Modern vs Traditional: The Unique Differences to Consider when creating your dream home

Admin / April 07, 2022

Whether you are building, designing or remodelling your home, one of the very first decisions you have to make is what style you would like incorporated into your home. Today, homeowners often resort to one of the two popular styles, modern and traditional, and the difference between the two goes way beyond what meets the eye. The terms ‘modern’ and ‘traditional’ are very often misused and misinterpreted, the former being new and the latter old. This could not be further from the truth as there is so much more to modern and traditional designs than just age.

Modern

In this day and age, new homeowners often favour a modern interior for its clean and minimalistic design, taking most of its inspiration from styles after the 19th century. In its purest form, modernism reflects a fuss-free approach to life with its clean lines and bright and open spaces as well as the use of natural materials like brick, stone and wood. As a result, designers often keep the décor to minimum while accentuating industrial materials. Furthermore, this style prioritises on combining beauty and function where each room should have an emphasis on cleanliness, organisation and simplicity. The urban aesthetic of smaller spaces and suburban reality of single family homes of today are embraced by modern furniture where its appeal lies in the notion of “less is more”, hence, modern interiors do not occupy too much space but are simultaneously functional with extra storage.

There are several distinct elements that make a modern interior design. One way to tell is from the concrete, steel, and glass craftsmanship. This indicates that the framework of furniture is often celebrated and left exposed. At times, furnishings can look machine-like because of the lack of ornamentation. It’s because of modernism’s guiding philosophy “form follows function”. In this, the form is simplified to first and foremost serve its function. Another way to identify a modern interior is its abstract forms. With the reinforcement of function, modern home designs may appear to be abstract especially if compared to more luxurious furniture. Whatever you see in an authentic modern design is what is necessary to fulfil the most basic functional purpose. Moreover, modernism boasts the stillness of neutral coloured walls such as whites, greys and soft pastels that adds to the simplicity while some other modern homes may incorporate the bolder primary colours of red, blue and yellow. Modern furniture is simple in its design but can be exceptionally stunning with the use of solid colours, fabrics, sleek designs and geometric patterns.

Traditional

On the other hand, traditional homes draw influence from architectural styles of the European designs in the 18th and 19th century where furniture from this time period is often dark, large and heavy. Bold furnishings with dark hues of greens, golds and browns are typically the centrepieces of traditional interiors. Furniture is usually adorned with ornate detail, such as clawfoot tubs or embellished four-post beds. Traditional design really puts an emphasis on an attention to detail. Edges of furniture are often soft and curved, while windows may be accompanied by heavy drapes. Unlike the modern designs, traditional designs exude a warm and welcoming energy with the addition of luxury and elegance. Many would say that the traditional style is timeless and can never go out of style. While modern designs focus on minimalistic prints and patterns, traditional interiors often revert to heavier patterns such as florals, paisleys, plaids, and stripes.

Unlike the popular belief of “traditional being boring”, most traditional homes use textiles that are rich which adds classic colours and patterns to a space. Going with a traditional design throughout your home can bring many benefits such as more attention to detail and the use of bolder colours. Traditional design is all about showing off small, yet elaborate detailing through crown mouldings, floral curtain patterns or the feet of a clawfoot tub. All of this detail can create a look of elegance and bring your home back to a different era. Furthermore, if you are someone who loves colour, the traditional design may be for you.

Traditional homes often feature more intricate and elegant details such as decorative trim and moulding, symmetrically placed windows of similar shape and size, large and open porches with overhanging beams and rafters as well as tall, pointed roof lines with one or more gables.

The traditional home is perfect for those who love antiques, classic art pieces, symmetry and other design elements that are rich with history.

Choosing furniture isn’t quite a challenge. It is in understanding the aesthetics, functionality, and style that actually matters as both modern and traditional furniture look great. Therefore, the choice must be made keeping in mind which compliments your home’s overall style.

Whether you choose traditional or modern, D Carpenters will ensure that you receive the exact furniture you want. For every piece of furniture that we make, we follow our time-tested process to create something that is aesthetically appealing, one-of-a-kind and lasting to create your dream home.