How to Mix Classic Art with Modern Decor
Is classic art only for traditional interiors? We know what you’re thinking... Putting old art pieces in a sleek room feels a bit contradictory, but we beg to differ. Uniting classic and modern aesthetics creates dimension—not to mention it’s our fave fix for a space that’s missing the warmth and individuality we all crave! Here are our tips for mixing vintage-inspired and and modern decor, plus a handful of our favorite artworks to inspire your next interior refresh!
Tip #1 Get to know what classic art means.
You can instantly identify classic art by its look and feel. Spread across art movements, these pieces were produced using traditional painting methods and usually depict real-world motifs (think: portraits, botanicals, and animals). Classic art can be as realistic as John James Audobon’s birds or as abstract as the Pink Tulip by Georgia O'Keeffe.
Tip#2 Choose your color palette.
When figuring out how to mix traditional and modern decor in your space, next decide how you want the space to feel when you move from room to room. You can tie the entire space together by highlighting the same colors or setting the mood based on each room’s function. Classic art featuring warm, rich tones can make your living room feel grounded, while pieces in more cool, muted shades evoke a sense of calm in the bedroom and bathroom.
Tip #3 Consider pieces from opposite ends of the world.
This is your chance to put on your curator’s cap! When mixing modern and traditional styles, pair together artworks from different cultures to create a visual (and physical!) dialogue. A good place to start is to pick pieces by artists from countries that have a historical connection. Edward Hopper’s depiction of urban solitude in New York City placed next to Vincent van Gogh’s dreamy city views of Paris makes an interesting juxtaposition.
Tip #4 Pick art with similar subject matter.
Create a gallery wall of classic art that interprets the same subject differently. To get you inspired, we love how the most iconic artists have painted botanical still lifes in their own unique style. Édouard Manet’s florals showed sensuous brushwork and delicate colors. On the other hand, Henri Matisse florals were bright and simplistic. Whatever subject you go with, group 3 or more pieces to balance out your arrangement.
Tip #5 Pair something old and something new.
If you couldn’t tell by now, playing up contrasts is our thing. Another way to do so is by hanging classic art by the masters next to contemporary pieces from newer generations. It’ll help you bridge the gap between your modern interior and your appreciation for tradition even better. If you’re not quite sure what artworks complement each other best, pick ones that share similar color palettes to keep things cohesive.
Tip #6 Accent your classic art with the right frames.
Have family pictures that you’d like to show off? Use Frame My Photos to turn your digital photos into classic art. Explore our wide selection of frames that are hand-crafted at our shop in Ohio. We recommend choosing one with an antique-inspired finish and ornate details to give your family photos that heirloom look.
Ready to embrace the beauty of contrast? Explore the collection of classic and traditional wall art for your modern home at Art.com.