it.
Do you lean into timeless interior design? Or are you more a fan of sporting decorating trends? I’ll still never quit trends entirely.
More Decorating Tips and Ideas
- How to Transition Away from Your Old Decor Style
- 30 Ways to Make Your House Look Expensive on a Budget
- Small Room Ideas to Make a Space Look Bigger
- How to Redecorate a Room in Under an Hour + Guest Bedroom Decor Refresh
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Modern classics in the interior: principles of style and furniture 0 Comments
We associate traditional classical styles with luxury and success. Therefore, they are always popular. But time dictates its conditions, and modern classics are no longer something unshakable and pompous, it is a practical and elegant style that combines comfort and beauty. This style is always up to date.
Features
Each era and country had its own ideas about the traditional classical style. Therefore, there are several such styles - antique, gothic, renaissance, baroque, modern.
Almost always, when talking about classicism, they mean a monumental and representative style with an abundance of expensive wooden furniture, expensive fabrics, complex and lush draperies, elegant and expensive wall and floor decoration, spacious rooms with high ceilings, stucco, bas-reliefs, columns, expensive paintings and works of art.
Classicism in the traditional sense stood out in the art of interior design at the beginning of the 20th century. To some extent, classicism is a counterbalance to modernity with its abundance of non-functional decorative elements and excessive pomposity. Classicism is characterized by restraint and rigor, as well as a significant simplicity of lines (especially when compared with Baroque, Renaissance, Art Nouveau).
Style transformation
The classic never goes out of fashion. The basic principle of modern classics is restrained elegance. This style combines the best ideas of many eras and trends in interior design. Modern classics in the interior is associated with prestige and prosperity (one might say, luxury). People who choose neoclassical interiors are characterized as successful and sensible adherents of traditions.
Neoclassicism in a modern interior is a compromise between the principles of classicism and the realities of today.
Classic in the traditional sense of style requires significant investment, expensive materials, sophisticated finishes, very spacious rooms, luxurious furniture and works of art. Therefore, the classic interior in modern houses and apartments is a restrained stylization on the theme of the classics.
Neoclassical features
The main characteristics of modern classics:
- spacious and bright rooms;
- the use of natural materials, especially natural wood;
- furniture of traditional restrained forms, without excessive decorations and carvings;
- simple form of furniture, the presence of mirrors, glass;
- lack of eccentric elements of furniture and decor;
- restrained atmosphere, but not a minimalist interior;
- the presence of elegant decorations - paintings, lamps, sconces, sculptures, vases, watches.
Special requirements
The main requirement for a room in which it is planned to decorate the interior in a neoclassical style is the presence of a sufficiently large area and a ceiling height of at least 3 m.
In a small room (less than 20 m2), all the beauty and elegance of the interior will simply be lost.
The second requirement is large windows. Not necessarily modern panoramic ones, but not the small and narrow "loopholes" that are sometimes found in stalinkas.
The third requirement is the sufficient width of the room. Preferably from three and a half meters.
Furniture selection principles
With a neutral color of the walls, cabinet furniture plays the first violin in the design. Cabinets and cabinets, tables and chairs in any classic style should be made of solid wood (not pine) or veneered. Nothing can replace the natural beauty of wood. It is highly undesirable to use furniture with a plastic coating that imitates the texture of natural wood. High-tech style elements are completely unacceptable: glass tables and metal furniture, especially with shiny nickel-plated elements.
Sofas and armchairs should be simple, laconic in shape, with smooth curves, not too bulky, not pretentious.
Furniture can be quite massive on short modern legs and in a traditional classic style: compact armchairs and sofas on high wooden legs of a simple shape. Upholstery in discreet colors, it is possible to use striped furniture fabrics for traditional furniture with legs.
Color range
The classic implies discreet light colors: white, beige, gray, golden, coffee, sand, light brown. Sometimes pastel blue, salad, lemon, milky tones. Dark colors are not used. Aggressive colors are not used: red, coral, orange. Cherry - only in accents. It is not customary to decorate a classic interior in lilac-violet tones. The finishes can be used in golden color.
Floors - natural colors of wood or stone. No unnatural colors - green, blue, red.
