Wow... its been a week since I last posted, but as promised I'm back with another post in my series Elements of Classic Design. Last week, I mentioned I was going to discuss choosing a sofa but I've decided to back up a little bit and lay a little more groundwork first. In my
last post I also mentioned that I like to create rooms that are classic. I do this because many of us don't have the time or resources to redecorate our space when the trends change and suddenly that once awesome floral sofa somehow just doesn't seem as....well,......awesome. However, in this post I want to show you how to design your space so that it has a timeless feel and therefore has the flexibility necessary to make inexpensive changes that really change the look and feel of the space whenever the urge hits. And, the best way for me to show you this is through pictures.
Oh, one other thing that I have not discussed yet but will in a later post is the importance of interior architecture and how it relates to achieving a successful classic design. By interior architecture, I mean the bones or walls of your space and what "architectural" elements are going on in the room. Interior architecture really sets the backdrop and tone for any space and without some interesting details like molding, bookshelves, or a fireplace a space can feel really flat even if your furnishings are great. But don't worry, not everyone has high ceilings, and beautiful moldings so I'll talk later about ways you can add these types of details.......oh, and without moving houses.
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| This living room by Rita Konig features an antique sofa that she had reupholstered in a neutral fabric. She gives the room personality by using colorful artwork, throw pillows in trendy patterns, and colorful accessories on her classic shaped coffee table. Think how easily you could change these items to reflect your pesonality. You can do this inexpensivly by shopping thrift stores and flea markets and would have an entirely different look while still keeping the major pieces of furniture. |
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| Not all of your major piece need to be tan or white. A navy velvet chair is still a neutral color and goes with virtually every color in the rainbow. The key to having accent chairs in a color other than cream is to choose wisely and select a color that still works as a neutral. Those gold pillows could easily be green or lavender or any other color for that matter. |
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| This space is a combination of black+cream+white and some small pops of color throughout. When you think of classic design it doesn't necessarily mean that all the furniture pieces must be traditional. This space mixes a traditional sofa with some contemporary barcelona chairs and eames lounge. They have kept the space classic and flexible by using neutral colors on the major pieces. Again, if you tire of contemporary art above the fireplace it could easily be changed to a more traditional oil painting and the lamps could change from traditional to more contemporary styles all without changing any of the chairs, sofa, or tables because these pieces are classic and never go out of style. |
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| This dining room is all traditional classic until you come to the chairs. What a great way to "update" a traditional dining room and make it fresh and a bit younger feeling. |
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| Wallcoverings are a great way to add flair to a classic arrangment in a foyer and are also easily changed once you've grown tired of them. The chest, lamps, art, and chair are all classic pieces but image how you could change the feel of this foyer by switching out the lampshades for a punch of color and the chair could easily be reupholstered in a print or patent leather for even more drama. |
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| Another room with great classic pieces that can eaily be transformed with printed draperies, pillows, and art. |
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| I love this space. It combines a fantastic mix of traditional, contemporary, and ethnic pieces. The artwork and the gold tables, add some punch to the space and could be switched out for something different. |
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| Neutral, classic, and relaxed this space has lots of options for making changes. Seasonally, you could use brighter pastels in spring, orange & browns in fall, and blues and creames in winter. So many possibilities! |
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| Look how this spaces uses collections, and accessories to create it personality. Take away all the "stuff" and your left with a clean pallette to take wherever you wish. |
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Another way to use a wallcovering to give a classic room some punch. Take down the wallcovering and your ready for some colorful art or bright pillows.
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Next Friday I'll be discussing interior architecture and how to get some if you don't have some :) Have a great weekend!
xoxo,
christina marie
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