While we may be seeing less Barcelona chairs in living rooms, classic design principles are still alive and well. One Seattle architect creates a light-filled blend of modern and traditional in his Clyde Hill House home.
Farrell built the interior set of The Haunting of Hill House on a soundstage, but it took a creative approach to support the show’s visual depth. We asked him to share his process.
1. Choose a Neutral Palette
Whether you’re embracing modern or traditional design, a neutral color palette is a timeless choice that can elevate your home and create a sense of tranquility — something shown by Hill House Design. Choosing the right hues and pairing them with complementary textures and nature-inspired elements is key to creating a sophisticated and unified aesthetic.
A neutral base doesn’t limit your design possibilities and can serve as a blank canvas that allows the details of each space to shine. It also helps to ensure that your space feels harmonious even when you switch out accent pieces or change up your furniture over time. In addition, neutral paint colors and wall coverings are easy to maintain and will look stylish well into the future.
The first step in choosing a neutral color scheme is finding inspiration for the overall look you want to achieve. You might be drawn to a piece of artwork, wallpaper or textile that captures your attention with its color and texture. Alternatively, you may find yourself inspired by a specific element of your home such as the floor tile or molding in your dining room.
Once you’ve found your inspiration, take a look at the colors of your furnishings and choose shades that complement them. For example, if you have a modern dining table, lean towards crisp whites and soft grays to match your sleek silhouette. If you prefer a more traditional design, opt for creamier neutral tones to add warmth and depth.
You can also incorporate thematic shades into your space to create a cohesive aesthetic. For example, if you’re drawn to blues, consider introducing various shades of the hue into your space to create an intentional and deliberate coordinating palette.
Don’t forget about the power of light! Natural and artificial light affects the tone of each shade of neutral you choose. Warmer lighting tends to enrich creams and beiges with a golden glow, while cooler lights can enhance or dull the appearance of grays.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with contrasting textures when working with a neutral palette. Incorporating a variety of materials like shaggy rugs, plush pillows and glossy tables can elevate your neutral design and make it feel more textured and interesting.
2. Mix and Match
If you’re building a new home, there is a great opportunity to incorporate traditional design elements into the architecture. For example, large windows that blur the line between indoors and outdoors are a nod to classic Hill House design and allow natural light to flood the space. This is a timeless feature that is sure to make your home feel inviting and alive for years to come.
It is also important to choose a neutral base for your home when merging different styles. A warm neutral like greige can help create a balanced atmosphere for the home and is ideal for those who are nervous about mixing modern and classic styles. A warm neutral also accentuates the colors of other materials and furniture, making it an excellent choice for those who want to create a layered look. For those who want to take a more modern approach, dark neutrals can also be used as a backdrop for other styles.
3. Add Texture
One of the easiest ways to mix modern and classic design elements is by adding texture. This can be done through furniture, accessories, or even materials like wood cladding on the exterior of the home. By incorporating these textural elements, you can create a balanced look that will feel timeless.
When it comes to adding texture, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the textures you choose work with your overall design concept. Also, be sure to add the textures in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the room. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out this shabby chic kitchen that blends modern and classic design elements perfectly.
Another great way to add texture is through the use of different textiles. This can be anything from throws and cushions to baskets and sheepskin. By mixing up the types of textiles, you can create a more balanced look.
For example, if you have a lot of leather couches in your home, it would be a good idea to balance them out with some wool pillows and sheepskin throws. This will help to create a more balanced look and will also add some contrast to the room.
Finally, don’t be afraid to add some bolder textures, such as metals or glass. These can add a pop of color and can really make a statement in your room. Just be sure to balance these bolder textures out with some softer textures, such as wood or wool, to avoid overdoing it.
The Haunting of Hill House is a creepy tale that has been told many times, but it never fails to frighten its readers. The combination of the confusing layout of the rooms and the fact that it is built in a strange way that seems to tilt you off balance adds to the overall feeling of being uneasy. It is no wonder that it made such an impression on Shirley Jackson.
Founded in 2006, Hill House Interiors is a premium design firm with a worldwide presence. They create bespoke interiors for clients ranging from contemporary pieds-a-terre to classical country estates. In addition to residential projects, they have also worked on boutiques, hotels, and yachts.
4. Add Accents
When it comes to adding accents, the key is to balance them with neutrals and other classic elements. This helps to create a look that is fresh and modern without going overboard. When choosing your accent colors, be sure to consider the room’s purpose and how it will be used. For example, if you want the room to be dramatic, using darker colors might be the right choice. However, if you want the room to be warm and welcoming, lighter colors might be better.
A beautiful accent wall can add a sense of depth and drama to any space. When selecting your paint color, be sure to consider how much contrast you would like between the walls and the ceiling. Also, be sure to choose a color that is not too dark or it can start to feel heavy. For example, if you have white trim on your walls, you may want to consider painting it a different shade than your wall color.
Another great way to add some texture and interest to your space is with wallpaper. Wallpaper is available in a variety of styles and textures, so you can find the perfect one to match your style. If you’re not interested in committing to a wallpaper, you can still add a pop of pattern with a throw or accent chair.
As you can see, mixing modern and classic design can be a lot of fun. By incorporating classic elements into a more contemporary space, you can achieve a sophisticated and timeless look that will stand the test of time. So next time you are designing a space, be sure to incorporate some of these elements to create a truly memorable home.
The Sixteen Doors House was designed by the architecture firm Incorporated Architecture & Design for a young New York couple who wanted to build a home that blended with their wooded farmland surroundings. Inspired by traditional loft-like cow barns, the house combines modern architectural principles with rustic materials.
When you walk into the Hill House, it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time to 1900. The house is a gem of Scottish architectural history with its iconic Art Nouveau features. But underneath the surface, the house has a long history of changes and alterations. It reminds me of the ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch’s ship of Theseus thought experiment: if you constantly change the sails, hull, or oars on a ship, does it cease to be the same ship?
