Classical Design Versus Modern Design
Melinda Hinkel December 1, 2010
Classical Design versus Modern Design There are many different design styles. Some are very similar, such as traditional and classical and some are complete opposites, such as classical and modern. These two design styles are opposite in just about every way. In the modern design style the focus is on simplicity and asymmetry whereas in the classical design style the focus is on balance and symmetry. In the modern design style there is a feeling of less is more. An example of this would be clutter; all clutter should be put away. The only items in the room should be functional. In classical design style there should always be an equal amount of items. An example of this is a grand marble fireplace with a pair of sconces on either side and a large elaborate gold mirror on top to crown the fireplace. The color schemes for both design styles are complete opposites. In the modern design the color scheme is futuristic colors, such as silvers, bronzes, coppers and blues. It is also very common in the modern design style to have a plain white wall so that the focus is only on the items in the room not on the wall color. With the white walls the color should come in on the fabrics, furniture and accessories. In the classical design style the color scheme takes its cues from nature with such colors as yellows, blues, greens, browns and softer muted tones such as terracotta’s, grays and pinks. Faux finishes are very common in classical design. The most popular faux finishes are a large tone on tone stripe or stenciling on the wall. In the classical design style color is everywhere in the room. However, it usually works best if the large pieces of furniture, such as the sofa, are a neutral color and the punches of color come into play with the smaller items, such as the pillows for sofa, rug, chairs and draperies. The fabrics used in both design styles are another area where they differ. In the modern design style
Classical Design versus Modern Design There are many different design styles. Some are very similar, such as traditional and classical and some are complete opposites, such as classical and modern. These two design styles are opposite in just about every way. In the modern design style the focus is on simplicity and asymmetry whereas in the classical design style the focus is on balance and symmetry. In the modern design style there is a feeling of less is more. An example of this would be clutter; all clutter should be put away. The only items in the room should be functional. In classical design style there should always be an equal amount of items. An example of this is a grand marble fireplace with a pair of sconces on either side and a large elaborate gold mirror on top to crown the fireplace. The color schemes for both design styles are complete opposites. In the modern design the color scheme is futuristic colors, such as silvers, bronzes, coppers and blues. It is also very common in the modern design style to have a plain white wall so that the focus is only on the items in the room not on the wall color. With the white walls the color should come in on the fabrics, furniture and accessories. In the classical design style the color scheme takes its cues from nature with such colors as yellows, blues, greens, browns and softer muted tones such as terracotta’s, grays and pinks. Faux finishes are very common in classical design. The most popular faux finishes are a large tone on tone stripe or stenciling on the wall. In the classical design style color is everywhere in the room. However, it usually works best if the large pieces of furniture, such as the sofa, are a neutral color and the punches of color come into play with the smaller items, such as the pillows for sofa, rug, chairs and draperies. The fabrics used in both design styles are another area where they differ. In the modern design style