Combining Traditional Design Elements With A Sleek Modern Style
From Coast to Coast
In my previous homes, I had always selected design/renovation projects based first on budget, and second on how invasive they might be while working and raising a family. This time around I was ready to tackle building a home. The challenge would be in the design aspect because this time I was going to explore mixing traditional with modern. I was determined to include furniture pieces and treasures from my previous traditional home and travels. The entertaining element is always critical in my life and this new space would also need to provide a platform for hosting business associates, as well as, family & friends — all of whom seem to be delighted thus far to put the fast-paced life of east coast living in their rearview mirror and embrace the rolling hills and tranquility of Alexander Valley.
Traditional French Manor styled home in Westchester County, New York: It’s charm was in the park-like setting we created on the grounds by redirecting rain run-off into a natural mud pond. Softened arches, slate roofing, French casement windows, and an exterior stucco façade were all critical design elements creating the feel of a traditional French Manor.
Modern Barn in Healdsburg, California: The beauty in this home is in the serenity of clean lines, concrete pavers juxtaposed with natural stone, and a standing seam roof – all softened with the addition of mature olive trees, lawn and a rich red exterior paint finish on the batten board siding.
This project offered a clean slate because I had purchased land. As I began contemplating the build, I made a list of items that were heading West. We all have favorite things that we have either inherited (Aunt Hannah's antique sewing bin, serving pieces, sculpture) or accumulated along the way. Although my home design style was changing, I was not willing to abandon many of these items. I firmly believed there was a way to link styles & design periods to make them your own.
Making a house a home
It is critical to not lose your identity while designing your home. Hiring a designer does not mean discarding everything you previously purchased. If a particular item brings up fond memories, or just plain makes you smile, incorporate it.
-Cheryl
Repurpose your favorite items & find space for them in your new home.
Combining my love for the two styles went together seamlessly in my mind and so I began my endeavor to marry traditional and modern and have some fun along the way. One item, in particular, that I was not willing to part with was a pair of old church doors that I found at a salvage yard in France. These 100+ year old doors became my family’s dining room table in our old home. Family & friends adored it.
And oh, the stories it could tell.
This piece of furniture made for great conversation with everyone who came into our home and every dinner party we threw. When I announced my move to California, everyone asked “So where are you going to put the table?” Honestly, as much as I loved the table it was over 16ft long and I thought – there’s no room for that on the moving van or in the new house. Everyone expressed their sadness that we were contemplating leaving it behind, and I thought “let’s just bring it and I will find a place for it at some point.
Then it dawned on me, these doors (aka dining table) could be repurposed and become art as a focal point. They were going to become the “piece de resistance” over my fireplace in our new Great Room. With 17ft ceilings it would fit perfectly. So we measured, widened the fireplace shaft, added the necessary supports, hired a crew of 6 burley men, and made it happen. Now the doors rest proudly over the fireplace telling yet another story.
Decorative Pillows
Don't be afraid to combine a traditional damask fabric with more contemporary geometrics & solids to help bridge the gap between both design styles. Keep trims simple. Here we used a flat welt edge and a taped edge to modernize.
We also mixed our traditional Turkish rugs with new, clean line furnishings (sofas, coffee table, accent chairs) adding dark wood accents to the legs to bridge the two styles.
LIGHTING can also play a major role combining traditional with modern design.
We believe it’s important to have your design style reflect your personality and the way you & your family enjoy living. Whether it’s a favorite piece of furniture, art or an heirloom piece from a collection, incorporate them. There’s nothing more beautiful then seeing your favorite things come to life in a whole new setting.
Here’s a sneak peak about how we mixed Louis Poulsen pendants over the kitchen island – these appear in the same room as the old world barrel chandeliers shown above by Hart. Stay tuned for our next blog on lighting.