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Classic vs. Modern Classic : What's the difference.

Classical Design : Know it

Classical home designs are inspired by 18th and 19th-century European décor. It is a timeless style that exemplifies elegance and comfort. The Classical home is perfect for those who love antiques, classic art pieces, symmetry and other design elements that are rich with history.



The term ‘Classical’ is vague. It doesn’t speak of any era or a specific period. If something is ‘Classical’, then it comes from ‘tradition’ which is a transmission of customs or beliefs through time. Similarly, Classical Interior Design is a timeless interior design style that takes inspiration from design elements in the 18th and 19th Centuries.



While many people associate Classical with boring and predictable, with creative inputs taken from over two centuries, the Classical style of home décor is not always dull. While you might not get the eccentricity or wild-ness in a Classical home, consistency and symmetry play a huge role in creating an ideal Classical interior design style living space. It juxtaposes design elements from the past with modern décor and creates a unique living experience. Imagine a sophisticated spin on the 18th/19th Century European décor. The Classical style is usually preferred by homeowners who appreciate history, timeless art, symmetry, and antiques.


Notable features of Classical design style

· The Classical interior design ideas work towards building a home that is warm, rich, and inviting.

· Since it spans two centuries, you have a lot to play around with to create a home that is unique and resonates with your personality.

· With familiarity being the undertone of this design style, it finds an appeal with people of almost all ages.

· Unlike the popular belief of Classical being boring, most Classical homes have extraordinary pries of art discovered by homeowners with an adventurous tale behind them.

· The core themes of a Classical style are symmetry and vibrancy.

· The Classical decorating style uses textiles that are rich. The interior designer uses them to add classic colors and patterns to the living room.

· Talking about ornamentation and accessories, the Classical design includes some mesmerizing vignettes of goods of the best quality and design.

· Window treatments and their coverings in a Classical home offer a grown-up appeal and elegance. Imagine neutral-colored draperies that extend from the ceiling to the floor and beautiful velvet curtains to bejewel them. Windows in a Classical style home are never bare.

· A Classical dining room usually radiates sophistication and polish. A little old school in approach, these are a major feature in a Classical home.

· Most Classical homes have clean and straight lines with practical and timeless furnishings. Some Classical design elements used by most people are a China cabinet, inlaid wood, a handsome buffet, fixtures and decorative pieces made of crystal, polished silver, etc. These elements come together to create a Classical living room that does allow the eyes to stop roving.

· In a Classical home, fabrics are chosen carefully too. They cannot be too textured or shiny. Some commonly used ones are plain colors, mild striped, geometrics, florals, and small all-over patterns, etc.


Modern Design : An in-depth Guide

The term “modern home design” typically refers to a very distinctive architectural style of home that was built from the early 1900s to the 1950s. Contemporary architecture and design mean “the style of the moment.” It much harder to define because it’s always changing and is influenced by and borrows from the styles that came before. In interior design, the term ‘modern’ means something more specific than how we use it in regular conversations.


The Modern Interior Design style was a movement that evolved at the turn of the twentieth century. Many people confuse the modern design style with the contemporary interior design style. While the contemporary style is about the here and now, the modern style refers to a specific era. In Modern Interior Design, you use neutral or earthy colors, natural materials, and avoid any unnecessary detailing. This style has its roots in German and Scandinavian design and architecture.



Throughout the first half of the 20th Century, the modern design style grew in popularity in the world. Eventually, it got divided into two styles – mid-century modern and post-modern styles. The modern style popularized the design theme of ‘form follows function’. In simpler terms, this style refers to using furnishings and decor that fulfill a practical purpose. The modern style focuses on creating simple and clutter-free homes. It has clean lines and no unnecessary adornments.


Where traditional homes are adorned with elegant details, modern homes strip away the frills to let the basic structure speak for itself. Original traditional style homes (those built in the 19th and early 20th century) are mainly found in city centres and long-established neighbourhoods. However, many newly-built homes are designed to imitate traditional home designs and construction. While these homes may appear traditional, they often incorporate more modern materials and interior design sensibilities.


Notable features of modern decorating style

· It’s easy to identify a modern style home by looking at well-defined lines, a natural color palette, and simple use of décor. · Modern design styling is more about practicality and logic. Hence, the sculptures and prints used for decorating the house are expressive with unexpected forms. · Some modern home interiors can seem abstract. This is because the focus of the interior designer is on function instead of form. Also, the designer uses opposing vertical and horizontal lines of furniture, steps, and columns. · Modern designers adopt minimalism while balancing occupied and empty spaces. The philosophy followed is ‘less is more’. · Another striking feature of a modern home is big window panes with minimalist dressing. The idea is to allow as much natural light inside the living room as possible. · All visible areas like walls, mantels, tabletop, etc. are de-cluttered. · Décor designs and furniture have strong lines – both horizontal and vertical. Some houses might have cylindrical columns. However, they form clear vertical lines and highlight the use of reinforced concrete. · Open floor plans are important for modern homes. A modern kitchen and open spaces in the dining room remove the need for unnecessary walls. This allows for a free flow of air in the house. · The modern design uses natural materials like metals, unpainted wood, natural fibers, and leather with a natural or neutral color palette. You can use cowhide to create an interesting focal point in a simple living room. · In a nutshell, modern interior design style is all about being simple without flashy adornments, color tones that are earthy and natural materials.







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