The ceiling is traditionally white.
Finishing materials
A characteristic feature of the classic style is the absence of plastic coatings, glass countertops, metal furniture, racks and nickel-plated metal structures.
Gender
It is difficult to imagine a modern classic interior without parquet. In this style, budget linoleum, artificial laminate, and just a board, albeit from exotic woods, are out of place. Parquet should not be too dark or light straw. Only natural wood tones of medium color saturation.
A possible option is natural stone or tile. Such a coating is sometimes arranged in houses with a "warm floor" heating system. It is undesirable to use a black stone.
Walls
Luxurious Venetian plaster is quite appropriate for the walls. Painting with water-based paints is undesirable. Embossed non-woven wallpaper with painting, smooth or striped vinyl look good. There should not be any drawings, flowers, and especially large abstract graphics on the wallpaper. In no case do they use loft elements (brick walls) or textured plaster in a classic interior.
Walls are often decorated with moldings (cornices). You can use imitation columns with moderately complex stucco work at the top.
In traditional classical styles, walls were often covered with painted white panels, decorated with moldings or milling in the form of panels. Now this design is rarely used. Do not cover panels with fabrics or fabric wallpapers, especially with a pattern.
Ceiling
The ceiling in classic interiors is white - traditional painted or stretched. Stretch ceilings should be matte, in no case glossy or satin. Sometimes on the ceiling it is appropriate to place a stucco rosette under the chandelier (without gilding!)
If the ceilings have two or three tiers, they should be simple in shape, the best option is to repeat the shape of the ceiling. There should be no bright color, mirror, dark inserts, photo printing, dark canvases, Swarovski crystals. Diffused ceiling lighting or a “floating” ceiling is possible.
Decoration and lighting
Lighting fixtures play a very important role in creating a classic interior.
The presence of a chandelier and a wall lamp in neoclassical style is a must. The most traditional are chandeliers and sconces with gilded and bronze fittings. Simple painted fittings are allowed, for example, white, black. Under no circumstances should nickel-plated structures be used.
Plafonds and lampshades can be white, matte and transparent colored, closed and open. It is allowed to use crystal ceiling lamps - a very simple laconic form and from large parts, with a small number of pendants. Chandeliers assembled entirely from crystal beads and pendants are not compatible with a classic interior. Plafonds should not imitate flowers.
In a classic interior, decor plays a very important role. Modern applied delights are not used here - real paintings in beautiful frames should hang on the walls. And expensive watches. And no flowers in hanging pots.
Bronze sculptures are very welcome. And beautiful vases. But it is important not to overdo it with the quantity.
A showcase with a collection of art objects, luxurious dishes, exotic souvenirs will serve as a wonderful decoration of the classical style.
Blinds are not used in classical interiors. The best choice is a beautiful moderately complex drapery made of expensive fabric.
Conclusion
The popularity of such a style in the interior as modern classics is simply explained: this style allows you to create a modern interior “out of time”, without a clear reference to the year and decade of its creation. Refined elegance and good taste never go out of style.
Modern classic is a style for those who strive to be modern and at the same time take all the best from each era, preserve traditional values and not seem conservative.
Classic style in the interior - design features
Let's turn to the Latin root of the word "classic", namely classicus: in Russian it is translated as "first-class, exemplary". This applies to everything that has the epithet "classic": architecture, sculpture, literature, painting, music, theater and, of course, the interior - the interior decoration of palaces and aristocratic houses of the XVII-XVIII centuries.
First-class and exemplary could be only that interior, in the design of which the ancient Greek canons of beauty and harmony were used. Antiquity became the basis on which the decorators of those times relied, those who created the principles of classical design. Not just a room, but the whole house must be perfect both outside and inside. Impeccability, elegance, grace, luxury, splendor - these words express the essence of the classic style in the interior. This is the aesthetics of beauty, that which is consonant with the sense of proportion and harmony.
Photo: adastraerrans.com
Rules for decorating rooms in classic style
1. Spacious rooms and high ceilings
Classic style loves open spaces. There it unfolds in all its luxury, because it originated in the expanses of aristocratic palaces. Nevertheless, this style is available for small rooms. In this case, the main task of the designer will be a visual increase in the area of the room due to the color design and mirrors.
