Classic contemporary style interiors are known for their curated, minimal, and uncluttered design. This sophisticated and timeless aesthetic combines handcrafted, quality-made pieces with deliberate use of color and texture, as well as meticulous attention to detail. If you're looking to transform your home into a classic contemporary haven, here are our top 10 design tips.
Classic Contemporary Color Palette
The classic contemporary color palette features soft and tonal neutrals. Calming shades of whites, ivories, oysters, tans, taupes, and soft grays set the foundation for this style. Complementary colors such as olive, celadon, or emerald greens, pastel sky and navy blues, soft pinks, mauve, and gleaming metallic accents can be introduced for depth. Rich browns, natural woods, and black are used to ground and define the space.
Photo Source: Louise Bradley
Transform Your Existing Look
One of the great aspects of classic contemporary style is its versatility. You can easily repurpose your existing furniture and decor by updating them with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®. This allows you to effortlessly achieve the classic contemporary look you desire.
Photo Source: Louise Bradley
Classic Contemporary Style Architecture
While classic contemporary interiors can be adapted to various architectural styles, they harmonize particularly well with Georgian, Federal, and English Neo-Classical styles. Balance, symmetry, and proportion are key elements of contemporary architecture. Paneled ceilings, pilasters, skirtings, cornices, and classic wall moldings showcase an appreciation for classical architectural details.
Photo Source: Architectural Digest
Classic Contemporary Style Flooring
Flooring choices in classic contemporary interiors prioritize warmth, luxury, and comfort. Wall-to-wall wool-blend carpets can be used in living spaces and bedrooms. Bare timber floorboards, wide-plank oak flooring, and durable blond floor planks offer a classic look and are seen throughout the home. Bathrooms feature glossy ceramic, marble, or porcelain tiles that seamlessly integrate with the overall aesthetic. Layering Persian and bespoke two-tone wool rugs adds color, texture, and warmth underfoot.
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home and Waida Associates
Classic Contemporary Style Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood in classic contemporary interiors. For ambient lighting, consider track and recessed lighting with dimmer switches. Pendant lighting crafted from bronze, brass, and nickel with glass, metal, or parchment shades can be used in entryways, kitchen islands, and formal dining spaces. Ornate decorative chandeliers and hand-blown crystal glass drop pendants add elegance and glamour.
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Classic Contemporary Style Window Treatments
Window treatments in classic contemporary interiors are elegant and functional. Quality-lined neutral silk or linen curtains are popular throughout the home, while sheer white pleated curtains offer a diffused lighting effect in bathrooms. Heavy blackout drapes or blinds can be installed in bedrooms for a luxurious and sumptuous feel. Mounting curtains or blinds at ceiling height draws the eye up and creates the illusion of higher ceilings.
Photo Source: Architectural Digest
Classic Contemporary Style Furniture
Furniture in classic contemporary interiors is elegant, bespoke, and showcases a "new-old approach." Each room features a few unique pieces that are quality-made, handcrafted, and exhibit clean lines and an array of finishes and textures. Classic-shaped occasional furniture can take on a contemporary look with a matte black or lacquered finish. Traditional brown furniture can be juxtaposed with gilt glass or marble top coffee tables for added interest. Upholstered armchairs, sofas, chaise lounges, studded ottomans, and footstools create a calming and soothing environment.
Photo Source: Victoria Hagan
Classic Contemporary Style Texture and Materials
Texture and materials play an essential role in achieving the classic contemporary style. Tailored soft furnishings made from natural linen blends, cotton, wool, cashmere, sumptuous silks, and velvets add warmth and invite comfort. Decorative cushions, throws, bedding, and table linens provide muted pops of color and visual interest. Natural materials like rich mahogany, light-washed oak, stone, marble, opaque or clear glass, and mixed metals are incorporated throughout the home.
Photo Source: Louise Bradley
Classic Contemporary Style Artwork & Mirrors
Artwork and mirrors enhance the visual appeal of classic contemporary interiors. Contemporary framed abstract works, monochromatic art, and black and white photography add dimension and personality to the space. Mirrors, which are typically round, arched, or rectangular in shape, can be framed with delicate lime wash beading or gilt-painted iron for a touch of elegance. Combining contemporary artwork and sculptures with ornate gilt and antique brass mirrors creates an intriguing contrast.
Classic Contemporary Style Home Decor
Classic contemporary homes focus on space and architectural details rather than excessive collections. To achieve a curated feel, carefully select a few decorative accessories to display on bookshelves, sideboards, or coffee tables. Consider glass domes, metallic trays, picture frames, pewter barware, hammered brass candlesticks, handcrafted ceramics, and glass vases for lustre. Eye-catching decorative figurines, leather trays or boxes with metallic accents, rattan decor, and coffee table books can add personality.
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Classic Contemporary Style Living Energy
Indoor greenery adds a touch of life and freshness to classic contemporary interiors. Incorporate large and dramatic plants like fiddle leaf figs or ficus Audrey in empty corners. Slender orchids, hydrangeas, tulips, calla lilies, carnations, and roses can be positioned on coffee tables, hall tables, bedsides, and bathrooms for a soft and glamorous touch.
