What is modern classic contemporary interior design: maake explains

We explain the meaning of classic contemporary interior design and how it can make you a seasoned designer in that particular style

A modern classic contemporary interior comprises a classic, timeless office or home décor style that is created with the considered melding of traditional lines and modern nuances. It uses clean lines, focuses on function and is subtly beautiful yet chic at the same time.

This style of décor is a great choice because of its versatility and timeless quality. While trends are exciting and innovative, classic design is simpler, more enduring and uncluttered. There is no need for trends.

It’s recognisable for being effortless, with minimal elements and neutral tones. Furniture is functional, with lots of storage solutions thrown in. And textures also play an ingenious role.

For over a century, people have yearned for a contemporary style for their home, which is functional, efficient and simple at the same time. Think minimal and effortless with beautiful clean lines.

The secret to classic contemporary design

Mixing a contemporary design interior with classic pieces of furniture isn’t easy. You have to come up with the perfect ratio to get the look to work. While classic designs are elegant, timeless and reasonably predictable, modern interior design is minimalistic, space conscious and full of surprises. 

Both have a distinct look and feel and are unique in their own ways.

Combining the two takes artistry. You have to give every element its own place in the designs. 

Read on to find out how to do this…

What is a modern design interior? 

So what is classic contemporary furniture or other interior design elements? It’s unchanging, enduring and traditional. It’s something that will withstand the test of time. 

Timeless furniture pieces are often made from precious materials – exquisite woods like oak and mahogany, or marble and ceramics, copper, silver and bronze. These luxurious pieces are used with a soft, often neutral palette including grey, white and beige. 

How to create contemporary classical decor

If you want to create modern classics in interior design, take timeless style and modernise it for your home. Contemporary classic style involves mixing modern elements with classic furniture pieces. These pieces are as elegant and beautiful as timeless furniture, but stand on their own as works of art. That’s an on-trend classic interior in a nutshell.

Modernising the look of a home involves doing various different things, from adding brighter hues and bolder patterns in fabric for soft furnishings to bringing in bright shades that add a happy surprise element. 

Use avant-garde choices here, in shades, materials and styles of furniture design. That’s how you can make the modern element shine through.

Modern classic design explained

The best modern design for a house interior for a contemporary style is all about simplicity, clean lines, texture and sophistication. Spacious contemporary interior designers fill a room with modern, current furniture and accessories.

In a contemporary living or dining room, for instance, you’ll find art pieces that take your breath away, simple furnishings and fabrics in pops of colour, and crisp, clean surfaces. 

Although often considered impersonal, contemporary style is fresh and radiant. 

It’s in complete contrast to classical interior design, which shows off beautifully made pieces of furniture with incredible detail – the opposite of minimalism. 

How to create an on-trend decorating style

What are contemporary interiors designs in their refined form? It lets you reflect your own personality in your home by being able to select contemporary style home furnishings that are statement making, hand-crafted pieces. Contemporary style explore from furnishings that are statement-making. You can also play with contrast, space and light to achieve a seamless, stylish, enduring look.

The style of modern classics in house design originated from European culture. It effortlessly blends classic and contemporary design to create a unique, individual effect in a home that reflects the inhabitants’ lifestyle and personalities. 

Classic modern furniture style is a perfect blend of old and new, traditional and innovative and the neutral color palette is made more exciting with the addition of unusual hues. 

The result is a unique blend of trendy classic international design and timeless pieces as well as traditional and elegant spaces that are as innovative as they are beautiful and make living easy.

Key aspects for modern interior design

Read this carefully – and then apply to your own design ethic and create your signature look, the best indoor area possible in your home or office:

1.        Colour palette

·      The secret here is to find eye-catching hues. 

·      Keep colouring light and neutral – like shades of grey, taupe and beige. If the room has plenty of neutral light, you can opt for richer neutral tones to give a cosy effect. 

