Corrine

Veer away from all-neutral Scandinavian interiors by embracing colours to invigorate and add fresh perspectives to this favoured interior style. While keeping to the essence of a Scandinavian interior – characterised by a light, airy look – this home gives nod to modern living as brighter, fresher hues come into play.

 

Colours enliven Scandi-associated neutrals

Awash in a reigning white – a colour that is core of Scandinavian interior design – the living room provides a clean base to build on. Here, colours, textures and patterns convene through pieces gorgeously put together. A blue sofa, for instance, is complemented with pops of yellow on fabrics and textiles to inject vibrancy to the home – disrupting the vision of Scandi-inspired homes we are familiar with.

Windows are not dressed with curtains or blinds, so that natural light can stream in to create a light-filled interior. True to a Nordic-inspired home, expanses of wood beautifully contrast the reigning white, lending visual warmth and tonal depth.

 

 

The dining area is a casual set-up with banquette seating on one side. Through the use of artwork and a patterned fabric, the space feels personalised and inviting.

Furniture leans towards simplistic forms, showcasing simple straight lines combined with understated curves or ornateness – influencing the space with an atmosphere of calm. Attention is paid to style-appropriate accessorising to give the space personality. This look is completed with dark green foliage.

 

The en-suite bedroom echoes the same theme, using neutrals as a backdrop, and enriched with pockets of colours. Patterns on rugs and textures on fabrics converge to give this space a layered, cosy vibe, giving one a welcoming feel that is at once relaxing.

 

 

In the study, ample use of white lends a clean, crisp design that bounces light. Designs denote a clean-lined simplicity, with conscious accessorising to elevate the space. Similarly, the walk-in wardrobe, dressed predominantly in white to conjure an easy elegance, is enlivened with a faux fur rug that adds appeal and warmth.

Essentially, this home is rooted in a Scandinavian style with its alternating white and wood styling, but doused in accent colours and accessories to anchor the space.

We love a home overflowing with traditional interest, yet revealing of subtle modern nuances to give the interior an eclectic appeal. The key is balancing the old and new so that the home does not come across as aged and dated, but imbued with the right amount of vintage-inspired details to seal an ageless classic charm.

In this home, all-important details lend a quintessential beauty to seal an effect that is quite ethereal. Awash in light blue, the interior exudes a soothing calm that does not overwhelm or take the attention away from the many elements in it.

 

 

In the living area, a classic-looking tufted Chesterfield sofa takes centre stage to help cement a traditional design direction. This look is, however, given a twist, when combined with modern pieces to reveal a well-calibrated décor. A patterned carpet adds to the palette, also converging all the hues in the house in one place. It is also instrumental in serving as a visual anchor.

An eclectic approach ties in different colours, textures and materials to create a unified narration. When done right, this mix creates a space brimming with character and personality – as in the case of this home. The designer embraces decorative finishes, opting for a large ornate chandelier that adds height and scale to the room. Furniture is kept purposefully low-slung so that the rooms also appear taller and grander.

 

 

Throughout, the interior is enlivened with a few gold touches. Colour features pop out in abstract artwork and bold-patterned throw pillows.

The dining area has fewer colours, but accented with gold-coloured pendant lights that mirror the use of metallic elements in the house to create visual flow. Chairs appear haphazardly put together, but yet consistent in style and complementing one another elegantly.

 

 

The visually-warming effect of wood tones makes for a very inviting interior. A herringbone-effect sideboard, for instance, lends a wondrous striped effect, offering interest to the length of the room.

 

 

This look is continued in the bedroom, styled to portray an English-inspired charm. Here, the designer amplifies calming neutrals with textures and patterns, adding style-appropriate accessorising to denote a gorgeous blend of refined and eclectic. This home leaves us truly inspired to pile up on classic elements to conjure a home imbued with history.