A bunk ceiling will only emphasize the classic style.
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Photo: cittahomes.com
The room is divided in half, and one piece of furniture and decor mirrors the other. Straight lines, clear, complete forms - everything should be geometrically verified and perfect.
Photo: blog.2019homedesign.com
3. The presence of a compositional center
A classic interior cannot do without the main subject, around which furniture and accessories are placed. There may be one such center if the room is small, or two or three. As a rule, this is a table, dining or coffee.
Photo: trtex.com
4. Expensive finishing materials
Classic prefers wood, natural fabrics and stone, precious metals, decorative plaster, textile wallpapers. All finishes should look solid and solid.
Of course, natural materials can be replaced with artificial ones, but of high quality so as not to violate the canons of style.
Photo: smalldesignideas.com
5. Discreet colors
You rarely see overtly bright colors in classic interior design. This style is characterized by white and pastel colors, as well as light gray, beige-chocolate, golden and bronze shades.
Photo: home-designing.com
6. Several light sources
The main chandelier hanging in the middle of the ceiling is not enough to fully illuminate a room in a classic style. There is an abundance of local lamps here: sconces, table lamps and even candelabra with candles.
Photo: decor30.com
7. Materials for lamps
No plastic, wood or plain glass! Only crystal, Bohemian glass, copper, bronze, gold-plated or silver-plated metal. Electric light should be reflected in thousands of facets and play with multi-colored highlights on the ceiling, walls, and furniture.
Combinations of crystal cascading pendants with textile lampshades are not uncommon.
Photo: dogler78.org
8. Quality wooden furniture
Classic recognizes only wooden furniture. But not anyhow, but carefully polished, painted, varnished or waxed, with bronze or gilded fittings. Upholstered furniture is necessarily covered with expensive materials: silk, tapestry, velvet, jacquard, suede, leather.
Photo: lifeofanotherleague.com
9. Furniture configuration
Curved legs for chairs, tables, armchairs, consoles, bedside tables, banquettes have become a sign of classic furniture. It is given out by graceful carved armrests of sofas and armchairs, richly decorated headboards, gilded moldings and carved outlines of a rectangle on the facades of cabinets.
Photo: tokomuslimku.com
10. Wall and ceiling decorations
In addition to decorative plaster and wallpaper, thematic bas-reliefs, moldings and columns look great on the walls of the room in a classic style.
On the ceiling, various types of stucco molding are required: rosettes for a chandelier, cornices and moldings. Such a relief decor gives the interior of the room an atmosphere of palace splendor.
Photo: aparumah.com
11. Fireplace in the marble portal
A fireplace is an indispensable attribute of an interior in a classic style. But it is not the presence of a fireplace that is important, but its frame, its portal. Natural stone is welcome, preferably marble, imitation of columns, complex carvings. The portal can be laconic, but not simple and is necessarily decorated with exquisite candelabra.
Photo: deshouse.wordpress.com
12. Expensive textiles
Tulle and curtains are required in all rooms. You can not replace the curtains with blinds or hang only tulle. And of course, as in the upholstery of upholstered furniture, only expensive fabrics are used here: French lace, two-layer jacquard, natural silk and satin, velvet. Textiles can be both plain and patterned, primarily with floral ornaments, monograms, and geometric patterns.
Photo: boopalinaandbebe.com
13. Paintings
Picturesque canvases in heavy carved frames are a traditional decor for the classical style. To support such a design in the interior of a modern apartment or house, the paintings must be of a certain theme. These are portraits of famous people from the times of empires and kings, and even better - stylized portraits of the owners of the house. It can also be artistic realism: rural and sea landscapes, the life of the pre-revolutionary nobility. And of course, these are biblical or mythological stories.
Photo: norwincampsite.com
14. Expensive and antique accessories
That's right: either modern, stylized, expensive, or antique, rare, expensive, or antique, restored, not very expensive, but very stylish. Vases, figurines, clocks, table and wall lamps, books bound in leather with gold embossing, antique furniture - all this will serve as the finishing touch to the interior design in a classic style, if properly selected and placed in the right place.
