Two of the most popular design styles today are classic and contemporary. These broad classifications allow for tons of personal expression while creating a unified feel to your home. While these terms are often thrown around, many people don’t really understand the difference when it comes to planning a home renovation. Here’s a quick guide to answering the question: Contemporary or Classic?
Classical Elegance
Classic design elements are often considered to have a timeless aesthetic. Classic design is not concerned with keeping up with the latest trends—it knows it looks good. Here are a few keys to cultivating this style:
- Warm, Dark Woods – Wooden details are a must, but to truly express classical taste, you’ll want to make real wood shelves, furniture, and tables a central part of your design.
- Deep Colors – Classic often relies on deep contrasts. You aren’t looking for garish neons, but deep jewel-tones, dark accent walls, and plenty of themed color in your rooms.
- Symmetry – Balance is important for classical design. Think quaint cottage interiors or older manor houses. Remember that symmetrical doesn’t mean the same, but there should be an even feel in every room.
- True to Traditions – While modern interiors tend to take something traditional and put a spin on it, classic styles honor the original design elements. Classic styles stay true to the original form and restores pieces rather than twist them to fit a new decade of design.
Contemporary Styling
The contemporary look often stands in sharp contrast to the classic, charting its own course. Contemporary styling is modern without going over-the-top into industrialism or minimalism. In many ways, it is the antithesis of classical styling’s fundamentals:
- Man-Made Comfort – Contemporary decor may have a few unobtrusive wood details, but the focus is on function over form. Painted wood and synthetic materials make the furniture look good without looking dated.
- Neutral Colors – While not strictly monochromatic, you’ll see a lot more neutrality in contemporary color choices. Whites, creams, and greys create beautiful rooms that relax rather than excite the eye and are forgiving projects for those who want to save money painting their spaces by themselves.
- Asymmetry – Classical may be about balance, but contemporary is about flow. Open plans, functional spaces, and rooms divided to direct traffic rather than disperse it evenly, create a living space that’s perfect for the modern family.
- Sleek & Smooth – While classic styles are about the ornamental elements, modern design elements progress towards simplicity. It’s about uncluttered aesthetics, sophistication and technology-forward accessories. For example, if you’re considering a kitchen remodel, contemporary-centric individuals will opt for stainless steel appliances with bluetooth, high gloss cabinets and modern pendant lights.
What If You Can’t Choose?
Both styles can be beautiful and versatile, so if you can’t choose, you don’t have to. You could blend elements of each to suit your taste. Real wood furniture asymmetrically distributed in an open plan kitchen and dining area. Neutral colors paired with the cherry furniture in an office. High tech accessories in a traditional setting. You’re building your dream living space, so feel free to make it what works best for you and reflects your personality.
About the Author | Katie Tejada is a writer, editor, former HR professional and copy strategist. She enjoys writing about decorating trends and innovations for the home, but also covers developments in HR, business solutions, real estate, finance, law, and more.
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