A Fresh Approach to Real Estate Design

The revival of classic architectural elements, layered with industrial and or rustic touches is taking the country by storm, read all about this new marriage of style called Soft Contemporary.

Clean lines, a simple color palette, and unique elements all lend a timeless touch to a modernized mix of Classic Traditional meets Modern called "Soft Contemporary". It has made all things old new again with the rebirth of very traditional pieces repurposed and used in a much more modern way, style or setting. Barn doors on industrial hardware utilized as bathroom or closet doors show imagination at work in this new design style.

Made Popular on 'Fixer Upper'

HGTV's hit show "Fixer Upper" has amassed a sizable following with their refined adaptation of classic design elements from the turn of the century. Joanna Gaines has the beginnings of a Magnolia empire with the recent opening of “The Silos” featuring Magnolia Market which highlights many of the decor and furniture pieces she uses in the show. There is an obvious demand for this genre, and its influence in design.

Late 1800's to early 1900's architectural style and traditional elements have become the foundation for this modernized movement. Symmetry and scale are ideal components in layout and floor plan of new construction homes. Well thought open floor plans are highly favorable among home buyers and are among the leading structural changes taking place in home renovation. Buyers of new construction, or those renovating homes, are leaning toward the nostalgic, while incorporating ideas that are “out of the traditional box”.

 

Reclaiming Old Pieces

Industrial metal light fixtures modeled after old school houses, or architectural salvage paired with the warmth of hand scraped hardwood floors reminiscent of your great grandmother's beautifully worn wood floors are classic elements of times past that have become much sought after. Buyers and homeowners alike know what they want, and builders seem to be hearing them. Although late to the party, builders have incorporated the middle ground of modernized traditional without the harshness contemporary design can sometimes have.

Barn doors, industrial bar stools, clean white subway tile, with a natural stone or marble counter top and you have the picture of soft contemporary, which once again proves all things "old" become fresh and new again. Attention to detail and quality craftsmanship such as wood trimmed door casings in a crisp white or modern black, large base moldings paired with a simplified wainscoting and you've discovered the basics of soft contemporary. Pair these basics with out of the box additions such as non traditional lighting, or a vintage furniture piece with great lines for a bit more eclectic vibe.

The most exciting thing about “Soft Contemporary” is that, while well defined as Traditional meets Modern/Contemporary, it is not confined to the “box” where so many designers work to place a particular style, it lends itself to flexibility and imagination which allow a homeowner to truly create their space.

If you'd like to learn more about soft contemporary style, or any other trends in Georgetown real estate, please call us at 512-888-9205.