August 14, 2019
It may seem intimidating or even downright impossible, but blending historic and modern interior design in your home isn’t as tough to pull off as you might think. By taking into account your home’s essential interior and exterior elements, you can add furnishings, fixtures and other flair that introduce a more modern attitude and best represent you and your individual aesthetic.
In our ongoing Dare to Live series, we explore how to harness the power of interior design to create surroundings that are a true reflection of our personalities and lifestyles. Here we’ll delve into the myriad ways to combine traditional and modern aspects into one harmonious home design.
Europeans are far more free when it comes to embracing the juxtaposition of the historic and the contemporary. (When your buildings date back centuries, you tend to find creative ways to inject a sense of currency.) Design-minded travelers will find these bright, colorful front doors throughout the continent, and we love the energy they emit, especially when paired with traditional exterior masonry. Why not spark interest in your abode and stand out from the rest of the street?
It may seem counterintuitive, but a sleek steel-and-glass staircase can lend an appealing airy quality to a more staid space, such as in this English Tudor cottage. It’s a strategic way to not be hemmed in by a home’s classic bones and a brilliant use of space.
In the Midwest, we see an abundance of Prairie-style residences, often with coffered ceilings and wood millwork. Rather than attempting to cover up these decidedly traditional design elements, it’s more alluring to play off of them by introducing bold contemporary furnishings that imbue the space with fresh energy and positivity.
Intriguing modern furnishings are a welcome breath of fresh air in a historic space. The seemingly paradoxical pairing is refreshing and highlights the more traditional elements of a home such as wainscoting in surprising, satisfying ways.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a fireplace in your home, by all means, show it off! Incorporating modern mirrors, furniture and lighting into the room pays homage to the hearth but still offers a compelling contemporary edge.
We believe that anything is possible for your surroundings when you open your mind and, of course, work with an experienced design professional. Connect with the Inspired Interiors team to discover how we can collaborate on an interior design that embodies the historic and the modern in equal measure.
Featured
Elm Street Reimagined: A 1922 Dutch Colonial Becomes a Living Showroom
A once-dilapidated 1922 Dutch Colonial on Elm Street is reborn as Inspired Interiors’ immersive Living Showroom—where bespoke cabinetry, a reimagined kitchen, a Grand Salon speakeasy, and thoughtfully layered architectural details honor the home’s history while elevating it for modern gatherings, curated networking, and community connection in the heart of Winnetka.
Read more →
Destination Family Compounds: A Defining Luxury Trend for 2026
Luxury living in 2026 is being redefined, not by excess, but by intention. As families rethink how and where they gather, a new standard is emerging: the destination vacation family compound. These thoughtfully designed estates go beyond the traditional vacation home, offering a private, immersive environment where connection, autonomy, and legacy coexist.
Unlike resorts or single-home retreats, destination family compounds are designed to support real life across generations. A central residence anchors shared experiences, while secondary structures provide privacy and independence, allowing families to come together without sacrificing personal space. The result is a living environment that feels effortless, adaptable, and deeply personal.
At their best, these compounds are not seasonal escapes but enduring sanctuaries, places where traditions form, milestones are celebrated, and family history quietly unfolds over time.
Read more →
Your Home Is Likely Your Biggest Investment — So Why Go It Alone?
Read more →
Rethinking Construction: Why Women Belong at the Helm
Read more →
