1. One way to keep your traditional design from feeling out-of-date is to mix in contemporary fabrics. Replace cracked leather with a sleek, rich velvet to bring new life to an older Chesterfield sofa. Another way you could use texture to freshen up a traditional space is with wallpaper. Updating the walls of your powder room with a neutral grass cloth will bring a light, modern feel to the room while still complimenting old-fashioned fixtures already in place.
2. Another quick way to freshen up the more traditional pieces in your room is with color. Switch out the floral or plaid upholstery on an old armchair with a chic solid to make pieces feel new again. When selecting new fabric for older pieces stick with solid colors rather than patterns, because they update the look while still allowing the intricate detail of the furniture to shine.
3. Lighting can be a way to refresh and modernize décor that feels a little dated. Introducing sleek, contemporary light fixtures to a traditional room allows you to update and revive the space in a way that highlights the classic details, rather than distracting from them. A clean, simple pendant or angular sconce refreshes the room and showcases the intricacy of antique style furniture.
4. Use artwork to modernize your décor. Select a few simple, contemporary pieces to help tie the room together. The frame should be clean and minimal so as not to distract from the art. An eye-catching piece of artwork can give traditional spaces an updated, cohesive look.
5. Our final tip is to brighten up a classically neutral wall with a pop of color. White and off-white walls will never go out of style, but you can add interest and life with a contained section of color. This adds depth to the space and can highlight a feature of the room such as a bar or set back storage bench. You can use a flat paint for a more subtle effect, or lacquer paint to add even more dimensions and interest to the room. Breaking up neutral walls with a bright color that compliments the space to highlight a tucked away feature of the room breathes new life into the space and draws attention to the architectural details of your home.