When we say classical, we mean rich, warm, glamorous and sophisticated. This style of interior design is characterised by an elegant look, featuring many classical elements in baroque and boudoir-like design. Beautiful chandeliers and shiny, ornate details are one way to go, or you could opt for a subtler approach with glossy black lamps and dark grey velvet. Nowadays, you also have “minimal classic” based on pure, authentic materials, grand gestures and subdued colours. Whichever style you prefer, a classical interior always has a certain compelling sense of richness and sophistication.
The keyword for this style is rich. Fortunately, you don’t need an endless budget to achieve that, because the point is to at least create an impression of luxurious prosperity by focusing on the eye-catching materials, intense colours, shiny metals and generously proportioned furniture. Tastes vary widely, so there are many different variations within each style of interior design. If you want to play it safe, go for solid colours such as gold, silver, purple, dark grey and black. Above all, think in terms of warmth and colours.
Everything looks better on a beautiful floor. Marble is a beautiful natural product and combines well with underfloor heating, but a nice linoleum floor with a marbled pattern or lightly speckled design can also have a great effect. Other options include large tiles in dark grey.
Oversized dimensions underline that sense of wealth and good fortune – like a huge fireplace, a sprawling rug several meters wide, large lamps, or generously proportioned love seats. To achieve a grand impact, everything needs to be large and robust. Glamour is elegance taken to extremes. A baroque-style chandelier can make a grandiose statement. Glamorous objects can add a touch of sophistication to your home.
Spice it up a bit by combining an antique dresser with a more modern take on the chandelier, with a large Perspex cover or a translucent lampshade through which the gleaming lights shine softly. If you’d like to focus on making a rich impression without shifting towards glamorous, you should avoid flashy, glittery objects. Candles add charm to any home, but in a classical interior they should be placed in a large candelabra.
New classical
A derivative of the classical style of interior design, “new classical” is just as visually appealing, but the colours and shapes are more contemporary. Combining traditional materials with high-quality plastics adds an exciting touch. A dash of glamour would be fine here, provided that it’s expertly combined with stylish features. Example: a striking cloth lampshade over the large dining room table, rather than a crystal chandelier, or a plastic lamp in a classic shape standing on the antique dresser.
Old Dutch
Traditional colours taken from the Old Masters – oxblood red, mustard yellow, Delft blue – create an original look. Paint based on pure pigments ensures that coloured walls make a dramatic impression. It can also be nice to add Oriental details, such as a graceful bronze-coloured lamp base with a linen lampshade, or a Persian carpet. Mirrors make a room seem more spacious. An assortment of photo frames in the same colours can add a personal note.
