Ah, the eternal dance of tradition and innovation – where do we even begin? As a passionate purveyor of all things furniture, I’ve found myself enamored with the idea of seamlessly blending the timeless elegance of classic designs with the fresh, forward-thinking flair of modern interpretations. And let me tell you, the results can be nothing short of divine.
Striking the Perfect Balance
It’s a delicate balancing act, really. On one hand, we have the revered furniture styles of yesteryear – the hefty oak armoires, the ornate mahogany desks, the intricately carved four-poster beds that evoke a sense of history and grandeur. These are the pieces that have stood the test of time, the heirlooms that have been passed down through generations, each one imbued with a story waiting to be told.
Unfinished Furniture has long been the destination for those seeking to breathe new life into these classic designs. But in today’s ever-evolving world, the demand for a more… shall we say, contemporary touch has become increasingly apparent. And that’s where the magic happens.
Embracing the New Traditionalists
Enter the New Traditionalists, a design studio that has mastered the art of reinventing the old with a modern flair. As I discovered in my research, these visionaries aren’t content with simply recreating the past; they’re intent on pushing the boundaries, infusing traditional silhouettes with a fresh, unexpected twist.
Take, for example, their mid-century-inspired bar cabinet that now graces the lobby of The Woodhouse Lodge. Megan Pflug, the mastermind behind the design, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this new traditional approach: “It’s one of the prettiest pieces I’ve ever owned. A custom piece of furniture can be a bit of a splurge, but in a world full of disposable everything, it’s nice to know this piece will be around for a long time to come.”
Customization is Key
And that’s the beauty of it all – the ability to truly make a piece your own. The New Traditionalists understand that no two homes, no two design sensibilities, are exactly alike. That’s why they offer a wide range of customization options, from finishes and materials to size and scale. It’s a true collaborative process, where the designer’s vision seamlessly merges with the client’s personal style.
As Megan Pflug notes, “With a slight change in finishes or scale, this piece would look completely different.” It’s a testament to the power of customization, where the possibilities are truly endless. Want to infuse a touch of modern minimalism? Opt for a sleek, cerused oak finish. Craving a bit of old-world elegance? Indulge in a rich, lush leather upholstery.
Blending the Old and the New
But it’s not just about the furniture itself – it’s about the entire design ecosystem that surrounds it. Debra Funt, a renowned interior designer, eloquently captures the essence of this new traditional approach: “Juxtapose traditional elements with modern elements and style.”
In Funt’s own words, “In this library/study, we kept the same original wood panel and ceiling medallion, playing it up with a modern chandelier.” It’s a masterful dance, where the historic and the contemporary coexist in perfect harmony, each element complementing the other and creating a space that is truly unique.
And the magic doesn’t stop there. As Shannon Murray, another design expert, notes, “We used heavy millwork with a traditional crown, shaker-style doors, and framed windows. Then to update it to 2020, we painted everything in a high-gloss blue color and accented the backsplash – again, in a traditional subway style – but done in stainless to add the punch.”
Embracing the Unexpected
But let’s not forget the true essence of this new traditional movement – the unexpected. As Susan Carlson, a seasoned interior designer, so wisely puts it, “New-traditional design is about reaching back in time to incorporate those unexpected pieces that add history and personality to a space.”
It’s about taking that well-worn footstool, that family heirloom armchair, and seamlessly integrating it into a modern setting. It’s about juxtaposing the old with the new, creating a dynamic interplay that captivates the senses and sparks the imagination.
And when it comes to the details, the New Traditionalists are masters of their craft. As Westchester Magazine so eloquently describes, “Mixing metals is the wave of the New Traditional.” Gone are the days of matchy-matchy; it’s all about embracing the unexpected, from antique pewter faucets to brushed brass hardware.
Embracing the Future, Honoring the Past
As I delve deeper into this fascinating world of new traditional design, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. It’s a testament to the enduring power of classic furniture styles, and the ingenious ways in which they can be reimagined and reborn.
Laurel Bern Interiors sums it up beautifully: “Traditional elements in new configurations create the wow in rooms.” And that’s precisely what the New Traditionalists have mastered – they’re not merely replicating the past, but rather, they’re breathing new life into it, captivating our senses and inspiring us to see the world of furniture design through a fresh, innovative lens.
So, whether you’re a die-hard traditionalist or a self-proclaimed modernist, I encourage you to embrace the power of the new traditional. After all, as Megan Pflug Designs so aptly puts it, “A custom piece of furniture can be a bit of a splurge, but in a world full of disposable everything, it’s nice to know this piece will be around for a long time to come.”
