How To Strike The Balance Between A Modern and Traditional Home

I’ve always been a huge fan of modern design which is probably not what you would expect from someone living in a 100 year old farmhouse. The more I’ve immersed myself in the designs that I love the more I’ve realized that if there was any aesthetic that was probably more “me” than anything else it would be Quaker interior design. Its OLD. Its SOLID WOOD. And it is always very minimal and simple. I love it. It makes my OCD of clean lines and absolutely NO clutter very happy! Our own home I believe captures that pretty well but still bringing in our personality and practicality.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

If you love traditional homes, you aren’t alone. Despite the growing popularity of greyscale, chic homes which adhere to minimal style and hard, cold surfaces, some people like to kick it old school.

Okay, not totally old school – running water is generally a must – but when it comes to designing your home’s décor, you might not want to opt for the contemporary style everybody seems to love. Some of us love traditional homes with a rustic, folksy feel. Nevertheless, old homes come with problems; cracks, damp, drafts and more.

So how can you strike the balance between a traditional décor with modern perks? Read on to find out.

1. It’s all about flooring

Hardwood and stone floors scream rustic farm house to die for. If you buy a home which is old and falling apart, one way to update it with modern fittings while maintaining its traditional roots is to have hardwood or flagstone floors put in.

Solid flooring creates an oaky, wholesome feel in your home, and will be the first thing people notice when they walk through the door. The floor offsets the décor of the rest of the house, so starting from the ground up is important. Dark floorboards or grey flagstones can be installed with underfloor heating, so you can maintain the traditional décor but enjoy the perks of modern technology at the same time!

How do you find the best hardwood flooring company? Make sure to find a reputable company with fantastic reviews and beautiful images to fit your traditional flooring.

2. Subtle touches of traditional decor

Sometimes traditional vibes don’t need to smack people in the face when they walk into your home; they can be achieved subtly and with class.

It’s all about the details which will tie the whole place together in a modern but classic feel. For example, having a dark, embroidered rug rather than a bright, synthetic one on your living room floor will add a touch of class to the place without even trying. Other additions such as mismatched crockery and strategically placed ornaments can give your home the aura of a kooky farmhouse without feeling as if you have walked into a 1940s wartime home.

It’s all about balance!

3. Create a welcoming ambiance

One of the downsides of contemporary chic housing is that it does not appear very welcoming to guests.

Traditional homes are open and welcoming; plenty of places to sit, always tea on the go, blankets, lightheartedness and positive ambiance. A huge part of the way your home feels to outsiders is the way you make it feel; while contemporary homes are designed as cold, hard and somewhat unyielding, your traditional home should feel the opposite.

Part of this can be achieved with décor as previously described, but the way to make a house feel like a home is with your personality.

Decorate in your own taste, open your home to friends and family, and you will have the traditional home you have always dreamed of!

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)