Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

How to Freshen up Your Traditional Home Décor

  • Written by Chloe Taylor


Although a traditional home does have a certain type of vintage beauty, it may seem slightly outdated without some chic, modern details. Furthermore, by freshening up your traditional home, you’ll be able to introduce a sense of novelty and give it a new, authentic vibe. In addition, the unique mixture of both traditional and contemporary details will provide you with the best of both worlds. And with these inspiring ideas, you’ll have a home with a classic, timeless charm and a modern appeal.

Introduce a minimalist design

Minimalism is one of the most distinctive features of the modern design, so you should introduce it to your traditional home. Featuring open, airy spaces with just a few simple yet mesmerising details, minimalism accentuates elegant simplicity and sleek designs. Thus, you should start by decluttering your traditional home. Get rid of unnecessary items and leave several ones that can work as stunning statements in your home. You should follow the less is more principle and keep only the essentials. This will transform your traditional space immediately and give it a more modern appeal that comes with minimalism.

Create a modern contrast

Modern spaces embrace bold statements and stylish contrasts are definitely one of them. Traditional homes typically feature subtle, neutral colour palettes, so introducing details in dark hues will create a stunning contrast in your home. Of course, the black-and-white combination is a classic, modern choice that will create a sleek, bold and urban look in your traditional home. If you have a traditional all-white kitchen, you can introduce a stunning black island as the focal point.

Mix and mismatch

 

Symmetry is another common feature of traditional homes where decorative details and furniture are introduced in harmonious pairs. When it comes to modern design, on the other hand, you shouldn’t hesitate to mix the old with the new and mismatch old pairings. Modern design is characterised by mismatched furniture, so you can experiment as much as you want. However, you should still aim for a cohesive look that you can create by connecting different elements through a shared focal point.

Embellish with artwork

Not only will artwork modernise your home and elevate your traditional décor, but it will give it an authentic, modern character. Abstract paintings can work as lovely décor statements in traditional homes. When decorating your home with artwork, you shouldn’t hang it too high but place it at the eye level.
Another modern trend that you shouldn’t miss is incorporating artwork outdoors. If you have a beautiful patio or porch, you can embellish it with enticing outdoor wall art featuring stunning designs. This way, you’ll give your traditional patio a modern flair and create an enchanting décor statement.

Paint and reupholster

Instead of purchasing new furniture, you should give your old pieces a modern uplift. Although vintage pieces will add to the general style of your home, you should consider reupholstering them if they’ve become worn out. You can pick your least favourite pieces with outdated prints and designs and use modern paint colour or stylish fabrics to transform them into stunning modern details. For a truly modern appeal, you should use popular colour trends for 2018, such as Millennial pink, and contemporary patterns, including botanical motifs and geometric designs.

Upgrade your lamps

 

While one or two vintage lamps can work as lovely accent details in your living room or bedroom, you should consider upgrading the rest of them. Not only will this simple change style up your home décor, but it will also save you money since you won’t have to buy completely new fixtures. All you need to do is replace the olds shades with new ones that feature modern motifs and patterns. Pay attention to shape when choosing new shades – while traditional style is characterised by curvy shapes, modern designs accentuates clean, sleek lines, rectangles and squares.

Add modern finishes

There’s a world of chic options when it comes to modern finishes. Crisp surfaces go perfectly with matte black finishes that you can incorporate into your kitchen or bathroom. Other modern finishes include rose quartz and soft gold that you can use for a range of details, from knobs and pulls to lighting fixtures and faucets. You can even combine different finishes, but don’t go overboard – aim for balance and moderation.

Giving your traditional home a modern uplift will help you create a stunning ambiance that combines antique beauty with modern charms.

 

About the author:

Chloe is an interior design consultant from Adelaide and a regular contributor to Smooth Decorator. She loves everything related to decor, aesthetic and lifestyle topics. She is also passionate about photography. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world and take some stunning photographs of beautiful places. Beside all this, she enjoys drinking coffee and reading a beautiful book from time to time. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter.

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation i...

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effect...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, ...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk ...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth ...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around...

Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for Adults?

Straightening teeth as an adult is common in Australia, and the options are better than ever. The two main choices are clear aligners, also called i...

Smoking, Vaping, and Healing: How Nicotine Affects Sockets and What you can do About it

Nicotine and oral surgery are a poor mix. After an wisdom teeth removal in Sydney, your body needs a stable blood clot and steady blood flow to rebu...

Titanium and Bone: How Dental Implants Become Part of the Jaw

Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring a metal fixture in the jaw and fitting a crown on top. Their success rests on a biological event ...

Do Wisdom Teeth Really Make You Wiser? Debunking Old Beliefs

Wisdom teeth are among the most discussed teeth in dentistry, not because of their function but because of the myths that surround them. The name it...

How Long Do Dental Implants Really Last? The Facts Dentists Won’t Skip

Australians often ask one simple question before green-lighting treatment: how long will a dental implant actually last? The short answer is that th...

The Confidence Curve: Why Implants Change the Way You Carry Yourself

Losing a tooth is not just a physical change; it alters the way people see themselves and how they believe others perceive them. While dentistry has...

Why Reliable Air Conditioning Services Are Essential for Year-Round Comfort

Melbourne’s climate is known for its unpredictable swings—from scorching summers to chilly winters. This variability makes it crucial for homes ...

Expert Plumbing Solutions in Perth: From Hot Water Systems to Leak Detection

Plumbing is one of those things we often take for granted—until something goes wrong. From stepping into an unexpectedly cold shower to discovering ...

Eco-smart Car Removal in Sydney: Practical Steps That Cut Waste and Return Value

Sydney’s ageing cars add up to a serious waste stream, and choosing the right removal service makes a measurable difference. Your decision sends m...

Measuring the Success of Your Bus Advertising Campaign

Bus ads turn everyday travel into high-reach media. They move through busy corridors, sit in traffic where people can read them, and keep working af...

Partner Visa Pathways: Onshore vs Offshore Applications Explained

Choosing between Australia’s onshore and offshore partner visa routes affects timing, travel, work rights and budget. This guide explains the stru...

Serving Styles Compared: Buffet, Grazing, or Plated for the Office

Choosing how to serve food at a work function shapes the pace of the event, how people mingle and how smoothly the agenda runs. The right format dep...

LIFE STYLE

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation is making everyday tasks more convenient, secure...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, outfitting a commercial building, or designing an outdoor...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around rethinking how we furnish our spaces, prioritising reuse...

Why Reliable Air Conditioning Services Are Essential for Year-Round Comfort

Melbourne’s climate is known for its unpredictable swings—from scorching summers to chilly winters. This variability makes it crucial for homes and businesses to have dependable air conditioning services. Whether you're...

Expert Plumbing Solutions in Perth: From Hot Water Systems to Leak Detection

Plumbing is one of those things we often take for granted—until something goes wrong. From stepping into an unexpectedly cold shower to discovering water stains on your ceiling, plumbing problems...