LAUREL BERN ON MIXING MODERN AND TRADITIONAL

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

@lolakimono's thought-provoking post on 'art framing architecture', got me musing on one of my favorite design conundrums, how to mix traditional and contemporary elements so the results are pleasing, and if you're lucky, smashing.

Some people call the mix of trad and mod, "transitional", but it's a catchall. Many of the rooms I see that are called "transitional", seem sort of "mushy" to me, losing the best aspects of each design style, somehow. But I love when the combination is done well.

Laurel Bern is one of the most helpful of professional interior designers, who has all kinds of ideas and opinions about interiors. Of course, I don't always agree with her, but find her thoughts on this whole subject very clarifying.

She gives some of what she considers to be "good" mixes of modern and traditional. The first two, interestingly, were put together by Nate Berkus. What do you think of her choices?

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Ivory_Coffee_Table_studio-mcgee-modern-and-traditional-furniture-mix-1000x724(pp_w842_h609).jpg

LampertSofa_PekingCocktailTable-black-jonathan-Adler.jpeg

Mark_D_Sikes_Pacific_Palisades_mix-of-modern-and-traditional-furniture(pp_w700_h906).jpeg

via-lonny-mixing-contemporary-and-modern-furniture-Jessica-Helgerson-photo-Lincoln-Barbour-1000x828(pp_w842_h697).jpeg

one_kings_lane_photo-Jack-Thompson-mixing-modern-and-traditional-furniture-1000x710(pp_w842_h597).jpeg

In her opinion, these are the classic home furnishing elements that work in both modern and traditional rooms.

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I find her online site a little bit "busy" and confusing at first, but her blog has some great content if you are willing to wade through.

godi · ‎03-09-2010

Love the staircase. The rooms are well appointed but too busy for me.

wilma · ‎03-13-2010

The first 2 rooms are ok. I’d change out a few things, add a pop of color, but, generally, the rooms are somewhat appealing to me. I don’t like the other rooms.

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

The top two photos (maybe others) are indeed Nate Berkus' present or former home.

The color palette of the room shown is too masculine for me.

I like to mix in a dash of modern with my traditional furnishings and style.

KJPA · ‎07-07-2012

Nope, not a fan of any of the combos. There are pieces here and there that I like but not the overall look of any of them ☹️

KJPA

jeanlake · ‎03-10-2010

Polished casual is my style and modern / traditional works for me -- as long as furniture is comfy to sit in.

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." Henry David Thoreau

GingerPeach · ‎03-12-2010

While I do like the concepts and the colors, I am always put off by thin-legged furniture.

[was Homegirl] Love to be home . . . thus the screen name. Joined 2003.

mspatmac · ‎06-10-2015

While all the decorator rooms are indeed beautiful and are perfect, I would love to see homes that the average family actually lives in and can afford to furnish. Homes are like people that continue to adjust to the family that lives there. I think back to when the kids were babies and what was needed was totally different and as they grew and changed the house adapted. Finally all grown and gone so now is the perfect time to have that pristine perfectly decorated home but here come the grands. I personally have never been a slave to my house but have created a warm home where family and friends feel comfortable and welcomed.