In recent years, we're seeing a resurgence of traditional elements in modern interior designs, from printed wallpaper to warm colors and decorative details. And as nature and whimsy lead the way in modern interior design trends, monochromatic minimalism is taking a back seat in popularity.
Based on the transformative interiors we've played a role in this past year, we have expert insights into these traditional design trends that will be everywhere in the year to come, from fixture styles to textures and color palettes.
Reimagining Traditional Interior Design
The concept of “new traditional” is in the forefront, which blends modern interiors with charming and classic touches. According to interior designer Lauren Tolles, this style is “warm, livable, and versatile–much like an outfit that you can dress up or down. The essence of the style is layers of warmth and texture, within a context of clean, architectural lines.”
As the founder of the Maison Birmingham design studio, Tolles utilizes her experience as an architect to inform her innovative interiors, making each project one-of-a-kind.
Layered Textures and Patterns
Now is the time to experiment with textured walls and layered textiles. Paneled walls with varying types of tile and molding result in a room that feels at once elegant and inviting. A bathroom is the perfect space to add layers of texture and unique decorative pieces, as this approach creates an element of surprise as you open the doors and enter the room.
Elaborate details, such as decadent chandeliers and ornate woodwork, are excellent choices for designing an interior with luxurious personality.
Comforting Colors
While all-white, minimalist interiors have been sought after in recent years, interiors are beginning to lean into warm tones and rich colors. With a new Maison Birmingham showroom open, we connected with Tolles to learn about the “new traditional” approach to the showroom’s interior.
“While we had a relatively modern, eclectic space next door for the past six years, the new space granted us a blank canvas and we were craving more warmth, color, and details,” according to Tolles. “We found a lot of inspiration from southeastern designers and architects implementing light blues, layers of texture, patterns, and rich millwork.”
Whimsical Wallpaper
One way to engage with these colorful trends is with artful wallpaper. Wallpaper can change the entire atmosphere of a room, making it an exceptional way to introduce tasteful eccentricity to your interior.
Balanced Form and Function
While aesthetics may influence most of your interior design decisions, this ultimately requires careful discernment. Even if a fixture, appliance, or piece of furniture appears to be more modern, this doesn’t negate its usefulness within the room. For example, you may choose a kitchen sink with a sleeker appearance due to its features and functionality.
Remember, you can always balance out your approaches to style and practicality. With a modern-looking kitchen sink, you can choose a more decorative option for your bar or entertainment area.
Tolles took this approach when designing the new Maison Birmingham showroom: “When it came to selecting sinks, we let function dictate form in the kitchen, but stuck to aesthetics in the bar.”
Mixed Metals In the Bathroom
When considering finishes in the bathroom, warm nickel-toned fixtures are an ideal choice for a modern space with traditional flair. Polished Nickel is one of our favorite finishes to use for these applications. With similar reflective qualities to Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel features a soft, golden undertone.
And, according to Tolles, there’s no reason to coordinate every single fixture in the same color: “We love to mix metals to keep things interesting and add an unexpected element to an otherwise polished space.”