Neo Classic (Between Marble and Wood)

Owner Mr D

Bintan Island
Jalan Pamedan

Indonesia


Elegant, luxurious and timeless, neoclassical design is all about melding tradition with modern, contemporary pieces for an interior that will seriously impress. Whether it’s the enduring colour palette that has you enthralled or the trend-defying nature of the style, neoclassicism is one of the most popular design genres for a reason. But how to get there, without feeling overdone? We take you through four simple rules to stick with to ensure a fresh approach.

Neoclassicism is all about muted colours. Whites, creams, greys can be accentuated with pops of black, yellow or green. In 2018, we suggest adding elements of gold and brown to modernise the look—beige might be good for a room, but colour adds much-needed depth to a home.

Neoclassicism is all about refined luxury—with some seriously over-the-top finishing touches. If that sounds like a contradiction, it is. As the colourway stays refined, it’s the shapes and accessories where the bold statements are made. Think bulbous furniture and classic styling, but add an element of luxury with gold hardware lighting, beautiful artwork or a chandelier. Take inspiration from the style’s Greco-Roman roots and decorate with ornaments for authenticity use—but don’t go overboard. A modern and chic take on the style is all about paring it back. Less is more.

When decorating in a neoclassical style, make sure to stay within the theme, but ensure there’s a point of difference with every piece. Confused? Don’t be. Stick with a theme and follow it. Think, furniture that's in the same family: chairs with similar chairs and so on. For traditional neoclassicism, try geometric shapes, clean lines and detailed carvings. Use finishing touches like headboards and wallpaper to match the style of the furniture and tie it all together. In other words, everything should be the same, but different.

Going overboard on the colours or accessories can turn a beautiful home into a tacky one. And with neoclassicism’s potential for statement making, there’s a fine line to toe when choosing your furniture. When playing with neoclassical elements, we suggest enlisting the help of a professional interior designer, as the style is often tricky to pull off—especially if your house isn’t traditionally endowed with intricate architecture details. For at-home stylists, make sure to match like colours and mix textiles for a room with genuine depth.