Cool and contemporary spaces are everywhere. Gritty industrial ones, too. But how often do you see traditional done well? I mean really well, so that it’s warm and cosy, yet fresh and individual? I love a good trad room.
The room above is from House Beautiful and includes a nice mix of traditional shapes and motifs, mixed with fresh, unexpected colour and quirky collections. You can get this high-end, high-brow look for less with the following:
A dining set like this, from a hotel liquidator or Craigslist. Don’t be afraid to paint! How ‘bout an au courant shade of majolica green (with a little grey to tone it down)?
This Lafayette Green (HC-135) from Benjamin Moore would instantly elevate these chairs.
Next, go for a handsome and substantial pendant like the one in the inspiration room. Why not a coach lantern? You can get the look for less by looking for outdoor lighting at places like The Home Depot, where I found this one. If it’s a little small for your table, try two!
But be sure to paint it a gorgeous red like Carnival Red from Benjamin Moore. Spicy!!
Humble accessories add history and charm to a traditional scheme. I’m still in love with green glass bottles like this one that I saw in a junk shop. They’re effortless and casual.
Next, decorate your walls with folksy, artisanal plates from Anthropologie.
I think I like the orange plates best, but this one, also from Anthropologie, reminds me of the crests in the art from the inspiration room.
I don’t have a cheap source for that vintage-looking sofa, but you can bring in the same feel with a tufted velvet cushion (or a whole pile?!) like this one from Urban Outfitters.
Trust me when I say that trad can be rad, and that Old World doesn’t have to mean old money!
For more traditional inspiration photos, check out our Classic French Style photo gallery.
Photo credits:
1. House Beautiful
2. Michael Penney
3. Benjamin Moore’s Lafayette Green (HC-135), House Beautiful
4. Andover Collection Oxford Silver 3-light Hanging Lantern, The Home Depot
5. Benjamin Moore’s Carnival Red, House Beautiful
6. Michael Penney
7. Sliced Persimmon Dinnerware, Anthropologie
8. Bouclier Plate, Anthropologie
9. Round Pintuck Pillow, Urban Outfitters
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