1. USE SELECTED ACCESSORIES TO ADD A TRADITIONAL TONE
Bringing more traditional prints into modern spaces is really all about the accessories. It's about adding pattern and softness via lampshades, frames, and soft furnishings in all those lovely heritage tones.
2. ARTFULLY MIX PRINTS AND PATTERNS
What we love about mixing old and new, and bringing more traditional designs into modern spaces, is that you really do get to pick the best of both worlds. You can combine the classic patterns you love with contemporary prints that reflect the more modern side of your style. Take this space, not only is it filled with inspiring living room color ideas (loving the pink and coral combo) but it subtly blends both traditional and modern prints. The floral cushions nod to the traditional, while the graphic tropical print of the rug adds a contemporary edge.
3. DON'T SHY AWAY FROM BOLDER COLOR CHOICES
Classic muted shades have long been the go-to palette for more traditional schemes, but to give this look a modern twist, go bolder with brighter and deeper shades on your accessories and soft furnishings. Thinking about color is usually the bouncing off point for most people planning a new interior look - though looking into an area like current sofa trends can also help - so if you're starting fresh and want to give this vibe a go, Brooke's advice is to be brave, stick to your favorite color combo and build from there.
4. PLAY WITH SIZE AND SCALE
When it comes to decorating with pattern of any kind, scale is key. 'As a general rule, I tend to mix scale - if you have a bold pattern, I tend to complement it with something calmer, such as a plain or small scale print to blur the edges a bit,' says Brooke. 'See how that looks and then start to layer it up further, adding different textures as well as patterns, as texture is pattern in itself.'
5. STICK TO THREE COLORS BUT CHOOSE MULTIPLE PATTERNS
What's key to making a chintzy, pattern-filled space feel modern is by sticking to roughly three colors. This helps ground a look and gives all the different patterns room to breathe. In this bedroom idea, ticking stripes are teamed with scallop trims, pretty florals, and abstract prints, which sounds chaotic, but in fact, the elegant combination of blue, red and white/cream makes it feel fresh and stylish. The crisp white linen, retro bedside table, and graphic lamp stop this room from feeling too twee.
WHAT HOUSE STYLE SUITS TRADITIONAL PATTERNS?
It doesn't matter whether your house is a traditional townhouse or a modern, new build apartment, the beauty with blending old and new is that it's the color palette and patterns that create the look. You can make it as modern or traditional to suit your taste and style.
WHERE CAN YOU BUY TRADITIONAL PRINTS AND DECOR?
Before you hit the shops and buy new, consider hunting for vintage pieces in your attic or at your parent's house as you never know what treasures you might find for free! Then head to charity shops, antique markets, and scour second-hand sites to find some pre-loved, perfectly intact accessories and soft furnishings to help set off your modern vintage styling.
WHAT COLORS WORK BEST WITH TRADITIONAL PRINTS?
Essentially, heritage colors draw on palettes from the past to evoke the feel of a bygone era. Many big paint brands offer a heritage collection, often focusing on classic, beautiful design eras like Georgian England. The palette tends to be muted, atmospheric and timeless; perfect paint color inspiration if you're after a heritage feel.