Traditional vs Modern: Understanding Your Design Preferences

Understanding your modern and traditional design preferences is integral to successful home design and renovation projects.

While some prefer a classic and traditional look throughout their home, others may favour more contemporary design. Design preferences are entirely a matter of personal choice, with no design being deemed right or wrong.

Many design projects often use elements of both traditional and modern design. But it takes a deep understanding of design elements and styles to bring them together with seamless cohesion.

Tastefully Traditional

Traditional design is a popular choice among many home owners. The idea of ‘traditional’ design will often differ depending what country you live in, as well as your culture. Generally speaking, traditional design presents a timeless, classic aesthetic, and uses rich, dark colours.

Creating a home with traditional appeal often includes the use of dark woods in the flooring and furniture. Traditional textile patterns include plaids, paisleys, florals and stripes. Traditional design incorporates a lot of detail, often in a way which has a cosy appeal to it.

Modern Moods

Modern design is all about bold colours, rigid structures, sleek finishes, open spaces and muted tones. In architecture, modern homes often feature many elements of intentional asymmetry.

One of the most important aspects of contemporary design is minimalism. This means that spaces are free from trinkets and clutter.

Where Do Design Preferences Come From?

Design preferences depend heavily on what you have been exposed to, rather than the tools you use. Design preferences may develop in childhood, but there is no clear-cut answer for why we are attracted to certain styles.

It’s important to remember that it is not just traditional and modern design elements that can be used in your home, there is bohemian, cottage core, minimalism, industrial, and so many more! It’s advisable to take the time to learn about different aesthetics and find what really speaks to you.

Whatever your personal preferences may be, the professional interior designers at Design Scapes are able to help you refine your vision and create a space that is practical, appealing, and true to your personal taste.

For more information about our innovative architectural services and on how we can assist you, get in touch with our team of professional architects and designers in Durban and Cape Town.

By David Marriott February 20, 2025
Discover how Design Scape transforms commercial, retail, healthcare, & residential spaces. Get expert tips & project highlights from our architects. Read more!
By David Marriott February 4, 2025
Explore innovative architecture with Design Scape. We design commercial, retail, healthcare & residential spaces in Cape Town & Durban. Read our blog.
By David Marriott October 17, 2024
Discover insights on commercial design! Design Scape shares trends in offices, retail, healthcare & residential architecture from Cape Town & Durban. Learn more!
Who works with an architect
By David Marriott April 17, 2023
Overwhelmed by all the people you need to hire to work on your design project? Read our simple guide to help you understand who works with an architect.
By David Marriott April 13, 2023
Get expert advice on designing an airport terminal from the architects who designed Africa’s best airport, Cape Town International Airport.
By Fred Acurero April 13, 2023
Want to know how the commercial design process works in Cape Town? Read our 6 simple steps from experienced architects, so you’ll know what to expect.
By Design Scape Architects March 13, 2022
Anyone living in South Africa can confirm that the country’s climatic conditions usually range from temperate in the interior plateau, to Mediterranean in the southwestern corner. Naturally, we cannot forget the small area in the  northwest which boasts a desert climate.
By Design Scape Architects February 14, 2022
In our two previous blog installments, we have explored the rich yet often inequitable history of the architecture of Cape Town. However, our journey is not yet at an end.
By Design Scape Architects January 27, 2022
In the previous installment of this blog, we left off discussing the impact of Sir Herbert Baker’s building designs on the overall architectural identity of Cape Town in the early 20th century.
More Posts
Share by: