Styles & Trends ·
In this article
Neoclassical is one of the leading current trends in interior and exterior design. The style combines Classic and modern elements to create a design that feels fresh and renewed, adding contemporary touches to traditional Classic elements.
This article introduces Neoclassical style in general, its main characteristics and how to apply them in interior and exterior design. It also covers some well-known examples of Neoclassical design and how the style can be used in modern, contemporary schemes. By the end you will have a clear understanding of what Neoclassical means in design and how to apply it in your own projects, whether you are a designer or a client who wants to update a home, an office or a public space.
What is Neoclassical style?
Neoclassical design is an update of traditional Classic style. It brings traditional Classic elements together with modern, contemporary ones to create a design that is new and distinctive. It aims for an elegant, pleasing design that blends traditional Classic style with modern, contemporary elements. It can be applied to interiors such as homes, apartments, hotels, restaurants, offices and public spaces, and to exteriors such as buildings, villas, swimming pools and gardens.
Features of Neoclassical style
Neoclassical designs have a number of features that make them popular with many people. The main ones are:
- Elegance and luxury: the style uses luxurious materials and calm, restful colours to create a sense of luxury and refinement.
- Fine detail: beautiful, intricate ornament and lighting add charm to traditional Classic beauty.
- Renewed beauty: the style combines Classic and modern elements to add a contemporary touch, so the design stays fresh over time without needing repeated changes.
- Effective use of space: the style is known for using space efficiently, with spaces planned to get the most from each area.
- Timeless elegance: an elegance that does not fade with time, because the style rests on a traditional Classic approach that outlasts fashion.
- A comfortable atmosphere: calm, restful colours are used and bright, vivid colours are limited, for a mood of calm and relaxation.
See also: The difference between Modern and Classic decor
Interior design
Neoclassical style can be applied indoors through traditional Classic elements such as fine, carefully made ornament, luxurious carpets, elegant leather furnishings, heavy curtains and soft lighting. Modern, contemporary touches can be added through modern colours and materials such as aluminium, glass and stainless steel.
Exterior design
In exterior design, the style can be applied by using traditional Classic elements in buildings, villas, swimming pools and gardens, such as marble columns, beautiful ornament and Classic balconies. Modern touches can be added through modern colours and materials such as aluminium, glass and artificial stone.
The right balance between traditional Classic and modern, contemporary elements, indoors and out, comes from coordinating colours, materials and details so that they combine the traditional Classic style with modern elements. The result can be attractive and distinctive, keeping the traditional Classic character while adding a fresh, modern touch.
Neoclassical style in choosing furniture
Use space effectively by choosing furniture that suits the size of the room and leaves enough space to move around.
Choose furniture made from luxurious, high-quality materials such as leather, fine fabric and solid wood, for a touch of luxury and refinement.
Choose furniture with fine, well-made detail, such as decorative columns and beautiful ornament, for a touch of traditional Classic beauty.
- Calm colours
Choose calm, restful colours such as white, cream, beige, grey and brown, for a mood of calm and relaxation.
Traditional Classic furniture can be chosen, such as leather sofas, comfortable chairs with decorated arms, handsome wooden desks, decorative mirrors and Classic art pieces.
Modern, contemporary touches can be added by choosing modern furniture with simple forms, bright colours and modern materials such as aluminium, glass and stainless steel.
See also: How to arrange home furniture