Skip to main content

What is traditional modern design?

When you’re planning to update the decor of your home, it’s possible that you have to choose between two polar opposites. You either go with traditional styles and its warm charm, or you embrace the sleek design of modern trends. The good news is that you don’t need to pick one over the other. There is a growing trend called traditional modern design, and it marries both — helping you transform your home. We are in love with this type of design and want to share everything you need to know.

Home with wooden floors, with kitchen and living room together
Francesca Tosolini/Unsplash

The best of both worlds

The traditional modern design has been one of the fastest-growing home-design trends. It has influenced the most famous architects, interior designers, and homeowners alike. Its allure resides in the fluid combination of traditional family-centric design, rustic and heirloom-statement pieces of furniture, modern functionality, and sleek architectural elements.

Recommended Videos

Although it might seem like an extension of the modern farmhouse, where elements are more planned and staged to showcase the contrast, the traditional modern design aspires to create the feeling of legacy, so a home feels like it has taken many well-lived years to come together. It’s an exciting marriage of functional vintage with modern comfort.

Timeless sensitivity

For many, the one element that makes their living spaces feel like home is the timeless element. Flashy trends might come and go, but when you merge the forward-thinking elements of modern design with a traditional vibe, it will build a solid and long-lasting base.

If you anchor your interior design with natural materials, colors that blend, and highlight key elements like farm tables, eat-in kitchens, and exposed plumbing, your home will find the perfect balance to become a unique space that will host your family for many, many years.

The farm table

If there is one piece of furniture that can be the building block of your traditional modern remodel, it would be the farm table. The heart and soul of this home-design style is creating the perfect place for the family to gather. Reclaimed wood projects, tables passed on from generation to generation, and original heirloom pieces are at the heart of this trend.

This is exactly where you can incorporate your rustic decorating ideas, because this is where its influence can shine the most. However, unless you are starting from scratch, it is always a good idea to consider the existing decor of your home and find balance in your interior-design choices.

Open design with a purpose

Another key element is creating new open and cross-functional spaces. Gone are the days where rooms had a single purpose and were disconnected from one another at times. Now, we are looking for a sense of transition and continuity. You should look for big, well-loved tables in open spaces where you can relax and receive the nourishment and love of a family meal.

Modern, open home with kitchen and dining room combined
Preparing dinner can happen in clear sight of the dining and living room, and the family chef can continue to be part of the gathering while enticing everyone with the aromas coming from the antique pots and pans.

Creating design vignettes

The traditional modern design is all about minimalist decor moments. Embrace the “less is more” concept and use a single element to create an impactful feature that stands on its own. These choices are always functional and can be built around a chair at a staircase base, a headboard with hanging hooks, or exposed Edison light bulb arrangements.

Simple details with real-life use

When you’re looking to truly fulfill the traditional modern design aesthetic, you need to make sure you’re working with subtle and quaint details in your home. The key here is to be true to the functional nature of the elements you choose. Benches, end tables, and traditional artwork are all great opportunities to create the perfect traditional modern home.

However, unlike other transitional styles, we don’t recommend displaying pieces just for decoration. You want features that don’t bring too much attention to themselves, but once you notice them, they have an impact because of how useful and stylish they are.

Transform your home and live your best life with a new interior design. If you are ready to go full-on traditional modern, remember the main cornerstones that make it so special: Handmade furniture, homegrown detail, washed colors, and organic materials combined with sleek surfaces, modern appliances, and connected spaces. Combine Shaker, Americana, modern Victorian, and more in this warm and inviting home-design trend.

Tom Warnick
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Tom has worked been a writer and editor for several years, working at the Starlog Group, Billboard, Bed Bath & Beyond…
What is a vaulted ceiling (and is it worth it)?
See if this elegant and stunning home feature is right for your space
Living room with a vaulted ceiling and rustic wood floors

If you've ever stepped into a room and felt a sudden sense of openness and grandeur, chances are you were standing beneath a vaulted ceiling. But what is a vaulted ceiling, exactly? Common in architecture for centuries, vaulted ceilings have made their way into modern home design. They're highly sought after for those who want to add sophistication and light to their spaces.

Let's look at what makes vaulted ceilings unique, when they work best, as well as their pros and cons, to help you decide if this stunning feature is worth the investment.
What is a vaulted ceiling?

Read more
8 small living room ideas to make the most of your space
Don't let your tight living space feel cramped — make the most of it!
Small living room with wicker furniture and light colors

Whether you're living in an apartment, condo, or small home, you've likely had to consider how to design your small living room. The good news is there are plenty of designs that can make the most of the space you do have to create a room that feels open and inviting. Your living room should feel luxurious so you can comfortably relax, entertain guests, watch TV, and spend time with family.

These small living room ideas are sure to transform your room into a gorgeous, entertaining space you'll be excited to spend time in.
1. Add well-proportioned furniture

Read more
What are neutral colors? 4 color palette tips for stunning interior design
Here's how you should decorate with neutrals and why they're the most versatile hues
White dining room with beige rug

Neutral colors may be the base of many color palettes and interior designs, but what are they, really? How can we decorate our spaces with these versatile hues? We'll dive into some of the best color palette tips to help you tackle neutrals like a pro and create a gorgeous interior design, while answering the question: What are neutral colors?
What are neutral colors?

Neutral colors are muted tones with minimal saturation. They are typically soft with a low vibrancy, making them ideal for the base of color palettes. Neutral colors can vary in shade and tint, which allows them to be versatile in any home design. These hues aren’t listed on the color wheel, as they are variations of white, black, and brown. Some neutrals are a blend of these colors, such as beige and gray, which create greige.
Basic neutrals
There are a few basic neutrals that can be turned into other neutrals. Black, white, gray, and brown can be mixed with any other color to create any neutral a person desires. For example, to make taupe, you would combine all the primary colors to make brown and then mix in white to lighten the tone, then add hints of red.
Warm vs. cool neutrals
Adding red or blue to neutrals can make them warm or cool. Warm neutrals will have reddish undertones or more prominent brown hues, while cool neutrals will have blue undertones and lean toward gray hues. Boosting a neutral’s saturation can also increase the warmth, depending on the tone of neutral you’re using.
Pros of a neutral palette

Read more