When designing any home, there’s consistently one key focal point that will always be my priority: the people who live in it. When flipping through gorgeous swatches or browsing the latest furniture launches, it can be tempting to incorporate so much style and sophistication into a space that you can forget the most important component of all… the way the homeowners and their family live! 

While you know I’m always in favor of a high design filled with elevated and luxurious pieces, I’m here to remind you that there’s no need to sacrifice comfort in the pursuit of grandeur — you can achieve both sophistication and approachability with some strategic design designs. Here, I’m taking you inside one of my recent projects to show you how I struck a balance between traditional design and an inviting environment, perfect for the family who lives here.

1. Incorporate Modern Art

Modern art breathes the perfect dose of contemporary style into a traditional space, adding interest and personality. Not only does the open-ended subject matter create movement and depth in each room, but it also won’t dominate the narrative of the space. Modern art can create juxtaposition in a more classic room — and this effect can also be achieved through accessories, sculptures, and ceramics. (In this project, I combined modern vases, pillows, and side tables with more classic chairs — the result feels both cozy and unexpected.) If this sounds intimidating, start small: try framing your modern art in more traditional frames for a dose of eye-catching contrast.

2. Juxtapose Old with New

Rooms that combine furnishings and decor both old and new make a home feel livable and dimensional. While new pieces add shine and crispness to a space, the older pieces offer soul and unity — and the combination adds personality to the entire home. The easiest way to get started is to find the right balance of what works for you. Unless you’re an antiques dealer, you may want to follow the 80/20 rule (80% new and 20% old). Don’t be afraid to play around with what feels right — but to make sure a room has the depth you desire, ensure that each item is beautiful and beloved in its own right.

3. Choose Unique Hardware

It’s no secret that hardware is a vital part of any kitchen and bathroom — but besides its actual functionality, interesting hardware can truly elevate a space. To make a home feel less formal and more inviting, you can keep the space from feeling ornate with substantial pulls and knobs. I personally love the mix of pulls and knobs as it keeps a kitchen or dry bar a little more interesting and less predictable. Hardware can easily be changed out in your own home by measuring the current holes in your cabinets — or, if you are looking to paint your cabinetry, you can caulk the holes and start from scratch.

4. Hide Your TV

Gone are the days of deciding between a well-designed space and a TV — now, you can enjoy the practicality of a TV even in a beautiful room. For those who don’t want the television to be the main attraction, there are a few options. If your space allows for a piece of furniture with a pop-up hiding place (such as this home does!), that can be a terrific way to tuck the TV away when not in use. (You know what they say: out of sight, out of mind.) An even simpler option? A frame TV looks more like a piece of art and less like a black hole in the wall. And of course, projector screens and sliding panels or doors work well too. If you ask me, a room that has a focal point other than a TV is much more exciting!

5. Finish With Elevated Window Treatments

While oftentimes overlooked, window treatments play an important role in your home’s overall aesthetic and ambiance. We all know their value in offering privacy, hiding an unattractive view, and helping manage light control of a room — but on top of these practical functions, they also are essential for finishing a room with warmth and softness. Livening up a room with patterned window treatments is one of my favorite ways to add an inviting personality, making an elevated design feel personable and warm.