Modern vs Traditional Design - How They Differ

When remodeling your home, you have to ask yourself what type of interior design you prefer. If you love ornate details and timeless pieces, you may lean toward a more traditional style, but if you’re into clean lines and minimalist design, a modern style may be more up your alley. Still can’t decide? Here’s how these two commonly used designs differ:

What is modern design?
Modern interior design utilizes clean lines and bright and open spaces, in addition to the use of natural materials like brick, stone and wood. This style also puts a focus on combining beauty and function. Each room should have an emphasis on cleanliness, organization and simplicity.

Advantages of modern design
If you opt for a modern design, here are a few ways you and your home can benefit:

Less is more: Because modern design heavily relies on organization and cleanliness, you won’t have to spend as much money on furniture, furnishings, wall art and more. Instead, choose one or two pieces to be the focus of a room. Plus, you can save money by refurbishing items you already have. An old wooden door, for example, can be painted and used as a contemporary headboard for your bedroom.

Attracts younger buyers: If you’re planning on selling your home one day, a modern design is going to appeal to younger buyers. Elements such as simple stone countertops, neutral colors, updated appliances and an open shower space can be big selling points.

Disadvantage of modern design

Sharp lines not ideal for kids: Modern design calls for sharp lines and edges on everything from coffee tables and couches to islands and chairs, therefore, it may not be an ideal style if you have lots of little ones running around.

What is traditional design?
Traditional design is quite the opposite of a modern style. In a traditional styled home, you’ll find lots of bold furnishings with dark hues like green, golds and browns. The furniture is adorned with ornate detail, like clawfoot tubs or embellished four-post beds. Traditional design really puts an emphasis on an attention to detail. Edges of furniture are often soft and curved, while windows may be accompanied by heavy drapes. This style draws upon inspiration from 18th and 19th century European influences.

Advantages of traditional design
Going with a traditional design throughout your home can bring many benefits:

Allows for more attention to detail: Traditional design is all about showing off small, yet elaborate detailing through crown moldings, floral curtain patterns or the feet of a clawfoot tub. All of this detail can create a look of elegance and bring your home back to a different era.

More bold colors: This type of interior design often allows for the use of more bold colors, like green, red, brown and orange, whereas a modern style focuses more on neutrals. So if you love lots of color, traditional design may be for you.

Disadvantage of traditional design

Can be dated: Some argue that a traditional design tends to date a particular room or home back to a particular era or time period.