Renewed classic furniture with contemporary kitchen

Renewed classic furniture with contemporary kitchen

The classic style furnishings of this villa built about thirty years ago rediscovers its eternal charm even after many years.
To rejuvenate it and make it current, a contemporary style kitchen with essential lines has been added. The harmonious combination of the two styles refreshes the rooms and softens the features of the predominant style.

classic living room

Classical furniture between past and present

The passage of time and the succession of different historical periods has allowed a wide development of furnishing styles. Over the course of history these have known their maximum expression with distinct characters, while in the contemporary era they have been reinterpreted, giving life to continuously updated variants.

This house, built between the late eighties and early nineties, responds to a classic style at the time very popular among villas and elegant apartments. Revived today, it discovers its contemporary meaning with an elegant kitchen with essential lines. The warm tones of the lacquers soften the design lines of these interiors, in perfect harmony with contemporary trends.

entrance passage with classic arch
classic style entrance details arch moldings
detail of the villa entrance light blades

The living area in classic style

The classic furnishings already develop in the entrance area with moldings that emphasize the architectural lines of this villa.
On the left, an arch with shaped profiles marks the entrance to the living area, flanked by a pair of blades of light that allow a glimpse of the large interior living room.
The profile of the internal shelves, slightly recessed, is a shrewdness that makes the aesthetic impact of the element lighter, recalling the characteristics of the classic style.
The painting of the walls in a warm slightly cloudy tone acts as a leitmotif in the different rooms, enhancing the light furnishings.

The living room has a central solid wood main table matched with other antiques that give elegance and prestige.
Among these, the large damask carpet, the adjacent wall piano and the Arco lamp by Castiglioni, a timeless design icon.
Low cabinets, honeycomb radiator covers and niche bookcases with recurring aesthetic characteristics accompany them. Moldings, doors decorated with tone-on-tone knockouts and brass knobs are in perfect classic style.
The chosen color of a light cream makes the interiors elegant, softening their features.

bookcase in niche details classic furnishings in the living area
details equipped windows bookshelves wooden furniture
classic style living room wood table
living room furniture classic niche bookcase
front molded drawers in classic style, tone-on-tone
bookcase niche living room classic furniture shelves

From the equipped corridors to the sleeping area

To anticipate the sleeping area, the corridors and passageways are equipped with full-height service wardrobes. These reproduce the characterizing lines of classic style furnishings, enriched with decorative floral motifs in a slight chromatic contrast.
The warm tone of the walls is echoed by the knock-out of the doors in a delicate tone-on-tone play. Internally, shelves and hangers alternate to make the most of the environments.

In the sleeping area, the bedroom uses a double-sided wardrobe that fits into the dividing wall between the sleeping area and the study corner, now equipped for distance learning. A structure with delicate warm tones which, combined with the light blue walls, is even brighter and fresher. Classic-style doors accommodate internal shelves and hangers, while in the terminal part they incorporate open compartments for small objects.
At the front, the equipped wall alternates shelves with wall units with molded doors, creating a dynamic visual rhythm. In the lower part there is a desk with a chest of drawers incorporated into the structure.

classic style bedroom bed
classic style bedroom desk
classic style wardrobes interior
detail decoration doors classic style furniture
classic style wardrobes decorated cream colored doors

The master bedroom stands out for its contemporary elegance that only delicately hints at the classic tones of the remaining rooms. The caramel-colored padded headboard of the large double bed rests on the rear structure equipped with a front day compartment and bookcases along the side shoulders. To recall the classic style of the furniture is the linear aesthetic of the back wall with panels spaced at a fixed distance.
On both sides of the bed there is the access to the walk-in closet, contemporary in its design lines but with light tones that reflect the colors of the remaining furnishings.

cream colored shaped kitchen lacobel wall units
walk-in closet retro bed classic contemporary style
niche bookcase detail with headboard thickness
detail handles hollow linen drawers walk-in closet rear bed
internal walk-in closet chest of drawers hanging mirror
horizontal classic bathroom

The introduction of the contemporary style through the refurbishment of the kitchen

The timeless beauty of classic furniture, rediscovered even today, is confronted with the desire to renovate the interiors.
In terms of functionality and typology, the kitchen is the environment that best lends itself to a stylistic change with a contemporary flavor. Here then, after simplifying the existing doors with a linear aesthetic, this room also fits harmoniously into the existing complex.
A touch of lightness that balances the stylistic imprint of the villa.

