DESIGN: MIXING IT UP
Blending Modern and Classic Design Elements KNOWING HOW TO COMBINE VARIOUS ELEMENTS CREATES TIMELESS AND AFFORDABLE INTERIORS.
LUKE BABICH
W hether you are investing in a property to rehab and flip or want to attract quality tenants to a rental, the design you choose matters. You’ll likely want something that isn’t dated, but following every new design trend can get expensive fast. Blending modern and classic design elements provides a solution. Here are 15 tips for finding a happy medium using both modern and classic design elements to create a timeless interior.
3. KEEP YOUR COLORS NEUTRAL You don’t need to look back far to realize how quickly color can date an interior space. In the 1970s, kitchens were outfitted with harvest gold and avocado-colored ranges and refrigerators. But in 2024, you’ll want to stick to neutral colors for floors, walls, and appliances to achieve a timeless palette. Neutrality allows buyers to see themselves in the home and allows renters to customize the rooms while living there. 4. FOCUS ON LIGHTING Lighting provides an excellent opportunity to blend classic and modern sensibilities. An antique chandelier plays well with recessed lighting, as does a single modern pendant in an otherwise classically styled room. 5. KEEP DESIGN FUNCTIONAL Don’t swing too far in either direction aesthetically. Make sure your design is functional with a sensible layout and fur- niture that makes the most of the space. This is important for tenants renting fur- nished homes, but potential buyers also need to feel a good flow in each room. 6. TAILOR YOUR DESIGN Similar to designing a highly functional interior space, select practical accessories such as rugs, window treatments, and fix- tures that make it easier to use the space.
Families with small children aren’t inter- ested in shag rugs and glass coffee tables. Tailor your design to the people looking to live in the home you are renting or selling. 7. STAY SAFE Another critical point is to prioritize safety over visual appeal when necessary. If you have tall bookshelves, ensure they are securely fastened to the wall. Although it is not the landlord’s responsibility to fully childproof a home, you can take simple precautions to keep potential tenants and their families safe. 8. MIX AND MATCH The goal isn’t to become a historical replica or a museum for modern art. Blend modern and classic design elements such as furniture and accent pieces to balance your interiors. Doing so will appeal to a broader pool of renters and buyers, increasing the likelihood that your vacancy will be filled or your property will sell.
1. CHOOSE CLASSIC, DURABLE MATERIALS
In the 1970s, durable materials meant Formica counters and rolls of linoleum, but not all durable materials are so dated. Materials that never go out of style include marble, hardwood, and brass. When used in a contemporary
way, these classic materials are fresh, modern, and built to last.
2. CHOOSE LOW- MAINTENANCE MATERIALS Low-maintenance finishes and fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain are also considered durable. Materials resistant to stains, scratches, and other damage reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements. Your tenants will appreciate the easy maintenance, and prospective buyers will be impressed.
9. LAYER RUGS Many people think of rugs as an
afterthought, but they are a great way to change the look of a room affordably. They also develop depth and interest in a design. Choose a color palette and then look for a traditional rug to layer over a modern, geometric one, for example.
16 | think realty magazine :: may - june 2024
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter