How To Decorate A Room With Classics And Trendy Decor
Create one-of-a-kind rooms by blending classic style with trendy accents. Discover the perfect mix of timeless style and contemporary flair. Get inspired by tips in this post for combining classic and trendy decor to achieve a uniquely curated space that reflects your personal style.
Decorating with a mix of classic and trendy elements can feel tricky. It’s all about finding the right balance so these styles complement each other rather than compete. When you do it well, the result is magical—a space that combines elegance with fresh, modern vibes. Let’s chat about how to make that happen.
Let’s look at what a trend and classics are and the benefits and downfalls of using them in decor.
Trends And Classics
Trends are those fun, of-the-moment styles that we all have a love/hate relationship with. We can’t seem to ignore them, but they can also make what we have seem out of style to us! When I post about trends on my blog, my readers have much to say!
So, let’s begin learning just what a trend really is.
What Is A Trend?
Trends often reflect the world around us—what we’re loving, what we need, or even what we’re inspired by at the moment. They’re exciting, but they can be fleeting.
Trends like block print patterns, the Pantone color of the year, or uber-popular styles right now like cottage core or English country are good examples of trends. Trends are the buzzworthy styles of the moment.
What Is A Classic?
Classics, on the other hand, are like the dependable best friend of design. They never go out of style and are often defined by clean lines, balanced proportions, and neutral colors like white, beige, or gray. Think of a gorgeous leather armchair or a timeless white buffet. These pieces are the anchors of a room, offering timelessness and beauty.
While trends bring energy and excitement, classics anchor your space with a sense of calm and sophistication. The key is balance!
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Of A Trend
Trends are like the fun, spontaneous friend who always knows what’s in style. One of the best things about following a trend is the instant refresh it can give your home. Trends reflect what’s happening in design right now, so incorporating them can make your space feel current and full of life.
They’re also fantastic for sparking your creativity! A new trend might inspire you to try something you hadn’t considered before, like adding a splash of new color to a room. And because trends are everywhere, finding trendy pieces in stores or online is easy. Adding those touches of “what’s hot” can be a fun, low-commitment way to play with your decor and try something new.
But here’s where it gets tricky. When you rely too heavily on trends, your home can lose that sense of individuality that makes it truly yours. It’s easy to end up with a space that looks like a carbon copy of what you see on Pinterest or Instagram. While trendy pieces can be exciting, they also tend to have a short shelf life. What feels fresh today might feel tired in just a couple of years.
And let’s not forget the cost of keeping up with trends. Continuously swapping out decor to stay on-trend can add up quickly, leaving you with a home that feels stuck in a specific moment rather than timeless.
The trick to avoiding these pitfalls? Be selective. Embrace trends in small doses through accents like throw pillows, vases, or art. And pair them with classic, timeless pieces. This approach lets you enjoy the fun of trends without sacrificing the personality and longevity of your decor. After all, the goal is to create a home that feels both stylish and uniquely yours!
Classics are like the foundation of a great wardrobe. They are timeless, dependable, and always in style. Decorating with classic pieces comes with so many benefits. First and foremost, they have a refined, sophisticated look that stands the test of time. Classics aren’t tied to fleeting fads, so they keep your decor feeling polished and elegant year after year. Whether it’s a well-crafted sofa, a traditional dining table, or a neutral color palette, these elements have a way of grounding a room and making it feel effortlessly put together.
But while classics have plenty of positives, they aren’t without their challenges. One downside is that they can sometimes feel predictable. There’s a certain excitement that comes with trying new styles and sticking strictly to classics might make you feel like your decor is missing that element of surprise, fun, or creativity.
Even classics, as timeless as they are, aren’t immune to aging. Over time, even the most beloved pieces can start to feel a little dated.
High-quality classic pieces often come with a higher price tag. They’re built to last, which makes them worth the cost, but it can be a bigger commitment upfront compared to mass-produced or trendy items.
The good news is that you can easily freshen up classics and keep them feeling relevant. Pair them with contemporary accents, like a bold piece of artwork or trendy throw pillows, to bring in a modern touch. Add layers of texture or color to create interest and personality. By giving your classics a little attention and a few updates here and there, you’ll keep your decor feeling timeless and uniquely yours!
How To Incorporate Classic And Trendy Decor
Decorating with a combination of classic and trendy decor can create an attractive one-of-a-kind space that balances timeless styling with a fresh, updated aesthetic. Here are some tips to help you achieve a perfect blend:
Establish A Cohesive Color Palette
Creating a cohesive color palette is the first step to blending classic and trendy decor successfully. Think of your color palette as the glue that ties all the elements in your room together. It sets the tone for your space and ensures that everything feels intentional and curated, even when you’re mixing different styles.
When choosing your palette, keep the 60-30-10 rule in mind: 60% of your room’s color comes from the dominant neutral base, 30% from a secondary hue, and 10% from accent colors. This balance ensures your decor feels cohesive without overwhelming the space.
By sticking to a thoughtfully chosen color palette, you’ll marry the timeless appeal of classic decor with the fresh energy of trendy accents, creating a room that feels balanced, inviting, and uniquely yours.
Focus On Classic Foundational Pieces
When it comes to decorating a room with classic and trendy decor, the secret to success lies in building your space around high-quality, timeless foundational pieces. Think of these classic items as the anchors of your room.
Investing in classic furniture and larger decor pieces makes sure that your room stays stylish and functional for years to come. Here’s how to choose and work with these foundational elements:
- Choose well-crafted furniture: Look for a sofa, dining table, or bed frame with clean lines and durable construction. A neutral-colored sofa or a solid wood dining table can adapt to almost any design trend you want to explore.