Preserving the top and the back surface of the terracotta kitchen with brick-colored geometric decorations, the refurbishment involved doors and front drawers of both the base units and the upper wall units. Recessed handles with a linear aesthetic and matt lacquer in full contemporary style are spread over the entire kitchen and the volume of the peninsula used as a snack bar placed at the front.
The hood, previously chosen as a “design” type, was inserted in a built-in structure entirely covered in white Lacobel, capable of giving brightness to the environment.
Appliances are also being renovated, including the built-in refrigerator and the pair of Smeg column ovens.

tubular horizontal hangers optimize coats space
contemporary style kitchen top snack bar red stools
modern classic style kitchen renovation on the peninsula side snack bar
modern classic kitchen 4
gas hob kitchen kitchen makeover
column ovens smeg contemporary kitchen drawers hollow handles

Conclusions: customize the classic furniture

The classic style, which today is witnessing a rediscovery, is easily combined with the essentiality of the contemporary style, creating an interesting combination. Restoring the stylistic balance of the interiors can also mean finding the right combinations between different styles, giving a decisive impression to the house.
To learn more, another example of a house with contemporary style and classic kitchen.

Classic style: Elegant and welcoming

Classic style: Elegant and welcoming

The Classic style is typical of an elegant, spacious house, capable of transmitting feelings of welcome and warmth without appearing severe. Those who choose the classic style certainly love retro-flavored furniture, wood with its inlays and oversized upholstered sofas.

Classic Living room

a Classic living room with upholstered sofas and armchairs, elegant chandeliers and large curtains.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASSIC STYLE

Although the years fashions are passing quickly, the Classic style can be defined timeless. Recognizing himself for his inspiration from the noble houses of the past, he refers itself precisely to that ancient luxury. This style is synonymous of elegance and often also the declaration of a certain socio-economic status and a certain type of taste.

Great attention is given to the authentic beauty of the furniture and finishes rather than functionality or technology. Two factors are therefore important to furnish in a classic style: a large space to devote to furnishings and accessories and no limits of budget. People who choose the classic style often have a passion for fine antiques and a very spacious house ready to welcome them.

 modern classic living room

a living room in Classic Modern style, more minimal but equally elegant.

BETWEEN ARCHITECTURAL CONFORMATION AND INTERIOR DESIGN ELEMENTS

In the Classic Style’s architecture there is no shortage of columns with capitals, sometimes not structural but a simple pretext of aesthetic refinement. Stuccos, vaults, ceiling moldings and frescoes find their best expression. Another key element are the chandeliers, usually in crystal and clearly visible in the center of the rooms. Art is very important for classic-style homes, an inevitable touch of class. Very large paintings seem to transform domestic interiors into museum spaces, or many squares of various sizes crowd an entire wall as if they were the scenography of “The Best Offer”“The best offer”. There is no shortage of statues or sculptures, both for the outside and for the inside.

When we talk about classic style it is good to underline that we are referring to a world of interior design that embraces different influences, eras and traditions. Think of the imperial, rococo, baroque and all the currents that define the taste of tradition. Of all the facets known throughout history, the most popular one in the world of interior design is the Modern Classic. We could define an extremely chic and refined Modern Classic, comparing itself in certain aspects and interpretations to the Luxury style.

boiserie white
boiserie gray

both for the Classic and Modern Classic styles, the Boiserie are fundamental.

MATERIALI E COLORI

Wood always prevails and is usually “solid”, recognizing itself for physical and visual prominence with important thicknesses and large surfaces. In fact, at the design level, the tops and backs of bookcases and furniture tend to be tall and wide and most of the time with a characterizing profile or elaborate decorative details. Noble woods such as mahogany, oak, cherry and beech prevail.

