We’re very much in favour of the concept of mixing contemporary and traditional design themes and aspects within any room design. If a room is absolutely choc-full of ultra-modern ideas, colours and furniture it can end up looking a little like a showroom; and conversely, if a room is totally traditional, including colourways and accessories, it can look a period-piece or even museum-like. So, with that in mind we take a closer look at how you can balance both those concepts by including a little bit of modern style within a traditional scheme (and vice-versa)…
Curious Orange
This simple scheme is a big favourite with many of our customers… this average-sized bathroom is a great combination of trad (rectangular standard-shaped bath and classic Metro wall tiles) and contemporary – as displayed in the startling use of vivid orange tiles and the super-modern black shower fittings. Oh, and try our Trinity Lux Black floor tiles for a very dramatic flooring finish to the scheme.
Keeping It Simple
The ultimate combination of modern and traditional is attained here by the simple method of using porcelain Carrara Marble style tiles (available in both gloss and matt finishes) in combination with super-contemporary bathroom fittings. The wash stand is modern, yet has its original style roots in the traditional wash stand on legs. Try using brass, copper, or warm gold fittings and details to emphasise the traditional aspect and to add warmth to the scheme.
Brunel Basin Stand | Metro Basin and Back-to-Wall WC | Brunel Framed Mirror | Brunel Soap Dispenser all from Aston Matthews
Reclamation Style
The unexpected combination of faux-tile effect wallpaper, traditional tiles, and classic bathroom fittings is a very successful combo in this scheme. The Brunel Basin Stand in Machine Grey is part of a range which includes a Metro basin and back-to-wall WC, as well as the Brunel Framed Mirror and Soap Dispenser, all from Aston Matthews. Try Lustre Wallpaper from The Muse Collection by Zoffany at Style Library for a similar look. For the tiles, our Metro Flat White tiles would be perfectly suitable, perhaps paired with our Brighton Blue encaustic tiles in porcelain to get the typical Victorian look.
The Ultimate Combination…
Well of course, we may be slightly biased, but this gorgeous bathroom is possibly of the best combinations of Contemporary & Traditional that we’ve seen! The beautiful sleek and contemporary fittings and furniture, combined with our stunning Victorian Centro in Viena ceramic tiles (which are accurate replicas of Victorian encaustic tiles) look fresh, modern and traditional – all at the same time. Matching plain tiles, in Victorian White and Victorian Grey are also available, and all are suitable for both walls and floors.
Clever Kitchens
We would all love our kitchens to be kitted out with the latest appliances that help ease the way for all the preparation and cooking that goes on (especially during lockdown!), but if you have a period-style kitchen you may not want to stock it with shiny gadgets. But you still need the hi-tech performance, after all we’re not actually stuck in Victorian times! So, we are particularly fond of the Cuisinart Style Collection of kitchen gadgetry. There’s plenty to choose from, from a Griddle & Grill to a Four-Slice Toaster with pleasingly retro-style dials.
Mixing It Up
Mix up your style in the kitchen and combine different surfaces, textures and finishes. We love the combination of these Torino Hairpin Bar Stools from Dunelm; they’re a combination of stained pine and black steel, and work very well with a super-contemporary style of cabinetry. All accessories also from Dunelm. Get that black-tiled-look for the flooring with our Doblo Rock Black Porcelain floor tiles – and crisp white grout, of course.
Berber Light Grey Hand Woven Wool Rug from Habitat | Double Oxidised Brass Classic Socket by deVOL | Wool Rug by Habitat
Three ideas for contemporary bathrooms and traditional kitchens; from left, this Berber Light Grey Hand Woven Wool Rug from Habitat would add style to modern kitchen-dining space; this Double Oxidised Brass Classic Socket is just one item from an extensive new collection by deVOL. A brilliant way to add a traditional or classic look to a modern scheme; the new designs include dimmer switches, toggle switches with round and square/rectangular back plates; This rug is also by Habitat, with a larger pattern within a smaller format, this one measures 80cm x 130cm – more suited to a bathroom.
No Compromise On Colour
Unexpected choices make excellent combinations, and this perfect pink chair looks fabulous in this rather traditional hallway. Yes, the wall colour is a brave choice, as is pairing it with the chair, but it works in a delightful way. And of course, a gallery wall feature is always a great way of adding interest and individuality to a scheme. Walls are Plum Martini CSP-540 by Benjamin Moore, in the Aura Interior and Aura Bath & Spa paint formulations – suitable for most interior projects regardless of style!
Purple Patch
Add a colourful swathe of tiles to a neutral colour scheme to perk things up and bring together traditional and contemporary themes. Strong colours for splash backs (and remember you only need to tile the section of wall between work surface and wall cupboards to set the scene) such as our Metro Plum, Teal, Lime, Orange and Red are an excellent choice to add individuality.
Next Time … it will be time for Trend Watch again, and we’ll be looking at Subtle Style for Bathrooms and Kitchens, so be sure to pay us a visit and check that out. In the meantime though, don’t forget to send us your pics of your new projects, especially those that combine Contemporary & Traditional ideas. Happy tiling!
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Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.