With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee less than a month away, who can blame Britons for falling in love with everything classic again? In anticipation of celebrating her 60 years of reign in the first week of June, we’ve put together some of our most favourite classic home style elements. You may not have a royal castle, but you can pull them off in your home. Just head to Achica Homeware to get started.
Elements of Classic Style
How can you transform your home into a traditional design inspiration? Here are five helpful tips.
Hard wood floors adorned with intricate rugs
Tapping into the utilitarian attitudes of yesteryear, having hard wood floors can help you maintain a cleaner home (no vacuuming or carpet cleaning treatments needed). But they also provide a neutral backdrop for the most elegant oriental rugs that you can find. Long carpets that shimmer with a hint of gold work best, especially if you like mixing traditional with luxurious.
Art and accessories everywhere
While some elements of traditional home style require understatement (such as neutral tones), there are other areas where it’s best to explore the options. Empty wall space under-utilised shelves are a no-no for classic home style, so you’ll want to make sure to fill your walls with framed photos and fancy dishware. Shelves will look exquisite with perfectly arranged books and keepsakes like jewelry boxes and ceramic dolls. You can find much of what you’ll need to fill your canvas at Achica.
Crown molding, royal trim
Sometimes, it’s the little things that count. And this is one case where the little things become the big things. Moulding and trim along the ceiling is a given, but they can also be a standout feature on walls, which screams traditional style. It adds a touch of elegance to any room, and this design element looks best when painted white, as opposed to eggshell or off-white.
Traditional furniture layout
In recent times, asymmetrical furniture layouts have become more popular, but if you’re aiming for a traditional ambiance, it’s best to keep it perfectly balanced. This is good news for do-it-yourself homeowners, because there’s no guesswork involved in arranging furniture symmetrically. Just make sure you create seating areas that facilitate conversation; remember, in the classic age, there were no televisions to hover around.
Wood that’s rich and metal that’s soft
Choosing careful tones is a large part of achieving a classic home style, so it’s best to stick with metals that are muted, such as bronze or copper. These also go well with the richest wood undertones you can find, such as mahogany, walnut, and cherry. But just placing a wooden coffee table here or there won’t do; the best places to use these kinds of wood are mantles, staircases, and wall trim.
Stepping into an era from the past can create an excitement on its own, but coupling it with the upcoming Jubilee only adds to the intensity. Enjoy your traditional home style as you reflect on this year’s monumental celebration for the Queen and the nation.