Tradition Revisited in Home Design

(ARA) - Though "traditional" home design has been interpreted as stilted and formal in the past, today's "traditional" women are redefining the style. No longer fraught with excessive moldings and fussy finishes, the new face of tradition borrows the best of old and new. Classic elements are being combined with simpler furnishings, tailored fabrics and modern conveniences to provide comfort and efficiency.

Mixing an antique bench from Bali with a modern Italian leather sofa and an African tribal hunting mask is wonderful, not weird. When renovating a kitchen, a simple cabinetry door in a natural stain or fresh, clear color beats a highly detailed door, dressed to the nines in bulky cornices and triple-stacked moldings.

Even traditional-minded home enthusiast publications are recognizing this movement, updating their mission statements and editorial content to reflect the desire for classic styles mixed with a bit of modernity. Meredith Publishing's "Country Home" magazine features "A More Modern Country." And "Traditional Home" magazine offers up "Classic Taste. Modern Life."

Manufacturers are developing products and services that echo this new take on tradition as well. The "New Traditional" kitchen from Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry is one example.

"Five years ago we saw traditional being interpreted as 'over-the top,' in cabinet finishes, door styles, architectural details and accents," says Vince Achey, vice president of sales and marketing for Plain & Fancy. "Customers used extravagant moldings everywhere, and decorated with heavily textured and patterned upholstery and window treatments. Today, homeowners are looking for spaces that reflect simpler, cleaner style, with a scale and overall look that's easier to live with."

For New Traditional, the company pairs one of its latest finishes, Cashmere glaze, with its oldest, best-selling door style, Vintage, set off by a stainless steel work surface and backsplash. Since lack of storage continues to be a great concern, a butler's pantry was incorporated, boosting cabinet space for maximum organization. Not to sacrifice style for function, this pantry has "show-off" space for china and glassware behind a series of mullioned-window cabinets with blue interiors.

Nothing beats a traditional, home baked apple pie, thus the baker's island. But it's compact and efficient, with open storage for appliances, full-extension pullouts for bake ware and slatted tray storage for cookie sheets.

Another kitchen highlight is the tall, freestanding cherry armoire in Fireside. It's heirloom quality and complements the more modern yellow Cashmere.

Tradition doesn't mean necessarily mean dark woods with Chesterfield sofas and Chintz anymore. Tradition is comfortable and comforting, in a modern world.

To inquire about the New Traditional, and Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, call (800) 447-9006 or visit www.plainfancycabinetry.com for an authorized Plain & Fancy showroom nearest you.

Courtesy of ARA Content