STYLE FILE

COMFORTABLY SOPHISTICATED • WARM • WITH A LITTLE EDGE

You are drawn to the craftsmanship and beauty of 19th and early to mid-20th century furnishings, specifically wooden chest and tables, and have a few forever treasures. To create a cohesive, stylish space that features these but also delivers a casual, comfortable vibe and high functionality, you seek the right balance of traditional curves and modern clean lines including soft, durable seating. Likely you’ll also incorporate some custom case goods and cabinetry to help maintain the calm vibe. Here’s how.

Timeless Transitional

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BARRIE BENSON

Lean into this approach:

  • Balance and blend more formal furnishings and curvy silhouettes with contemporary clean lines 

  • Incorporate family heirlooms

  • Collect area rugs in every room, often antiques

  • Introduce modern lighting 

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SHIELA BRIDGES

SCOUT & NIMBLE

Include 2 or more:

  • High-backed arm chairs

  • A sleek sofa in leather, velvet or another rich material

  • Antique black walnut or mahogany chests, chairs, and tables

  • Original art including portraits, landscapes, and abstracts

  • China, Collected art objects

  • Informal upholstered furniture such as ottomans

  • Casual, colorful, modern accents

Consider this color philosophy:

  • Medium-to-dark woods

  • A warm white or off-white

  • Touches of jewel tones

ISABEL LOPEZ-QUESADO

THE HEIRLOOM COMPANIES

SCOUT & NIMBLE

HALLIE GOODMAN

Figure in family-friendly features:

  • Armoires for toy and game storage

  • Comfy, overstuffed seating

  • Rugged, already worn in antique rugs

HACKETT HOUSE STUDIO

How to Achieve the Look

KATIE ROSENFELD

IN A MAXIMALIST WAY:

Up the playfulness throughout the room by pairing a traditional sofa with contemporary art

Pair a midcentury chair with an oriental rug

Create business through art and multiple pops of color

RESERVE HOME

IN A MEDIUM WAY:

Make an original marble mantlepiece the anchor of your space

Balance a stuffed curvy, traditional sofa with modern side chairs.

Create a mix of new and old, drama and lightness

IN A MINIMALIST WAY:

Ground the space with a traditional antique dark wood piece

Take a modern approach to slipcovered dining chairs

Keep the background a warm white while using multiple items in brighter, lighter colors

GEORGIE STOGDON

How to Blend TIMELESS TRADITIONAL With Other Styles

With MAXIMAL BOHEMIAN

MEIKE TEN HAVE

Incorporate one or two big color statements in the room, perhaps through wallpaper or paint.

With BREEZY FARMHOUSE

NINA FARMER; DAULHAUS

Use some light upholstered seating with older pieces to achieve a lighter and less busy vibe.

With MOSTLY MODERN

HACKETT HOUSE STUDIO; MAGNOLIA

A mix of modern pieces is already a key to this style. But you could tip the balance by adding midcentury art, sidetables, light fixtures, bookshelves, or chairs.

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