Grey is the ubiquitous go-to colour in many homes. But for the bold and adventurous, there are other colours to turn to; some not as conservative as the all-too familiar greys. If you need some colour inspiration for your living space, look no further than the suggestions below.

 

Dark green

A deep, dark green is rich and statement-making. It works beautifully with neutral tones such as cream, beige or grey. This moody hue also works beautifully with touches of brass or gold to create an intimate, luxe look that is sophisticated and totally grown-up. Needless to say, this surprisingly versatile colour looks good with monochromes to conjure a sharp, chic profile that screams modern sophistry.

 

Misty blue

This subdued blue, with a grey undertone, is easy on the eye. This oceanic tone creates an ambience that is calm and collected, complements many materials and textures, and perfect for just about every room in the house. It is the colour to choose if you still adore grey, but want something slightly differentiated. Apply this colour on cabinets or walls, and pair with brass accents and muted glow to create a tailored look for both traditional and modern décor.

 

Clay

This nature-inspired warm neutral lends a warm zest that invigorates. It makes for a good backdrop for brighter, stronger colours that pay tribute to a mid-century style. Apply it on every wall of a room to conjure warmth and drama. If you prefer a look that is more understated, opt for a more muted tone to be applied on a feature wall.

 

Blush

This colour is all the rage, and a fresher replacement for the familiar grey. The spectrum ranges from a light blush that reads somewhere between peach and pink, a dusty pink that veers more towards pink but still gender-neutral, to a vivid pink that has more intensity. It is the perfect shade to soften the space, and pairs well with muted earth tones and blue to create a style-centric interior.

 

Mint

This delicate hue lends a sense of airiness, as well as softens a room. Stepping into a room dressed in mint green takes us back to nature – instantly revitalises and soothes like a breadth of fresh air. Here, mint is paired with a blush tone to create a light-as-air elegance.

 

Yellow

Yellow is warm, earthy and inviting. It is a colour that works well with glam interiors, as well as a laid-back, chic pad. Its sunny disposition makes one feel wrapped in an eternal sunshine – hopeful and secure.

 

Coral

This is a stand-out colour that truly makes an impression when used in a space. It is a comforting colour that is warm and stylish – complementing blue, grey and green beautifully to evoke global appeal.

When space is a premium in shrinking houses, the notion of an open-concept kitchen becomes a worthy solution to create a sense of spaciousness. In fact, such is the popularity of an open floor plan that Housing and Development Board (HDB) has been building Built-to-Order (BTO) units that come with open kitchen layouts as of last year, but if desired, homeowners can create partition walls to create an enclosed space.

But just because it is a trend, it does not mean that you have to follow. In a tight home, an open-concept kitchen can mean a visually bigger and multi-functional living space. But it can also affect privacy of loved ones in an adjacent space. Essentially, you’ll need to consider the lifestyle of you and your family. Here, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of an open-concept kitchen to give you fresh perspectives for your next renovation endeavour.

 

Do you like to entertain?

With an open-concept kitchen, you effectively have an open floor plan linking your kitchen to the living and dining areas to create a bigger and airier social space. This connectivity promotes a flow that makes it great for entertaining. In such social gatherings, the kitchen is then one place where guests gravitate towards – your kitchen then becomes a focal point and social nucleus. Having an open-concept kitchen allows you to fully engage in dialogue with everyone while you busy away in the kitchen. Having said that, some of us prefer to prep and cook away from others’ gaze. So what’s your preference?

 

What you can do

If your space permits – assuming it is not too small – explore carving out separate dry and wet kitchens, with the latter behind closed doors. This way, the dry kitchen is for light food prepping while you interact with guests, while the heavy-duty cooking takes place behind the scene – away from prying eyes.

 

How much privacy do you need?

An open-concept kitchen might work out to be more functional for you if you have young kids you want to keep a watchful eye on. Even while preparing meals, you can have full sight of your little one playing in the living room. Likewise, you’ll also know if he or she starts exploring in your kitchen for who knows what. Then again, some might feel that an open-concept kitchen will expose their kids to hot and dangerous appliances. For them, they much rather close off the space fully. Again, this depends on personal preference. It is all about tailoring a living space that is most functional and livable.