·      Texture is also important – in the paint on the wall and on the soft furnishings (curtains, carpets, cushions on sofas in the living room). Textured wallpaper is a great way to add texture, or play with panels, plaster or moulding to create your own special effect. 

For some inspiration on colour, read our guide on Colour Theory and the Color Wheel.

Then find out all about how to create perfect shades using our Atlas. And click here if you’d like to order an Atlas.

2.        Room furnishings

·      No matter what type of furniture you choose for your home, make sure to pick quality pieces that are timeless and beautiful with clean lines. 

·      The trick is in the fabrics, so make sure that you choose luxurious ones – cotton, linen, leather, velvet or a blend of these. 

·      Make sure that the fabric design remains subtle and classy. Or use piping in a contrasting shade for a very dramatic effect.

·      Avoid a large design or pattern with too many hues. In a design, choose a neutral background with subtle shades, or a solid color with a stunning texture. 

·      Remember: in a living or sleeping area, fabric patterns don’t have to match, but they do need to go together and have a soft, muted effect. So make sure to either keep a neutral palette with different patterns on the fabrics, or keep them simple by using plain shades.

·      You want the design element to be versatile, and this is easier to achieve if you choose soft, neutral hues and add accessories and furniture in different styles.

·      Keep to plain patterns where possible, to add a minimalistic touch. Then add decorative details for a décor surprise – carved wood, brass, nickel or other shiny finishes for extra effect.

3.        Lighting effects

The way you light up a room once the sun sets will give you different effects. Choose luxurious, soft, sumptuous lamps and pendant lighting that reflects beautifully and create a warm, comforting atmosphere. 

During the day, allow in plenty of natural light that shows off every element in the room – furniture, accessories, artworks, you name it.

4.        Secrets to stylish living

·      Avoid clutter with this design style. Remember: less is always more in projects. Minimalism is characterized by its modern and minimalist approach.

·      When you display items on a sideboard, book shelf or mantelpiece, group 3 to 5 items in all – no more. Display these as a group and make sure they contain various different textures, shades and lengths/heights. 

·      Add plenty of greenery, either artificial or natural greenery and branches for freshness and vitality. Beautiful blooms in a simple vase is another great addition.

·      Sure, you want beautiful artworks on the wall, but make sure the frames are just as exquisite. You can add hues and texture in the frames and change these to completely alter the décor look.

·      Carpets and rugs are cosy and warming – and cushions invite you to relax and get comfortable. So add plenty of both.

·      Even if you do use carpets, make sure the floors also have a story to tell. You can add warmth with different coloured floorboards – say light to mid-timber, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve.

·      Monochrome (black and white) is both modern and classic – so play with this in pictures and objects d’art.

5.        Windows

·      Windows are there to give light and fresh air. And you can also use them to frame the outdoors. Bringing the outdoors inside into a living or dining room is always a delight – floor to ceiling windows do this beautifully, but even if it’s a small window, it can create another dimension if you can see what’s going on outside.

·      While curtains warm up a room beautifully, you don’t want them to be the main focus. They must frame the windows without overpowering them. And they must let the light in – except when you close them.

·      Window treatments like Venetian blinds and roller blinds can give privacy and let in just a little light, depending on the room and what effect you’re trying to achieve. 

It's time to get creative

Take note of what we’ve said here, and make sure that you use fabrics in the most innovative way possible to create this stunning, simple design ethic.

To inspire you, here’s a guide on the best fabrics to use for décor and design. You can also read everything you need to know about Upholstery fabric right here.

Once you’ve read it, shop for your base fabric here from our extensive collection and then we will print a design on it for you. Our services are legenday!

And if you’d like to see what your design will look like when you print on it, make sure to order a Sample Book of our fabrics here.

You can use your own design, or browse our extensive Design Library to see what independent designers hae created. Or, if you prefer, why not create your own design? 

Do you have a small design business? If so, why not subscribe to maakeAcademy for great advice and coaching on how to be a success.