It is that time of the year when the old goes out, and the new is welcomed. The year 2017 has begun, and we are all hoping it won’t be half as bad as 2016 was for the world. Since we can’t control external factors, let us focus on the inside. It is time to redo your home and opt for something new, something fashionable that immediately uplifts your mood and is sure to make you the envy of your guests. Dr. Janis Naha, the amazing Interior Designer, and owner of the well-known interior design store Art Legends, in a six-part series, takes us through various ways one can beautify their homes. Learn about various styles, its history, and its evolution through the decades. And, finally, learn how the same can be incorporated to make your house into the home you were always hoping for.
The first in the series is one of the most loved, the timeless Classic and Elegant styling.
Classic and elegant styling in interiors
Now, who doesn’t want their home to be the epitome of classic beauty? But, before that, let’s delve a little into history.
The classic styling is an ancient style with its roots stretching back to Greek and Roman antiquity. The style, it can be said, has evolved from a mixture of influences; the 18th century English, with a touch of the 19th-century neoclassic era, and of course the French country and the British colonial periods.
The typical features or characteristics:-
Refined /rich look – This style creates an exclusive , solid and serene look with a controlled statement or impact on interiors.
Solid structure, balance, and symmetry: These three important elements are most prominently seen in classic or elegant interiors. The interiors beautifully express balanced and proportional structures with a feeling of solidarity all over the space, and this leads to the feeling of orderly decor.
Harmony: One of the most striking features of this style is the immediate feeling of warmth and calmness that one feels when walking into the room with such a décor.
Timelessness : And, of course, how can we forget timelessness! That is why it is called classic. The design brings the feeling of timelessness and at the same time provides ample space for creative innovations. Thus, its ability to incorporate innovativeness has made it an all-time -favourite style in interiors.
Even if the furniture or fabrics are set in formal lines, it does not appear to be static thereby always leaving room for new revivals and unexpected details.
Tradition: However, along with giving space for innovations, this style inherently remains traditional; always looking to incorporate traditional aspects of the region.
Therefore, this style is usually welcoming and accepted by the public in areas like Hotels, lobbies and other hospitality sectors, Government sectors, museums, cultural centers, among others.
This style of interior design also brings the opportunity to play with established traditional and cultural concepts, and at the same time creates a character and personality for the interiors. It accommodates beauty, elegance and to a certain degree, predictability; making it widely acceptable throughout the ages, and among various demographics.
Typical classics or modern age classics?
A connoisseur of interior design will immediately identify if a particular interior belongs to the typical classics or the modern age classics genre.
Even though the basic aspects of classic styling remain the same, there have been revivals throughout the ages meeting the needs and lifestyle of people during each era.
The old age classic: This décor encompasses a very heavy and solid look. Highly rich in details; similar to those depicted in the movies. This look entails the elaborate use of wood in furniture and other decor elements; extensive panelling, bordering, and pelmet patterns.
Highly curved arms and legs are major characteristics of this style. Ornamental and highly carved finishes are more prominent in this style and the inlay works can also be seen. Complex ceiling designs, bordering and molding patterns are another distinctive to this style.
How to differentiate between the styles? Here are some important traits to remember to differentiate this style from its successor:
1) High usage of historical paintings from well-known artists.
2) Metallic chandeliers are used widely. Patterned curved glass shades with carving work also seen.
3) Heavy fabrics like velvets are used for curtains or window treatments.
4) Sofa or upholstery fabrics are heavy with patterns or motifs in a traditional design.
5) Colour pallette adapted are a combination of warm earthy tones or pastel tones in contrast with wide usage of deep tones of red, green etc. Providing depth and contrast to the interiors.
New Age Classics:
As they say, the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree. The New Age classic of course has quite a number of differing characteristics from its predecessor, but at its heart, it has retained the same traditional charm.
The New-age Classics is more adaptable and molds itself easier than the old style, to the needs of and requirements of its consumers. It also has a lighter and sleeker look compared to typical classics’ style. But, more importantly, it still retains the unique element pf solidarity of structures.
But of course, compared to the old style, there is a lesser use of wood in furniture and other treatments.
Also, the furniture is usually characterized by simple curves moving towards a more of a minimalistic look. Mostly the curves are visible only at legs and arms and the main body may be just slanting to give harmony. The ceiling patterns are lesser and, sometimes, may even be absent. And, there is the comparatively lesser usage of paintings; instead giving way to modern classic images. On the other hand, glass crystal chandeliers are widely used to impart a lighter feel to the interiors. Lighter looking fabrics like satins, silks and linen are amply used for curtain drapings, and the latter along with the upholstery are much simpler and less patterned.
Colours used are mostly mid tones or more muted and less of contrasts are seen. More harmony or blending between colours is seen in the colour palette.
So, if you are interested in creating a classic décor (both the old style and the newer one), here are some of the key points you must follow:
Floors – Go for hardwood, and engineered wood planks as they are bound to create a strong impact. Also, if hardwood is not your style, then opt for marble or sandstone, they also help in establishing more solidarity with other elements of the classic interiors.
Wood: Wooden furniture and panels are an integral part of this type of styling. And, usually beautiful wood like oak, cedar and teak can be used for furniture and panels.
Metals: For classy yet functional furniture, also opt for metals like copper, bronze, and iron. These can be used to make coffee tables, side tables, among others. They can also be used as lighting and decor accessories; therefore making them multipurpose.
Fabrics: Invest in beautiful soft satin, velvets, silks and lines. Nothing speaks classy than having beautiful looking linen in your house.
Wallpapers : Opt for heavy wallpapers with motifs or patterns can be used.
On the other hand, to create a contrast, a wall or the entire room can be treated with lighter shaded small patterned wallpapers for a look of harmony.
Highlighter: This is where your imagination really comes to play! Certain objects can be used to a strong focal point or a style statement.
Example – A large piece of modern art on a show wall or an intricately patterned and richly woven rug on the floor might just do the trick. Most commonly used highlighter is a striking glass and metal chandelier in the middle of the seating or dining area.
Decor Accessories : To decorate your home, opt for more solid accessories with limited curves and patterns. Remember to go for colours that are dark, bold, or muted plain.
Lighting : Curved and patterned Shades in the glass, metal and wood commonly used. Use of a tall hanging central Chandelier or many smaller ones over a wide area is a typical feature.
This New Year embrace the timelessness and remain classy through the year!