Then there are wooden elements such as chests and cupboards which, as for the Boho Chic style, are indispensable. The materials combined with wood are noble and luxurious, such as marble for the floors or even for the kitchen and bathroom countertops, glass for the doors of cupboards and dividing doors, precious stones for small decorations, porcelain for knick-knacks, sanitary ware and sinks. The lines of the furnishings are never essential but rather sophisticated. An example are the closing doors of the furniture, usually embellished with a central band that is broken or in relief.

The pieces of furniture abound without leaving anything to chance. From the Country style it inherits coatings and boiserie. The wall in its architectural essence is forgotten, covering itself with decorative elements capable of characterizing it. For this reason, wallpapers are very popular and the decorations alternate complex details with small and refined textures.

Even the fabrics of the curtains, usually in silk or fine cotton, are enriched with decorations and large draperies. There is no shortage in the living area as well as in the bedroom velvet cushions and fine carpets, preferably antique Persians.

The sofas are padded and oversized. The meaning you want to convey is precisely that of opulence and hospitality.

Leather is the most used material for sofas, which however also know the alternative in precious velvets. The classic-style houses transmit warmth thanks also to the light colors of the walls, others to the warm white, which we at Modulor identify with the classic 9010, light dove gray, cream and beige are welcome. These colors go very well with wood, highlighting it and helping to create a feeling of warmth as a whole.

classic style materials

The Modulor selection of colors, textures and furniture references for the Classico moodboard.

THE MODERN CLASSIC STYLE

The Modern Classic style follows all the characteristics of the Classic style but differs for its essentiality and linearity. We could define it elegant and refined but without exceeding. The choice of wood in the Modern Classic style is recognized for the finish: almost never natural, but much more frequently dyed. Thus the stylistic features of the furnishings are emphasized, in particular the banding and also the shells and shaped profiles. Unlike the Country or Shabby Chic style, the varnishing of the wooden furniture is not done “by hand”, that is leaving the mark of the brushstroke visible which makes them so handcrafted, but with a flat-color matt lacquer that even hides the vein. The range of colors expands and is dared with bright and modern colors, both for the lacquering of the furnishings and for the walls. The wallpaper as well as the paints characterized by particular colors, favor more geometric and contemporary decorations.

gray modern classic kitchen
green modern classic kitchen

Two examples of Modern Classic style kitchens with variations in the chromatic choice.

THE ROOMS OF THE HOUSE

The Living Room is the most important part of the house, precisely because it is the place of conviviality, where time is dedicated to guests and to oneself. For this reason, its dimensions are often important, reflecting the privileged role played by this environment. Since the contemporary houses have ever smaller rooms, to maintain an important living room, a single open space environment can be created by also incorporating the dining room. The resulting environment will thus be used in a part as a dining area, equipped with a large table with important chairs, even better if padded armchairs, and the relaxation area will find space on the side. To characterize the latter, large sofas combined with upholstered armchairs with a retro taste. The classic style does not include island sofas, but prefers classic conformations accompanied by matching armchairs, even better if in leather.

Classic Living room

A Classic Modern Living Room.

The kitchen is elegant and simple; it is a space used only for the preparation of meals and not for its consumption. Essentiality is the key word for this. As with the Country style, appliances tend to be hidden, usually leaving only the oven with its characteristic steel knobs exposed.

classic kitchen creamy
classic kitchen cupboard
classic kitchen creamy

A Classic kitchen part of a Parisian style project.

In the bedroom you can play with the headboards, very important to which you combine antique furniture, such as a chest of drawers with decorations and inlays or a petineuse with mirror.

One of the characteristics of the classic-style bedrooms is precisely the presence of a cabinet dedicated to make-up and evening preparation, together with large mirrors and majestic wardrobes. ​

classic room beams
 classic room wooden chest of drawers

Refined headboards characterize this Sicilian villa with a classic taste.