 

How much of a cook are you?

Are you the home-cook enthusiast who is always whipping up something every other day? Or are you always cooking with pungent spices? Without walls to separate your kitchen, cooking smells will permeate your entire living space. There is also no barrier to noise, which means that the din in the kitchen can be distracting to family members. But if you’re a light cook, then this would not pose much of a problem at all.

 

Do you clutter?

A spotless, clutter-free kitchen is visually pleasing – a cluttered one isn’t. You obviously can’t expect your real, live-in kitchen to be as impeccable as a showroom, but if organisation is not exactly your forte, and you tend to leave a trail of visual clutter wherever you go, an open-concept kitchen might be more visually disturbing than pleasing for you and your visitors. Understandably, an open-concept kitchen is also more high-maintenance. You’re probably feel a greater need to give every inch a good clean so that dirty dishes don’t lie in your line of sight even when you’re lounging in the living area.

 

Whether you’re going for a full open-concept living, or an in-between solution, it pays to consider not just the aesthetics, to ensure visual flow throughout, but also the functionality of the space, to ensure you have an efficient layout. Essentially, your home design should be planned around your family’s needs and wants.

Have you been neglecting your balcony? Are you waiting to bring it to life again but just don’t know how? Do not waste precious floor space when you can live bigger. Here, we’ve put together some ways to make this area of your home completely functional and irresistible.

 

Alfresco dining

Bring in a table and chairs to turn your balcony into an area for alfresco dining. Complete your balcony with a ceiling fan and style-appropriate retractable awning to make it a great outdoor dining spot be it rain or shine. If possible, opt for smaller pieces of furniture to allow more movement and flexibility.

 

Extension of your room

Your balcony can be the extension of your living room or bedroom. Instead of demarcating the entire area into two, create visual continuity by using the same flooring throughout. Even if the flooring is different, maintain the same colour scheme or style in the balcony and room to create a seamless transition where the boundary blurs. Design a set-up that echoes the style inside, as well as throw cushions or an outdoor rug of the same colour or pattern. For better continuity, open up your balcony with French doors that open up more than the typical sliding door. Also considering using outdoor zip-blinds so that air-conditioning is confined within.

 

Carve out a relaxation spot

If you have enough space in the balcony, bring in an outdoor daybed, lounge chair or hammock to unwind to feel like you’re on a vacation. Instead of using outdoor blinds, opt for outdoor curtains to give the space a soft, romantic vibe that transports you to a beachfront resort. With some outdoor pendants, string lights or tea lights, plus some essential oils, you’ll feel your daily stresses dissipate in no time.

 

Late-night cocktail

Give your balcony a swanky set-up – similar to chic roof-top bars with modish furnishing. Again, pay attention to lightings to give your space the desired ambience. This way you can have happy hour at home too.

 

Plant a garden

Indulge in flora and fauna to create a full-blown garden. Set up planters to  enliven your garden with alluring blooms. Be as creative as you want with planter walls and pots hanging from the ceiling. Even grow herbs that you can sprinkle in your dishes for some out-of-the-home goodness. Carpet green could also be an option to complete this evocative theme!

 

Meditation spot

Create a zen-inspired space that soothes the body, mind and soul. Embrace a minimal décor by keeping the space clean and uncluttered – only having a few elements like a small table, throw rug and pillow for meditation. A water fountain here does wonders in filling the air with refreshing water sounds. Complete this space with personal items like chimes or crystals and you’ll feel your soul awakened already.

 

Social gathering

Fancy enjoying a relaxing cuppa with friends? Create a casual, laidback vibe that mimics a café ambience for hours of easy chatting. This is also a place you can retreat to read in solace or bask in some mid-day unwinding.

