Home Architecture Talk

Would a house that is mainly modern and contemporary in architecture work with a decor that is either?

...that is either mostly elcectic or entirely vintage-inspired? I'm just curious because anytime I see a contemporary room I see mostly contemporary decor to go with it. I'm not into contemporary decor, however, I love really antique, vintage decor - but from different eras. I'm not sure why. I've always loved the clean lines of an extremely modern looking home, but contemporary furniture always comes off as really uncomfortable and cold. Thanks to anyone that responds :) I promise to pick a best answer No no, I loved your rambling! Lol that was great! I think that gives me a better idea of what I would want to go for...

Public Comments

1. As a design student in Landscape architecture, I see no reason why you couldnt make this work I many times in my designs combine the old with the new in ways which have worked both well and not so well. You simply have to pick you aproach and go with it to make it exactly what you want. Try useing a more clean lined/ less cluttered arrangment of the furniture to compliment the clean lines of the house, and give the room unity through form. I dont know how modern your house is but try to think about the balance of the room with flow which way is the flow of traffic pushed? use the furnitur to exagerate this flow if thats what your going for or to halt the flow and creat a more stattic space. I talk about flow because in modern architecture with its simple lines each line is key in directing movment of the eye and traffic. One approach i use alot to review my own work is simply to take a picture of the project when i think im done, step away from it for a short time and then look at the photo or photos, this seems to disconect me from the project and give me a more objective look. sorry i just rambled its probably all one sentance. Adam Mekies, Undergraduate Landscape Architecture, Iowa State University.
2. I think that Adam has a lot to offer in his answer. I would add that your choice of color and fabric can make a difference in having it work. Contemporary spaces work well with strong color (strong color balances the strong lines), so you may want to have stronger color statements in your look. Bold designs in fabric can also make a difference. I've seen some fun juxtapositions of classic furniture upholstered in bold fabrics that make a strong impression. I think fun is a key word here. I often find that when blending styles, a sense of whimsy, playfulness, and creative thinking goes a long way. I think you need to tap into your sense of humor quite a bit when mixing with contemporary architecture. Examples that I could find on the web: Here is a furniture company that creates a contemporary feel by pushing classic lines to the edge, probably not what you have in mind, but its a good example of playful and bold: https://www.brocadehome.com/ Also, having a few transitional pieces or contemporary pieces mixed in is a great connector. Pottery Barn is a good example of this mixed approach. Their stuff can look good in many settings, classic and contemporary. http://www.potterybarn.com/stylehouse/decorate/rooms-for-real/ Here is a good article on mixing antiques with modern...with different opinions. Notice the photo shows some strong color to create a bold statement: http://blog.nola.com/stephaniestokes/2008/08/artfully_mix_antique_furniture.html One of my favorite vintage looks that work in many contemporary surroundings is from the 1940's called the Hollywood Regency look which can be dramatic, colorful, oversized, luxurious, bold and fun: http://www.zimbio.com/Hollywood+Regency+Bedroom I hope that something in all this is helpful. Happy Decorating!
3. Creating a common theme can go a long way towards setting the tone and "architectural style" for the inside of your home. Reproduction knobs and pulls can be used throughout different rooms and contemporary door knob sets can be replaced with beautiful glass or solid brass door knobs sets as well. Adding these small touches will help to tie the look together for you. A great source for antique reproduction hardware is LookInTheAttic & Company. They offer a wide selection of beautiful door hardware, window hardware, cabinet knobs and pulls in several designs.