Discover the key feature of this trending facial expression and how it equate to traditional compound style .

John Bessler

Among the top design styles last class , ‘ mod Colonial ’ ranked secondly , according to data on trending search discharge by Google . update yet still traditional , New compound style bring simplicity to the classical aesthetic .   “ [ It ] merge Graeco-Roman architectural element of a traditional home with modern characteristic and creature comforts , all while delay dependable to the nub of theColonial style , " say Elizabeth Drake , owner and primary designer of Elizabeth Drake Interiors . Learn more about today ’s take on the iconic design style , plus how to integrate modern compound elements into your domicile .

modern colonial style living room with burl wood coffee table and white furnishings

Credit:John Bessler

Modern Colonial vs. Colonial Homes

The original Colonial homes ( of the American colonies in the seventeenth and 18th centuries ) were simple , unfitted , and agrestic . Later , pep up by the American centenary in 1876 , ' Colonial revival ' homes emerged , with interiors more formal and highly adorn than their precursor .

Today ’s modern Colonial is belike influenced by the current swing from slick national designs towards moretraditional style , but streamline for present-day lifestyle . “ Modern Colonial interior style is a nod to traditional plate elements with an updated modern and more functional design for everyday living , ” says Marcella Domonkos , owner and primary room decorator of The MD Design Co.

Although still traditional in nature , forward-looking Colonial is less stuffy than its traditional ancestors , according to Cheryl Clendenon , owner and creative honcho of In Detail Interiors . “ Modern Colonial style shift key into a perfunctory and well-heeled infinite that accentuates ardent - toned colors and layered texture for visual interest , ” enjoin Clendenon , noting that innovative Colonial is more of atransitional style .

dining room with green time and wallpaper

Credit:John Bessler

Key Elements of Modern Colonial Style

In many ways , modern Colonial is defined by how it differ from traditional Colonial style . “ Modern Colonial panache combines the elegance of traditional Colonial designing with a more present-day , minimalist twist , ” says Drake . This modernisation impacts everything from interior decoration and furnishings to floor plans .

But as you consider the characteristics below , notice that you do n’t want to lean too forward-looking . " Avoid all lily-white rooms , modern clipping employment , box-shaped designs , and too neutral palette , ” advises Domonkos . Modern Colonial should still have the magic spell and sophistication of traditional decorating , but with " a timeless nature to design decision , and a comfortable tactual sensation overall , ” say Clendenon .

Pared-Back Furnishings and Symmetrical Arrangements

More remindful of the simplicity of former Colonial homes than the flowery design of the Colonial revival , pared - back furnishings are integral to the modern Colonial mode . According to Clendenon , traditional compound furniture has with child profiles , wave arms , and T - cushions ; advanced Colonial eliminates the fuss . “ Furniture should have clean billet , but feel graceful , avoiding to a fault intricate detail , ” says Drake .

In addition , symmetry is a hallmark ofColonial architecture , and Drake says it should carry on to work forward-looking Colonial interior through a balancedfurniture arrangement(this apply to artwork , too ) .

Fresh Patterns and Upholstery

For soft furnishings , Clendenon say modern Colonial translates to lighter upholstery , rich leather ingredient , and contemporary tailspin on traditional form . Traditionally , billowy and embellished accents are derogate in the modern Colonial artistic . “ Clean up the air inwindow handling designswith lesser fullness and dim-witted pinch pleat way window venire , ” propose Clendenon .

carpet customarily tally warmth and pattern to Colonial spaces ; Clendenon says to face for style “ that have an air of something more traditional but perhaps incorporate some bolder colors or sunburn - out pattern . ”

A similar approach works for wallpapers , where Clendenon suggests definitive patterns in bolder colors and scurf to update the look . In accession , Drake recommends mixing both unproblematic and luxe fabric , like linen and velvet . “ And do n’t shy away from stripe or subtle florals , ” Drake impart .

modern colonial bedroom with red walls and trim

Credit:Laurey Glenn

Laurey Glenn

Earth-Tone Colors

consort to Clendenon , traditional Colonial palette embraced deep blueing , greens , golds , and reds . Modern Colonial space use warm , inert , natural , and down-to-earth colors .   “ Stick to a achromatic color palette , whites , Gray , soft blues , and balance it with innate Ellen Price Wood tone like walnut or mahogany , ” advises Drake .

Wood Accents

From furnishings to floors , forest is a signature chemical element of the Colonial interior , regardless of the era . While early Colonial inside featured agrestic woods and beams , the Colonial revivification brought refinement to the Sir Henry Wood elements , including ornately molded article of furniture and lop body of work . Today , that elevated approach to using wood remains , but loosely for millwork and accents , not article of furniture .

Brie Williams

Trimwork

Trimwork is an important feature of speech for the advanced Colonial Department of the Interior , so do n’t predate baseboard and windowpane casing . When make for the modern Colonial panache into your own home , Domonkos saysadding crown moldingor achair rail , for deterrent example , pop the question a deep connexion to the Colonial aesthetic . A stairwell with traditional clipping is another example of an centre - catching and flair - appropriate focal point , according to Domonkos . For modern Colonial casework and trim , Clendenon recommends “ keeping lines cleaner and simpler , and incorporating lighter culture and colors . ”

Natural Light

Structurally , the modern Colonial expressive style aims to spread out up the home ’s interior , with heavy window and more open story design when compare with the historical styles . “ In traditional Colonial design , all the room were more unopen off , subside the natural light from course through the home plate . Windows were smaller and few as well , ” enounce Domonkos . In contemporary homes , however , natural light is a precedence . “ Modern Colonial bridges the gap between Colonial computer architecture and modern functionality , ” allege Domonkos .

Diana Mathews, Phillip Perrow home

Credit:Brie Williams