 

Utility area

A balcony can also double up as a utility area. Fit your washing machine and dryer behind some custom units to conceal the set-up, and bring in a casual dining area to make your balcony cosy, yet highly functional.

A Scandinavian interior design, characterised by minimalism, simplicity and utility, is well-loved by Singaporeans and homeowners around the world – and it’s easy to see why. Combining a pared-down style, sleek lines and cordial contrasts, the result is elegant and inviting. If you’re hankering this look borne out of Nordic countries, but not quite sure how to nail it, let us guide you through with some top décor tips.

 

Go neutral

A Scandinavian theme veers away from loud colours, leaning towards a minimalist palette comprising of greys, browns, white and black. Through contrasts – signatory of Scandinavian homes – your home does not have to be monotonous. Pay attention to creating impactful contrasts with bold lines and patterns to make a dramatic statement. The occasional pop of colour – like a muted blue – can be tolerated so long as it does not overwhelm the fuller picture.

 

Throw in textiles

A Scandi home is enlivened with textiles that add warmth and depth to a décor that is usually denoted by neutrals and purity of lines. Accessorising the home with layers of textiles such as throws and rugs make the interior cosy and inviting. Use the opportunity to throw in some accent colours through textiles like wool and sheepskin to achieve undulating cosiness.

 

Clutter-no-more

Less is more in such homes. Clean-lined silhouettes and clutter-free table-tops form the visual associated with this theme. This does not mean that you can’t accessorise. It just means that your accessories should harmonise with the collective look and not overpower other elements.

 

Introduce decorative accents

A home void of decorative accents lacks character and personality. So yes, to add interest even with a Scandinavian design direction in mind, you should inject decorative accents like a series of frames, geometric vases or patterned textiles. However, do so in moderation. And rule out ornamentation with very elaborate curves.

 

Infuse wood

Interchanging white, black and wood creates the perfect combination to evoke Scandinavian appeal. Think tables with wooden tops and thin black legs, or light wood flooring.

 

Don’t overdress your window

With simplicity in mind, your windows should be dressed to blend in – and not make a big statement. Opt for sheer white or grey curtains that let in adequate sunshine for a light-filled interior, or black-and-white Venetian blinds.

Renovating can be an extremely stressful affair, especially if you’re on a budget. Even if you have deep pockets, it is still wise to plan carefully to stretch your dollars and yet achieve the best outcome. Here, we’ll round up what to look out for to help you navigate the process wisely.

 

Find a credible contractor or interior designer.

This might sound obvious. But many times, in our haste to get an affordable professional to undertake renovation, we go with the cheapest quotation made avail to us. However, too-good-to-be-true renovation packages can be unreliable, resulting in more time and money needed to rectify work poorly executed. As such, it pays to ensure that the firm has the accreditations to carry out the work required. In Singapore, source for firms that have the CaseTrust accreditation. If you’re renovating your HDB, find a HDB-registered firm. Always do your due diligence to prevent future headaches – this rule applies whether or not you’re on a budget.

 

Communicate your budget

List what needs to be done in your space and work out your budget accordingly. Create a spreadsheet to record renovation costs, as well as expenses for furniture, appliances and fittings, and work strictly within budget. If you spend more on one item, cut back on another to keep on track financially. Be realistic when budgeting and leave some room for expenses that could chalk up due to unforeseen circumstances. Communicate your budget with your contractor or interior designer and let him or her know your constraints right from the start.

 

Mix high-end with cheaper materials

Offset your costs by mixing expensive solutions with more economic ones. For instance, opt for vinyl flooring over granite tiles, and then invest in an elegant marble or granite kitchen countertop.

Prioritise

Renovate in phases to go easier on your wallet. For a start, choose to focus your dollars on flooring and electrical works, as well as remodelling of kitchen and bathrooms. These works are usually more extensive and something you’ll want to do before you settle in for good. You can carry our renovation on other rooms when you have saved enough.

