Home renovation: Can a modern style work in my traditional home?

Living in the northeast, in particular New Jersey, we have predominately traditional homes, such as colonials, cape cods and ranches. Typically these homes are decorated in a traditional style to match the house, but during a renovation, this is the time to perhaps change things up style-wise.

I can say, I don’t see many modern designs in too many homes, which I find interesting. I don’t know whether this is just a “big city” thing, or people tend to be more conservative when it comes to interior design. I personally don’t tend towards the modern, but I do appreciate it when I see it. Maybe it’s because I can enjoy it without actually having to take the bold step to put it in my own home.

For those of you who are too cautious there is always the ‘transitional’ look that is thrown around by the furnishing industry. This is really an updated look on traditional furniture. Sort of like training wheels for the contemporary style if you will. It’ a great look with cleaner lines with just enough traditional details to stay within your design comfort zone.

For those that are a little bolder, the contemporary look can used in closed off single rooms, such as an office, or closets. These are perfect for giving you a chance to mix it up with your unique style. A bedroom, or a closet are also prime spaces to make your style come alive. These rooms are not part of the main living area so it affords the opportunity to do something different.

So, if you have a walk-in closet in your home renovation plans, and you lean towards a modern flair, then the closet is the perfect place to scratch that itch without worrying about clashing design styles. If you are lucky enough to have plans for his and her closets, then the world is your oyster, go all out on whatever design style floats your boat.

A home office is another room which can take on a different design look as they are usually cordoned off with a door for privacy. Though traditional raised panels with dark wood look great in an office, and it’s a look we all have seen with those rich mahogany paneled walls in the movies, this may be a space you spend quite a bit of time, so make it you own. A clean, lighter colored contemporary style may better suit your taste, so spread your design wings, and look into options which reflect how you want your office space designed. A different style from the main living area also lets you know your “at work” and can put you in that mindset. When looking cabinetry styles, it may be just adding modern or contemporary hardware will give you the look you’re after. It’s sometimes the subtle cues which make all the difference.

So, with all the people gathering in the kitchen, it can never be too big. With kitchen’s being the big reason people either like or dislike a home, it’s not the best place to go too far off the beaten path design-wise. Unless you plan on living in the home forever, it’s best to stay with more mainstream design aesthetics in the kitchen. That’s not to say it needs to be plain vanilla with no sprinkles, far from it. A good kitchen designer goes a long way in helping you through the myriad of choices that go into a great design. I will do a whole article in the future on just this topic, so stay tuned.

So modern styles can get along in traditional homes, and give you the best of both worlds. Don’t feel handcuffed in what will and will not work. If you feel stuck in how to proceed, and you can’t afford an interior designer, than lean on the furniture or curtain stores to guide you through the process in creating a home that may be traditional, but has a modern feel to it. Good luck.