In the bathroom it is better to prefer a beautiful freestanding white ceramic bathtub instead of huge and ultra-technological shower heads. A wallpaper on a wall or antique paintings cannot be missing.

The entrance, or in many cases the corridor that leads from the main door to the majestic living room, must live in harmony with the rest of the house. For this a small low cupboard with drawers and a mirror with a precious frame can be the winning card.

classic entrance

The entrance of an elegant Milanese apartment.

The Classic style and its modern meaning are suitable for rigorous characters, lovers of aesthetics and its traditional refinement. It perfectly marries personality lovers of the past, attentive to details but with an excellent overview. The classic style interior setting is almost scenographic. A style that loves beauty and the arts in all their expressive forms.

An eclectic apartment in Parisian Style

An eclectic apartment in Parisian Style

An eclectic, bohemian but also essential apartment, finds its harmony in the  Parisian style of a bygone era while being in the heart of contemporary Milan.  

DEFINE THE STYLE OF A HOME CONTEXT THE PARISIAN STYLE DETAILS OUR WORK

 

DEFINE THE STYLE OF A HOME

The house is the mirror of the people who live there. Those who enter in our house get an idea of us even just by seeing where we live and which objects we choose, it is therefore important to bring out coherent thoughts and emotions. There are such particular environments that are really difficult to classify because they are born from people’s lives, which enrich them with objects they care of. These built an eclectic scenario which does not define a real prevailing style but give a fragmented image that can sometimes seems comfusing . To maintain a predominant and tasteful style it is always advisable to follow the basic rules of the style that fits us best. If in doubt, however, the help of a professionist never hurts.  

CONTEXT

This Milan house was already starting with a precise identity: an apartment in a historic complex with distinctive flooring in elegant black and white tiles positioned at 45°, “French style” herringbone parquet and exposed ceiling beams. All the windows and doors are in classic style with raised strips and frames. A great stylistic work was carried out by Arch. Pierluigi Fasoli, who in close collaboration with the home owners gave useful advice for a small internal renovation and for the choice and insertion of new furnishings.

hallway eclectic apartment Milan

THE PARISIAN STYLE

Listening to customer requests, strong ideas and clear tastes emerged. The style that has been defined starts from these premises and let itself be guided by some existing furnishing elements.

The Parisian style was the solution. In fact, it is characterized by elegance and splendor, looking for luxurious furniture that give charm to the environment but without exceeding. In this case, the dark-colored velvet sofas and poufs in the living area, combined with a large shaped mirror with golden frame and the multi-arm chandelier in polished brass in the dining area are able to provide preciousness to the rooms.

Another characteristic element of this style is the mix of modern and antique furnishings, elements that belong to different eras combined in a wise way. So in fact we can see, in the dining area, chairs and table with an antique and oriental style while the sofas in the living area with shaped brass feet, clear antiques match with more modern elements, such as an essential bookcase and square crystal coffee tables.

dining room in Parisian Style
furniture dining room in Parisian Style
living room in Parisian Style

DETAILS

The predominant colors of the Parisian style are always delicate, usually white is used allowing to give a lot of brightness to any interior, even on the grayest days. Here the white of the ceilings has been combined with a light green-gray in the bedrooms and a dove-gray in the kitchen. Note the white frame left between the color of the walls and that of the ceiling. Wall paneling are missing, but all the baseboards, window frames and classic doors have been painted in a warm white. Plaster decorations and ceiling frames have also been added in rooms where white painted wooden beams are not present.

kitchen eclectic apartment Milan
kitchen eclectic apartment Milan
studio in Parisian Style

OUR INTERVENTION

As requested by the architect, our creations, some furniture in the living area, in the kitchen, in the bathrooms and in the sleeping area, were supplied unfinished and then painted by the customer. So you can see the varnish passed by hand, with its imperfections that do not hide the essence of the wood below. For the openings and closings of the doors, brass knobs and a sort of made-to-measure wooden bolt have been chosen.

furniture living room apartment Milan
furniture in Parisian Style
living room apartment Milan
bedroom detail
bedroom detail Milan apartment
bedroom in Parisian Style bed