- Stick to timeless designs: Opt for pieces with simple, elegant shapes that won’t feel outdated in a few years. Items like wingback chairs, tufted ottomans, or a classic four-poster bed are always in style.
- Prioritize quality over quantity: While classic furniture may cost a bit more upfront, it’s a worthwhile investment. These pieces are built to last, saving you from needing frequent replacements.
- Pick a versatile palette: Foundational pieces in neutral tones like beige, gray, or white create a blank canvas for trendy pops of color or bold patterns.
Once you have your classic foundation, you can have fun layering trendy elements like pillows, rugs, and artwork. These accents can easily be swapped out as styles change while your foundational pieces remain the steady, stylish heart of your room.
Use Trendy Accents And Accessories
Adding trendy accents and accessories is one of the easiest and most fun ways to keep your space feeling fresh and current. These smaller decor items let you experiment with trends in your home without committing to a complete overhaul of your decor. And when trends change, and you are ready, you can let go of them and try new trendy items in your home.
Since these elements are easy to switch out, they’re perfect for seasonal updates or whenever you’re ready to refresh your space.
The key is to layer trendy accents thoughtfully, so they enhance your classic foundational pieces rather than overpower them.
Edit And Simplify
When it comes to decorating, less really can be more. A crowded space with too many trendy or classic pieces can feel busy and overwhelming instead of stylish and inviting. The trick to making your decor shine is knowing when to edit and simplify.
Start by taking a good look at your room. Ask yourself: Does each piece really add to the look I’m going for? Does it fit with the overall feel? If something doesn’t quite work, don’t be afraid to move it, store it, or swap it out for something that feels more you.
Here are a few easy ways to keep things clean and balanced:
- Focus on fewer, better pieces: Instead of filling your space with lots of decor, pick a few standout items you truly love. A beautiful chair or an eye-catching piece of art can make a bigger impact than a cluttered collection of smaller things.
- Leave some space: Empty shelves, open table surfaces, and blank spots on walls are not your enemy. They give the eye a chance to rest and let your favorite pieces take center stage.
- Rotate your decor: If you’re attached to certain items but feel like there’s too much going on, consider switching things out seasonally or every few months. It keeps your space fresh and lets each piece shine at different times.
- Stick to your vision: Whenever you’re tempted to add something new, think about whether it fits with the look and feel of your space. A clear color palette or style makes it easier to decide what works and what doesn’t.
Once you’ve pared things down, have fun playing with your decor! Move things around, try different arrangements, and step back to see what feels balanced and harmonious. This is your space, so make sure it reflects you and the things you love.
You might like to read Less Is Best Decorating
Decorating a room with a mix of classic and trendy decor is all about balance. By starting with timeless, high-quality foundational pieces and layering in trendy accents, you can create a space that feels both timeless and fresh. Classic elements provide stability and beauty that anchor a room, while trendy touches bring energy and personality, keeping your decor exciting and current.
Remember, your home should be a reflection of your unique style and taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment, edit, and make changes until everything feels just right. The beauty of blending classic and trendy decor lies in its flexibility. You can adapt it as trends evolve and your preferences shift, all while maintaining a timeless base.
With a thoughtful approach and a little creativity, you can design a space that feels stylish, personal, and welcoming. A home that truly feels like you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can something be trendy and also classic?
Yes, A classic usually starts out as a trend. However, it stays a trend for so long that it becomes a classic- a tried and true item that will always be in style. A classic can also have a resurgence of a wave of popularity, so it becomes a trend.
What is timeless design?
Timeless designs are classic designs. They are so widely loved they do not go out of style.
What colors are classic?
There are many different colors in combination with others that are classics, like navy and white. But when we think of a group of colors that seem to always be in style, think about neutrals.
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Happy Decorating!
I’m not sure I like your two new square ottomans. The color is perfect for your space but the boxiness is off. To my eye they seem too chunky sitting between your lovely spindle chairs. Wouldn’t a bench look better and still give you that extra sitting? I hope this doesn’t offend but I’m sure your explanation will make me see it differently.
Thanks for your input. However a bench is boxy too and a bit taller. I have a bench as a coffee table this summer.
Yvonne, I love to see your videos. The rooms and decor is so pure, have such clean lines and the occasional touch of color whether it be flowers or (my favorite, the pillow that appears to be light blue with a tulip), or a more subtle tone such as light blue. Thank you for putting all the time and love in all you do.
Linda, you are so welcome. I love helping women like me, who love their homes and families.
I like your box ottomans in front of the fireplace. To me it represents the none use of the fireplace in this season. They look expensive and the fabric is beautiful. The poof style would be too casual to me and are not as sturdy to sit on.
Thanks, Cheryl. That is exactly why I put the ottomans in front of the fireplace.
Good advice to keep bigger ticket items neutral and simple, reflect trends in smaller items. Kitchen and bathroom renovations baffle me and we’ve been able to gut and update all of them in the last 10-15 years, but they are already outdated and that frustrates me! A designer once told me that trends in those areas recycle about every 7 years, so at least my stained cabinetry is back in style!
I agree with that designer. Keep bathrooms as trend free and as neutral as possible.
Love this! Are you able to share where those chairs are from? (Cream colored ones with balls on spindles)?
Hi Sarah, these chairs are from Ethan Allen. Here is a nice alternative:https://rstyle.me/+1jFxv_4KZyzDZQEKDqi7Hw
I know that you’ve had it a bit of time but can you give a source for the rattan chandy over the breakfast area round table?
Here you go:https://rstyle.me/+VY6Pyqk2T1EVC1UQmSNK1w