Going from contemporary to more traditional style

[Jane1957]

Hi everyone
Well our house is kinda on the market at last - someone may want to swap with us. We're near the beach, they're in the country. They're more traditional (a Golden Home build) and we're more contemporary.
have any of you changed your style - was it difficult? I'd like to put in a more shabby chic design, but not too vintage, perhaps mix vintage with contemporary. (i mean u still gotta have the flat screen tv for the big boy)
Any ideas.
Jane

[Julie-Ann]

You definitely need the big TV to watch all those decorating shows:D.
I have never changed our style dramatically more gradually. It could get very expensive to make a big change.
I think you can mix the two styles beautifully. So if the home is traditional in style and your furniture is contemporary - I would add touches of traditional with furniture or ornaments. The traditional pieces can be shabby chic style or some lovely antiques. I think it works best when you mix very contemporary with very traditional. I love the total contrast- it makes for an interesting look.
I hope that helps:).

[Jane1957]

No i don't think i would change dramatically, just need to un traditional the formal-ness i think. Will try that with lots of white/shabby stuff if i can.
Jane

[Julie-Ann]

Yes the Shabby Chic look will soften it or a Hampton's style is very relaxed and casual. Hampton's is a great blend of contemporary and traditional. There are some tips on how to create that style here (http://www.decoratingforum.com.au/showthread.php/creating-hamptons-style-1491.html?t=1491&highlight=Hamptons).

[Jane1957]

OOH , thanks for that, love that look, light and airy. But i do like color too, i'd like to use blues/aquas, and bits of pink.
I think this will work.
Now, let's hope we get this house!
jane

[Julie-Ann]

Yes splashes of colour look fantastic. A-M and the house from the movie Something's gotta give both use quite a bit of colour. I love the black also in A-M's study:love it:.
Let us know how the house goes:).

[Jane1957]

oh, well, just heard from the agent, the other party didn't want to buy our house, so the sale/purchase of the other house wont' be going thru.
oh well.
jane

[Julie-Ann]

That's disappointing Jane:(. Maybe it just means a lovely contemporary home is waiting for you:).

[Jane1957]

yeah it is, but something is out there, something i can really have fun decorating with, i dream of it. absolutely love designing but must admit, i'mnot a great fan of actually doing the work!
jane

[Julie-Ann]

absolutely love designing but must admit, i'mnot a great fan of actually doing the work!
jane

Rofl- yes this is a common problem I think many of us share. But sometimes you have to get your hands dirty:).