Neoclassical interior design, a refined home at your fingertips
As interior design options go, neoclassical may be one of the last that spring to mind. Read on to find out why neoclassical interior design is a seriously strong contender for your next home refurb.
Is the name rebuking already? Dispel this thought by scrolling down four highly actionable rules to make neoclassical interior design work for you. Do you consider yourself out of the game because your favourite piece is a Banksy? All the more reason to look into it, as the neoclassical style has a seriously fashionable factor.
Just take a few steps through your grand new home with us and see for yourself.
What is neoclassical interior design?
In short, it’s the new classical way of home decorating. Less idealistic in its search for perfection than classicism (its direct source of inspiration), neoclassicism is concerned with beauty and balance first and foremost.
Based on Greek and Roman art, neoclassicism reinvents the basics in a stylish way. The key is to attain sophistication using antiquity’s noble guidelines, adding your own luxurious and cosy finish.
Originating in the 18th century, neoclassicism takes its roots in the era of Enlightenment. This parallel is extremely relevant when arranging furniture in a neoclassical room, as light and brightness are a prerequisite. If you are lucky enough to avail of spacious rooms bathed in natural daylight, this style is waiting for you. It still is if you’re a fan of special effects and stage play. In short: let there be light!
Look to the professionals for inspiration when planning your next stay at a luxury hotel. The neoclassical interior design has been aptly covered by major industry players and is now making its way into your elegant home.
A how-to guide to neoclassical interior design in 4 rules
Rule #1: Colours light and gold
When in doubt, keep the colours light. Surprising as this may sound, you can mix and match pale colours to your heart’s content and it will always end up looking fab. Go all in for natural colours like cream, taupe, beige, white, grey.
Keeping in line with the natural feel of the colour palette, it is best to opt for parquet flooring. It’s an element that says timeless elegance like no other. Along with white ceilings, you’re halfway there already.
As for your furnishings, bolder colours are okay too, as long as you keep it to one or two only. A green statement rug is perfectly fine, especially if it goes with the potted plants on your patio. French windows can extend your living room’s geometry lines to the outdoors and your choice of colours can help highlight that.
Just as plants nicely complement any interior design style, flowers ornate a room so effortlessly which is great for design on a budget. Be sure to stick with light colours and steer clear of rococo overload. Neoclassicals like space and symmetry. By all means, add a cream floral wallpaper to echo the sparse bouquets you’ve thoughtfully placed in a few vases.
Rule #2: Shapes and space in order
Anything that opens up your room goes: a no-fuss Scandinavian sofa, a metal geometric floor lamp, a gold-plated and glass coffee table. You’ve got the gist, now chances are neoclassical sounds a whole lot more fun.
To create the symmetry and clear-cut lines that underpin the style, the colours black, gold and silver are the perfect fit. A mirror framed in gold, more than just reflecting light into the room, can sit atop a fireplace to echo its lines.
For a high ceiling effect, add floor-to-ceiling drapery. A rich fabric adds to the expansive look without being too showy.
The best place for any piece of costly furniture or decoration is in line with other objects so it gives off a sense of balance. This is all the more essential knowing elements of customisation are going to be used as well. Therefore the overall look would be like you walking into your private afternoon tea parlour set to a backdrop of an antique museum.
Rule #3: Classical furniture
As much as you can, go for classical items. If you really love your 1960’s mustard armchair, make sure to keep the upholstery neat and count it in as a statement piece. For the rest, yes to the chaise longue in the living room, the sleek white vanity in the bedroom and yes to the antique chest of drawers in the hallway.
If your interior is not yet adorned by elements of stucco, arrange to get some mouldings added. This will bring into your home some classical architectural features and underpin your style neatly.
Use stucco motifs to frame your flat screen TV and embed it in the panel. Add some subdued backlighting and voila! You’ve bridged the gap between the 18th and 21st century.
Rule #4: Antique deco ornaments
We kept the best to last… A chandelier is one thing that equates neoclassicism. Indulge and enjoy the bright result as a matter of priority. This post has a variety of decorative display cabinets choices both antique style and modern.
Next you’ll be on the prowl for statuettes, vases, clocks and more. Antique shops, here you come.
That being said, choose your items carefully as an avalanche of objects could have quite the opposite effect to what you’re looking for. Unless you plan to draft a rota for your newly-found treasures, adhere to the rule of ‘less is more’.
Neoclassical interior design with a modern twist
Back to your Banksy – ok, it’s a risky bet, but there is no challenge too big for neoclassical design. If you’ve applied a recommendation out of each of the four rules, you’re good to go for any street art you like.
A floral rug screams boring to you? Showcase that black and white herringbone piece you love. Make it your touch of modernity. For today is the new neoclassical. Without your own slant, it just wouldn’t qualify.
Your uncle’s bright paintings are a staple in your household? Embrace one or two of the colours on display to mirror the purple touches of these paintings in your curtains. You’ll get your head around it, we promise. Where there’s a will, there’s a neoclassical interior design with a twist.