How to design a modern interior mixed with antiques?

Louis Sullivan once said: "Form follows function," meaning "form follows function," thereby distancing himself from the eclectic and ornate past of contemporary architectural styles.

20th Century marks a breakthrough in architecture – the modern style dominated interior design, making functionality and open spaces the main focus. If you want to design a modern interior, you need to understand that it is not the same as the contemporary style.

Modernism in interiors differs from contemporary arrangements, which are a blend of various styles and a mixing of fundamental interior design principles. To fully understand the modern style, the client must know what the interior means to them and what function it serves, and only then should they choose appropriate colors, materials, furniture, and accessories.

Modern style – freeing the space

Looking at modernist interiors, it’s important to notice the significant change compared to older arrangements. The decisive rejection of decorative ornaments, overbuilt compositions, and extravagance allows space to be revealed and breathe. A modern interior should therefore be spacious, bright, and organized; it must not be overwhelmed by unnecessary furniture, color combinations, or materials used. However, it’s worth remembering not to go to the other extreme, which could lead us toward excessive minimalism.

Designing, or creating compositions

Designing a modern interior – a house, or an apartment broken through antique furniture is primarily about understanding the client’s needs and expectations, as well as guiding their vision of the space being arranged. The modern interior is functional, providing comfort and freedom, wrapped in a designer form. Looking at it this way, one can assume that distancing from the past is not entirely definitive, as it’s possible to create a modern interior with antique elements.

Finding suitable design elements on the antique market may not be easy, considering that most past furniture or accessories are associated with excessive ornamentation and opulence, but it is not an impossible task. The most important principle is finding a simple form that corresponds to a specific function and ensures comfort for the client.

Minimalism as the key to success

The precursor of modernism, Adolf Loos, believed that ornamentation is a crime – this direction, although perhaps more gently, is followed by the modern style. Simple forms and openness are features that should dominate in the modern style. Just look at the designs of Ozzio Italia, Tonelli Design, or Primaria to see what makes the modern style in interiors distinctive. Simplicity of lines, geometric shapes, and the use of high-quality materials create a unique effect.

The key is the perfect combination of functionality with a designer’s perspective to make the interior look impressive and timeless. Simplicity is not only elegant but also highly versatile and much more resistant to changing trends and the passage of time. By choosing the modern style broken with antiques, you will get an interior that will continually delight you regardless of current trends and changing fashion.

Making choices

History says that when searching for furniture for a modern interior, it is worth paying attention to the materials used. It is good when the client is aware of which materials they would feel most comfortable around. The appropriate selection of individual elements and a seamless combination, for example, of glass with wood or natural stone, will create a wonderful effect. Glass furniture or individual furniture elements are very often used in modern style because they perfectly fit the idea of open spaces. Glass allows light to pass through, does not create clear boundaries, creating open compositions, and adds elegance to the interior. However, it is worth remembering that excess can introduce a sense of harshness and coldness, so it is important to agree on and balance the final arrangement together. The same applies to the use of natural stone.

Italian brand Kreoo expertly uses beautiful marble in their designs, breaking its rawness with rounded forms or gold elements. It is a great example of finding the perfect balance between modernity and creating a pleasant atmosphere, which every interior should feature.

Let’s not forget about wood

Wooden furniture in a modern style is a timeless classic in a designer edition. The lack of unnecessary embellishments, baroque ornaments, and geometric forms are the hallmarks that distinguish modern furniture. Wood itself is unique thanks to the distinctive grain patterns, and high-quality furniture made from solid wood, rather than plywood, does not require additional decoration. Wooden dressers or cabinets fit perfectly into modern interiors, providing an element that adds warmth to the arrangement. We remind our clients of this because it is often observed that modern style is associated with a mix of glamour and other contemporary solutions.

Interiors that revolutionized interior architecture in the 20th century were primarily spaces where people lived, designed to serve and make living in them pleasant and comfortable. When designing a modern interior combined with antiques, it is a good moment to carefully look for interesting wooden antiques that can be incorporated into the planned arrangement. We provide support and initiative in the search for antiques, backed by experience and passion.

Preparing a project based on expectations

Based on the discussions with clients, the project is prepared with a clear understanding of the direction to take. Such work includes all the most important elements and expectations, supplemented with details—those small everyday touches that influence the functionality of the interior.

Our task is to ensure that the interior we prepare meets as many of our clients’ needs as possible. By getting to know the client and talking with them, we can apply the assumption of what they will need most and incorporate this into the project. Combining knowledge of style and industry experience with attentive listening to needs allows us to create interiors that meet expectations.

The modern style is very popular, and it can even be said that it is currently experiencing a comeback. Truly modern interiors become wonderful spaces characterized by a high degree of individuality. This is the great advantage of this style – listening to the individual needs of the client and responding to them through the project and final arrangement. If you want your apartment or flat to reflect your needs, requirements, and preferences, while also containing a classic, exclusive accent, then a modern style combined with antiques will be the best choice.

We invite those who wish to create a space perfectly tailored to them to contact us. We will gladly answer questions and share our knowledge and experience. Working together will allow us to create a unique arrangement that will impress.

Photo: https://louisvillemercantile.com