Go for evergreen designs

Go for designs that will stay relevant for years to come, to make your money feel well-spent. This way, you wouldn’t feel compelled to update your space when a fad passes.

 

Scrutinise your quotation

Before you sign off on a quotation and make your first payment, vet through it carefully to ensure that every item is accounted for. This is the time you should negotiate on price. Also do not be afraid to ask for cheaper alternatives to achieve a similar outcome in your space.

Refurbish what you have

If you’re moving into a resale unit, retain certain elements to cut back on cost. Consider replacing existing kitchen cabinet doors, while keeping the original structure intact. By replacing just the doors, you can choose a desired laminate with your preferred handles or knobs to have a brand new kitchen from the outside. Otherwise, replace existing kitchen countertop or backsplash with on-trend and functional ones to elevate your space. When retaining dated windows, spruce them up with beautiful blinds and curtains that take the focus away from the windows.

 

Convey your timeline

Do not expect the contractor or interior designer to have the same sense of urgency as you. If you need your home ready by a certain date, be sure to convey this from the start. Check on work progress and visit the site frequently to monitor. Put a halt to renovations if the work carried out is not going as planned so that you can rectify them as quickly as possible and proceed with the rest of the work. After all, a delay in your move-in date can mean incurring another month of rental.

With homes becoming smaller in land-scarce Singapore, we could all benefit from design tips that can make a significant visual impact in our space. If a small space is one of your home woes and you’ll like to “upsize” your interior, read on to find out how your space can be transformed.

 

Keep to one flooring throughout

Different flooring will visually separate the space, making your home look segmented and smaller. If you must use different flooring in the living room and bedrooms, choose colours that are as close as possible to avoid a sharp contrast.

 

Shift your furniture away from walls

It might be difficult for you wrap your head around this notion, but distancing furniture from walls does make your space larger. Of course, this is not necessarily true for bigger furniture like beds.

 

Choose chairs and sofas with low backs

Sofas and chairs with a lower-slung back are visually less distracting, compared with those with a high or elaborate back. Dining chairs, for instance, should ideally not stand too much taller than your dining table.

 

Use vertical lines

Similar to how sheer curtains draw one’s attention to the ceiling without reading heavy, introduce vertical lines to emphasise on height. This could take the form of vertical dividers, a series of sleek drop lights, or striped throw pillows.

 

Use multiple light sources

Refrain from using a single light source that will simply draw attention to the space beneath. Instead, place lights at different heights around the room to trick the eye to move around. Use a mix of ceiling lights and wall sconces to make use of your ceilings and walls, while saving precious floor space for walking.

 

Embrace mirrors and glossy surfaces

Be generous with the use of mirrors or reflective finishing to add volume, and also glitz. Placing mirrors near windows and doors can work wonders on amplifying the size of a room. A mirrored coffee table is another way to trick the eye into thinking that a space is bigger.

 

Install inset lights beneath custom cabinetry 

The strategic placement of inset lights can create the impression of weightlessness on kitchen counters or beds, making them appear lighter. Again, this contributes a sense of spaciousness.

 

Dress your space white

This needs little explanation. Since white reflects light, a small room clad in white can certainly benefit from more light bouncing off walls. Use the same white on walls and ceilings to create a seamless look that is fluid and airy.

 

Replace walls with glass panels

This instantly lends connectivity across rooms, making your home larger. This rule also applies to kitchen cabinet doors or wardrobe doors – but only if your items are neatly displayed. In kitchens, opting for open shelves also does the trick.

 

Choose furniture with slender legs

Yes, some distance is good to create an optical illusion of a larger space. Similar to how you keep furniture away from walls, select furniture with slim, tapered legs. When you can see beneath the furniture or between legs, there is immediately a sense of openness and movement.

 

Refrain from bold prints or patterns

Having too many prints or patterns make a room look busy. Going for a minimalist, zen-like simplicity, on the other hand, is what you’ll need to achieve spaciousness. So instead of choosing beddings with large floral prints, for instance, keep to plain white sheets the way hotels do. And if you must, go for small prints.

