STYLE FILE

CLASSIC • SLEEK • DRAMATIC

Classic pieces with clean lines, sharp angles, and natural materials appeal most to you. Touches of color are important but not dominant. You tend to blend a mostly midcentury vibe with a mix of new and older elements including wood tables and chests, luxe fabrics, and refined finishes and fixtures. Here’s how.

Mostly Modern

PIERCE AND WARD

WORKSTEAD; MEIKE TEN HAVE; MATTHEW WILLIAMS

Lean in to this approach:

  • Strong, solid pieces

  • Mostly natural materials

  • A foundation of woods, browns, and black with color features

  • Bold shapes and silhouettes

  • Often simultaneously bold and neutral

CARLOS DAVID STUDIO

AMY NEUSINGER

Include 2 or more :

  • Wood tables, cases, accents, floors, and paneling

  • Open shelving with neatly displayed pieces

  • Leather seating

  • Statement pieces in woodwork, chairs, lighting or art

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HERRICK DESIGN GROUP

REATH DESIGN

Consider this color philosophy:

Black, white, brown, and metal neutrals pairs with strong often bright color

CLEMENTS DESIGN

Figure in family-friendly features:

Bold, sturdy design is inherent to this style

Functionality including storage is easily achieved

Durable fabrics are the norm

ZOE FELDMAN

How to Achieve the Look

PHOTO: OWEN GALE / HOUSE&GARDEN

IN A MAXIMALIST WAY:

Feature multiple bold color statements.

Use strong lines in windows, doors, ceiling angles and framing.

Make every view — through an opening, window, overlook, hallway, a thoughtful perspective of the interior or exterior.

IN A MEDIUM WAY:

Lean into natural materials more than in other styles.

Think exposed rock walls, concrete or terrazzo flooring, wood cabinetry, and wood or metal-framed furnishings.

JENNY YOLO

STYLINGHERLIFE.COM

IN A MINIMALIST WAY:

Use crafted seating, and modern-style lighting but in a more delicate approach.

Add some whimsy and romance to take a softer, more feminine approach.

How to Blend MOSTLY MODERN With Other Styles

With Breezy Farmhouse

Incorporate one non-neutral color in a significant way. 

  • Anchor all the color and pattern with a classic neutral, perhaps in a sofa

  • Use black as your primary accent color

  • Opt for a rug in a muted tone

MIEKE TEN HAVE; BARRIE BENSON

With Timeless Transitional

NINA FARMER; CLEMENTS DESIGN

Color is fundamental to both styles, but try:

  • Working with rimary colors

  • Using more right angles than curves

  • Incorporate larger pieces rather than a busy, collected look

With Maximal Bohemian

ZOE FELDMAN; BARRIE BENSON

Bring in a warm, genteel edge to all the playfulness.

  • Keep to darker woods for chests or shelving

  • Layer in more traditional pieces of art such as landscapes

  • Strategically place some more decorative and feminie lamps or other touches

RESOURCES

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