We love to combine old with new in Las Vegas homes. There’s something really
homely about things that tell a story of the past. Perhaps, it’s the memories of the person who gave it to you… or the place it came from.
Now, we’re not talking about creating an antique shop in your home (that would be impractical, anyway). We mean marrying old with new in just the right proportions.
And that’s the thing about interior design. No hard and fast rules—it’s only about having fun with what you’re doing 😁
What we mean to say is, if you love traditional and modern design styles, you can combine them! The end result is a beautiful modern classic interior.
Keep reading to learn all about combining modern and classic design elements in Las Vegas Luxury Interior Design 🤍
Combine Different Materials
This one’s a foolproof way to achieve the purpose. For example, in a kitchen remodel, you can combine a natural stone kitchen island (for that traditional vibe) with a metallic kitchen hood (the ultimate contemporary addition).
Similarly, in the living room, a wooden slat wall can factor in traditional touches—while a glass-top coffee table can easily balance it out with equal parts modern design.
We especially vouch for this method because it very subtly achieves the purpose. The end result is a space that intricately balances modern and classic—but without making a statement in either design style.
Use Crown Moldings for the Ceilings
There was once a time when crown moldings were only meant for traditional interiors. They would add this grand feeling to the space. Using them all across the walls and ceilings would give a similar feeling today. But when you use crown moldings only for the ceilings, the case is different.
In modern homes, crown moldings for the ceilings are creating a fresh look. They add a minimal classic touch (all while hiding flaws where the walls meet the ceilings).
As an interior designer, we never hesitate to add some crown moldings when our clients vouch for both modern and classic styles—and, most importantly, love to add some opulence to their space.
Build From a Neutral Color Palette
Mixing modern and classic design elements is easier when you start with a neutral color palette. Think shades of white, gray, and beige taking up a major chunk of visual estate in your interior. A neutral color palette provides a blank canvas—and this lets you mix and match different pieces with much more freedom. See the next section for more on this.
Mix Furniture Styles
If you’re looking for the easy way out, this is it. Pick up a traditional sofa (like a Chesterfield, if you want to splurge) and two modern velvet-covered armchairs. Or vice versa: a sleek L-shaped sectional with classic accent chairs.
Likewise, in the dining room, use white walls throughout for a modern feeling. Complement this with a wooden dining table in the center of the space to add a classic vibe.
… Or Complement One Furniture Style with Contrasting Accents
Let’s say you stick to the classic design style for the furniture. No problem! (That is, in fact, a safe approach to choose so things don’t appear disjointed). Now, you can complement this with modern accents.
We’re talking abstract art prints on the walls and geometric rugs. Streamlined lighting fixtures will also make for a good addition.
Bridge the Gap with Lighting Fixtures
There are two ways you can choose from here.
- Add a traditional fixture—such as a classic chandelier—in a modern interior. Or vice versa. (Think modern wall sconces flanking a traditional mirror).
- Choose fixtures that combine modern and classic design elements. For example, a classic chandelier with modern finishes. This palm chandelier can help illustrate what we mean.
Always Prioritize Clean Lines
One thing we often hear our clients say is that they’re afraid of creating a disjointed (or cluttered) space when they mix modern and classic design styles—or, in fact, any two contrasting styles. We always recommend one tip in this scenario: stick to minimalism and let a few pieces make their statement.
A sleek interior with clean lines, for example, sets the base for any (and every!) type of design scene. This lets your show-stoppers take center stage.
Choose Accent Pieces
It’s always a good idea to use some show-stoppers when combining styles. For example, a grand antique mirror highlighted with accent lighting. Or perhaps a crystal chandelier stealing all attention. A modern art piece with bold colors would achieve quite the same purpose. These pieces anchor the room together.
As you do so, you want to keep supporting pieces understated. For example, if you’re going for a dramatic classic chandelier, keep the dining table minimal and modern. Or if an oversized sofa is your star, a vintage rug underneath can create a beautiful balance.
Keep the Balance Right
Remember, too much of one style can overshadow the other, so keep the proportions even. Think of it like a recipe—a dash of this, a pinch of that… until it tastes just right 😁
In that regard, scale plays a big role. In Las Vegas, we often see more the modern style a lot more than the classic. But, even then, the (very few) classic pieces have a substantial presence! You’d better understand by imagining a massive brown Chesterfield placed next to a sleek gray sofa.
This means you want to place larger traditional items more sparingly. Surrounding them with lighter and more modern furnishings can help keep that balance right.
Give Traditional Patterns a Modern Touch
Florals and toile aren’t just for your grandma’s home, trust us. You can give them a modern twist in your space, too. You can implement these traditional patterns in a modern way. For example, that floral pattern on your grandma’s couch can make its way as wallpaper onto an accent wall of your home. Keep it in a dusk color palette—and you’ll see how it alone blends together both design styles. Alternatively, you can upholster a modern chair in toile fabric.
Final Words
Above all else, your modern-classic Las Vegas home should look yours 😉 So, use our tips as a starting point. And feel free to come up with your own creative ideas.
If you need a hand with interior design—we’re just a message away 🤍
