DESIGN SPOTLIGHT: 

CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY STYLE

Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home

Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home

Classic contemporary style interiors are curated, minimal and uncluttered.

This style focuses on refined elegance, where handcrafted, quality-made pieces, deliberate use of colour and texture and attention to detail combine to achieve sophistication and timeless beauty. 

OUR TOP 10 CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY DESIGN TIPS

COLOUR PALETTE

The classic contemporary colour palette features soft and tonal neutrals of calming whites, ivory, oyster, tan, taupe and soft greys.

These quiet neutrals are carried throughout the home, allowing each room to flow seamlessly. 

Complementary colours include olive, celadon or emerald greens, pastel sky and navy blues, soft pinks, mauve, and gleaming metallic accents. 

Rich browns, natural woods, and black are used for grounding and adding definition to an otherwise neutral backdrop. 

Photo Source: Louise Bradley

Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home

Photo Source: Architectural Digest

Photo Source: Louise Bradley

TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING LOOK

There are so many ways to re-purpose your furniture and decor & update your existing look with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®. 

See how customers are transforming their Furniture and Decor to create a Classic Contemporary look with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®.

Want to learn more? Stay up-to-date with our Chalk Painting Classes.

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

Balance, symmetry, and proportion are the most distinctive elements of contemporary style architecture. 

While classic contemporary interiors are not limited to a particular architectural style, this style would be fitting within Georgian, Federal, and English Neo-Classical Styles.

Photo Source: Architectural Digest

An appreciation of classical architecture is reflected with the inclusion of panelled ceilings, pilasters, skirtings, cornices and classic wall mouldings. 

Heritage homes may feature bead-and-reel cove cornicing and circular coved roundels on the ceilings. 

Original builds pay homage to the heritage of the building, the history of the area and the architectural period.  

Photo Source: John B Murray

Photo Source: John B Murray

FLOORING

Flooring choices focus on warmth, luxury and comfort with wall-to-wall wool-blend carpets seen in living spaces and bedrooms.

Bare timber floorboards, wide-plank oak flooring and durable blond floor planks offer a classic look and are seen throughout the home. 

Bathrooms feature glossy ceramic, marble or porcelain tiles, as their lustrous finish integrates beautifully in both contemporary and classic homes. 

Persian and abstract bespoke two-tone wool rugs can be layered for colour, texture and warmth underfoot.

Photo Source: Thomas Pheasant

Photo Source: Waida Associates

Photo Source: Alyssa Kapito

Photo Source: Thomas Pheasant

Photo Source: Architectural Digest

LIGHTING

For ambient lighting, opt for track and recessed lighting on a dimmer. 

Pendant lighting crafted from bronze, brass and nickel with glass, metal or parchment shades feature in entryways, kitchen islands and formal dining spaces. 

You will also find hand blown crystal glass drop pendants and ornate decorative chandeliers for elegance and glamour. 

Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home

Photo Source: Rose Uniacke

SHOP LIGHTING

Photo Source: Alyssa Kapito

Gentle ambience is created through the inclusion of wall sconces with parchment, linen or velvet shades. 

Contemporary accent lighting includes picture lights, under-cabinet lighting, and brass, bevelled glass or antique silver wall sconces. 

Task lighting is provided through textural or glossy ceramic table lamps, as well as sculptural crystal glass, antique silver, gold and brass table and floor lamps. 

Lamp shades feature drum, tapered or oval shape designs. 

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Throughout the home you will find quality lined neutral silk or linen curtains. 

Sheer white pleated curtains will offer diffuse lighting in bathrooms, whilst heavy black-out drapes or blinds can be installed in bedrooms for a luxurious and sumptuous feel. 

These are mounted at ceiling height to draw the eye up and give the illusion of higher ceilings. 

Photo Source: Architectural Digest

FURNITURE

Furniture choices are elegant, bespoke and showcase a “new-old approach”.

Each room showcases a few unique pieces that are quality made, hand-crafted and feature an array of finishes, textures and clean lines. 

For example, classic shaped occasional furniture can take on a contemporary look with a matt black or lacquered finish, while traditional brown furniture can be paired alongside a gilt glass or marble top coffee table.

Armchairs, sofas, chaise lounges, studded ottomans and foot-stools with exposed legs are upholstered in linens, muted hand block prints, bouclé or soft velvets to create a calming and soothing environment. 

Photo Source: Victoria Hagan

Photo Source: Albion Nord

Antique Regency furniture can be paired alongside contemporary designs and may include a Regency style executive desk chair, trafalgar, bergere or wingback armchairs, mahogany drum tables & nightstands with vintage brass hardware, and slender secretary desks. 

Elevate these classic pieces with a marble or glass top gilt console, a partially mirrored vanity or nightstand, a black lacquered hall table or a richly grained oak top coffee table with iron legs. 

Traditional brown woods are selected for their unique grains, while marbles, metals and glass are incorporated for softness and elegance.

In the dining room you will find a substantial mahogany table, upholstered chairs with exposed legs, and a generous sideboard buffet.

Custom bedheads are upholstered with piping or stud detailing for luxury hotel feel. Pair with a quilted, painted, semi-gloss or traditional brown nightstand with oak veneers. 

Photo Source: Alyssa Kapito

Photo Source: Architectural Digest

Photo Source: Andrea Benedettini

TEXTURE & MATERIALS

Tailored soft furnishings of natural linen blends, cottons, wool, cashmere, sumptuous silks and velvets add a textural warmth and offer an inviting feel. 

Visual interest is achieved by adding muted pops of colour with decorative cushions, throws, bedding and table linen. 

While patterns are used on a smaller scale, designs include stripes, geometric prints, jewel-like motifs and graceful nature-inspired prints. For intrigue, look for decorative pillows that feature fringed details and contrasting trims and fabrics. 

Natural, soft materials are used throughout the home including rich mahogany, light washed oak, stone, marble, opaque or clear glass, and mixed metals.

Photo Source: Louise Bradley

Photo Source: Andrea Benedettini

Photo Source: Architectural Digest

Photo Source: Andrea Benetettini

ART & MIRRORS

Artwork choices include contemporary, framed abstract, and monochromatic works as well as black and white photography, detailed architectural sketches and botanical drawings. 

These add dimension and personality to hallways, fireplace mantels, living and dining spaces.

Contemporary mirrors are oversize and are typically round, arched or rectangular in shape. Frame choices range from delicate lime wash beading, to gilt painted iron or black lacquered mahogany. 

Alternatively, contrast contemporary abstract artwork and sculptures with ornate gilt and Louis XV style patinated antique brass mirrors. 

Photo Source: Louise Bradley

Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home

ACCESSORIES: LOVED & LUSTRE

Classic contemporary interiors tend to showcase 'space' and architectural details rather than excessive decor. 

As such, classic contemporary homes reflect a harmonious and balanced approach to decor.

To achieve a curated feel, select just a few decorative accessories to display in bookshelves, sideboards or on coffee tables. 

Items include:

• For lustre, options include a glass cloch or decorative dome, magnifying glass, metallic trays or charger plates, pretty picture frames, pewter barware, hammered brass candlesticks, glossy hand-crafted ceramics and glass vases. 
• For something loved, include eye-catching decorative figurines made from resin or iron, small busts, leather trays or boxes with metallic accents, rattan decor, coffee table books, or your favourite candle or fragrance.

Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home

Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home

Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home

LIVING ENERGY

Indoor greenery is large and dramatic, with interesting leaves, and branches contained in simple vessels. 

Fill empty corners with tall reaching plants of fiddle leaf figs or ficus audrey, and natal mahogany.

For softness and glamour, slender orchids, hydrangeas, tulips, calla lily, carnations and roses are positioned on coffee tables, hall table, bedsides and bathrooms.

Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home

Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home