So many of us are conflicted when it comes to settling on what we want from a dream home. Why? Because there are just so many beautiful, visually pleasing options available. We browse the web and Pinterest, drooling over stunning room designs curated by professional interior designers. We watch home development shows on the TV, marvelling at how mere shells of homes are transformed into livable spaces.
We scroll through celebrity Instagram feeds, admiring the interiors of their personal homes and vacation apartments. We are constantly amassing inspiration from a whole variety of sources. So, it’s not all too surprising that when it comes to decorating and furnishing our own living spaces we are overwrought with turmoil at which type of look to go for. Two of the most popular options: traditional rustic vibes or a modern, sleek look. But who’s to say that you can’t have the best of both worlds? The best way to have your cake and eat it? Choosing a traditional property and modernising the interior.
Here are a few different ways to get started.
Rustic Exterior
You don’t necessarily have to have an age-old stately home or thatched roof cottage to create a beautiful, rustic, old timely exterior. The key to achieving this look is all in carefully selected design. First things first, covering your walls with climber plants. No matter how modern your exteriors’ materials, a coating of Wisteria, Ivy or Heavenly Blue will give a certain charm to your property. You can also add window boxes filled with herbs to add an extra touch and give your home a delightful scent. The best part about these design features? You need no room whatsoever. Your home could lead directly onto the main road and these things can still be achieved. If you do have a little more room, consider having a small path through your front garden to your door and perhaps installing a quaint little metal gate to separate your property from public space. Grow classic bushes such as rose bushes for an extra taste of sophistication.
Contrasting Interiors
So, your exterior is wonderfully old fashioned. You want to completely subvert your guests’ expectations as they step foot inside your property. There are a few different ways to do this, so let’s focus on key aspects of different rooms.
Entrance
Most homes lead into a kind of hall or lobby. Keep this as minimalistic and clean cut as possible. Use neutral tones on the walls and opt for neat, wooden floors. This will act as a blank canvas for the rest of your home to expand from.
Lounge
Minimalist design is generally stark and empty. But you don’t want to go too far with this theme in your lounge. You still want the space to be comfortable and welcoming, after all. A good way to get the balance right is to have simple basics: neutral toned walls, flooring and if possible, modern spot lighting. You can then add touches of homely comfort in the details. There are plenty of living room furniture ideas for you to consider: plush couches, handy side boards to rest home comforts on (books, photo frames, etc.), quirky magazine racks to fill with your favourite casual reading material. Then scatter these with cushions or separate them with deep, shag pile rugs.
Kitchen
Create contrast in your kitchen by offputting heavy beams and open brick walls with high-gloss counters and appliances. Keep major appliances (such as ovens, dishwashers, washing machines and tumble driers) to one of three recommended colour palettes: white, black or silver. If you want to add a little colour to the room, you can do so by investing in bright, bold or pastel smaller appliances, like toasters, kettles and coffee machines. For an extra touch of sophistication, invest in a wine cooler. This can display a variety of classy drinks and ensure that they are constantly at the perfect temperature for drinking.
Bathroom
You may think that there are only so many things you can do with a bathroom, but you’d be surprised at such a relatively small space’s potential. There are all sorts of little installations that you can introduce to your bathroom that will not only make it more aesthetically pleasing but will also increase the room’s functionality. Heated towel rails are a lovely touch that will stop you shivering when you step out into the cold.
So, there’s a little inspiration for you! Start mood boarding and noting down ideas that spring to mind and you will have the modernised home of your dreams in no time.
XOXO
Debbie