 

Steer away from bulky furniture

If possible, choose a glass-topped dining table as it lends a transparent quality to the space. Compared to say a wooden dining table, the former will read light and airy, and contribute to facilitating the flow of light and space visually. Likewise, opt for clear or translucent accent pieces when accessorising.

 

Minimise clutter

A cluttered space reads busy – distracting the eye from details that matter. Make a conscious effort to reduce noise in your space, by keeping unsightly wires and cables out of sight and out of mind. The kitchen is one place in the house where clutter accumulates quickly. Ensure ample storage space to stow things away.

When choosing the most suited kitchen countertop, it pays to be honest with yourself. Are you a heavy-duty cook who will subject your countertop to hours of endless action? Are you diligent when it comes to maintaining your countertop to ensure that they remain pristine in months and years to come? And how much do you plan to set aside for this?

With your answers in mind, we’ll now round up popular kitchen countertops to help you make an informed decision for your big kitchen renovation.

 

1. Marble

Pros: Heat-resistant, available in different colours

Cons: Costly, porous, easily scratched or etched by acids even if sealed, requires periodic sealing

Marble countertops are elegant. They make for swoon-worthy kitchens that spread across magazine pages. It is also a great option for serious bakers, as they can knead dough to their heart’s content directly on the countertop.

However, this metamorphic natural stone is not as durable as man-made quartz. Anything acidic like coffee, lemon and wine will easily leave a stain even if sealed. If you’re not careful with your knife, it will also show up as well. Since no two slabs are alike, it is worthwhile hand-picking a slab to go in your kitchen – one that has the right amount of veins to suit your liking.

 

2. Granite

Pros: Easy-to-maintain, durable, porous, resistant to heat, water and stains if sealed; available in many colours

Cons: Costly, edges can chip if not careful

Granite is a natural stone formed with molten rock, which explains why every slab is unique, and flaws and irregularities are inherent. To maintain the granite’s resistant to kitchen elements, periodic resealing is required. This material resembles marble, but only at a fraction of its price.

 

3. Solid Surface

Pros: Durable, affordable, homogenous, available in many colours, scratches and stains can be removed by resurfacing a solid surface

Cons: Not heat resistant, susceptible to scratches and stains

Solid surface is a versatile kitchen countertop material. It is nowhere as durable as marble and granite, but a reasonable alternative for the mid-range price you pay, for a material that looks close to stone. Because solid surface is homogenous, it can be easily and affordably resurfaced using an orbital sander to reinstate its smooth, unblemished surface after years or decades of use. This makes solid surface a very popular kitchen countertop option for homeowners.

 

4. Laminate

Pros: Very affordable, stain-resistant, easy-to-maintain, available in many colours

Cons: Sides can chip easily, non-homogenous, easily damaged by heat

This budget-friendly option is highly-versatile. Available in many colours and patterns – including marble-like veins – this countertop can hold up any look. However, be extra careful when working with sharp objects and hot pots.

 

5. Quartz

Pros: Durable, scratch-resistant, non-porous, easy-to-maintain; available in many colours and patterns

Cons: Can be damaged by heat

Quartz is man-made. It is engineered to mimic natural stones, but yet more durable, scratch-resistant and non-porous than both marble and granite. Unlike marble and granite, the appearance of quartz is consistent. Great for someone who enjoys spending more time cooking than maintaining the space.

 

6. Butcher block

Pros: Affordable

Cons: Porous, susceptible to scratches, stains and burns

There are many options for butcher blocks, with each species of wood lending a different hue and density. For this material, periodic oiling is required to prevent water seepage, particularly at the area around the sink to prevent discolours and rots. Not the most functional of kitchen countertop materials. But they sure are warm and inviting – perfect for creating the cosy, rustic farmhouse look.

 

7. Stainless steel

Pros: Highly durable, resistant to water, heat and stains, hygienic, non-porous, easy to clean

Cons: Low-grade stainless steel is more susceptible to scratches and dents, can be loud when working on the countertop

Restaurants in the world use stainless steel countertops for one reason – they are extremely functional. For a start, they are durable and resistant to most elements in the kitchen. And because stainless steel is non-porous, liquid cannot penetrate through it, making it a hygienic surface with no tolerance for bacteria. Made out of a certain level of chromium, stainless steel has an anti-corrode quality. By choosing a stainless steel countertop of a higher gauge, you’ll have a kitchen that is built to weather more.

Its sleek and glossy shine makes it perfect for a modern or industrial-themed kitchen. If this material can be too cool and distant for your liking, pair stainless steel countertops with warm wood cabinets.

It’s easy to fall head over heels in love with a modern classic interior, what’s with its captivating blend of elegance and artistry when done right. Combining modern and traditional features, this theme is wrapped around juxtaposing streamlined designs with ornate details to give the space an exquisite air. The result is an interior that reads clean and striking, yet revealing of hints of European charm. If you’re an enthusiast besotted with the timeless elegance of modern classic interiors, we’ve just the solutions at hand to create that perfect look.

 

Give your walls and ceilings a decorous touch

In a modern classic home, your wall is your canvas. Even though walls are usually kept neutral – clad predominantly in white, light grey or nude tones to provide a clean, subtle backdrop to accentuate the space – they are dressed with classic wall paneling to capture quintessential European beauty. And if you like to hang an artwork or two, opt for an abstract mural to give the space a modern edge. Likewise, ceilings can be treated with ornate crown mouldings.

 

Invest in meaningful, style-apropriate pieces

Some furniture scream a certain style more than others. To seal a modern classic look, consider investing in signature pieces like a classic Chesterfield sofa in the living room, or a stylish canopy bed in the bedroom. Just because these pieces ooze sophistication, they do not always come with a hefty price tag. And if you must have your hands on a traditional piece such as an antique chest, pick one refurbished with modern brass handles, or coated with a layer that hides the aged wood. Pair your antique with furniture that is mostly clean and sleek – even bordering minimalist at times. An understated, clean-lined sectional for example, is a great addition to give your space a much-needed balance. A tufted leather bench is another great addition.

 

Go for neutral flooring

Neutral flooring does not distract the eye from the finer details in a modern classic home. Opt for a light marble flooring to give the space European decadence, or light wood flooring to conjure warmth. Often, a room is anchored with a plush carpet or faux fur rug to provide textural interest. This immediately makes the space more welcoming.

 

Introduce ornate curves

Decorous curves channel European beauty in your home. Think along the line of circular side tables and sunburst mirrors. Draw one’s attention upwards with a statement pendant lamp in embellished curves. The key is introducing some curved silhouettes throughout to keep it aligned to the classical aspect of the home, while creating consistency and flow.

 

Bring in light accessorising

Apart from abstract murals on walls, your space could benefit a lot more from some accessorising. However, accessories should not read ostentatious as it could easily overwhelm. Instead, each piece should portray a quiet confidence – beautifully laid and perfectly proportioned in a space. Place an antique piece against a neutral wall to give the space a sense of history, or use brass accents to elevate the space. Another easy way is throw pillows with modern geometrical patterns.

 

Use different materials

Pay attention to the materials used. Bring in diversity by introducing an assortment of materials to add richness and depth to the interior. Don’t be afraid to throw in a marble-clad coffee table, distressed wood stools and a tufted leather bench all in the same room. In the bedroom, for instance, use plush velvets against other textiles to conjure variety. Nothing reads more sensual than a little mix-and-match.

 

Essentially, a modern classic home is nailed by carefully calibrating modern and classical elements to achieve the right balance. With these design tips, your home will look fresh and relevant today, as it was yesterday, overflowing with enviable modern classic appeal.