{"id":342536,"date":"2024-08-22T10:55:32","date_gmt":"2024-08-22T14:55:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/blog-api\/?p=342536"},"modified":"2024-08-22T10:55:32","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T14:55:32","slug":"the-art-of-blending-historic-and-contemporary-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/the-art-of-blending-historic-and-contemporary-design\/","title":{"rendered":"The Art of Blending Historic and Contemporary Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

Crafting the perfect interior often means mixing the old with the new, writes Mandi Keighran<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>Auckland, New Zealand<\/a> | <\/span>New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

When it comes to interiors, considered contrast between dramatically different styles and eras can work like magic. The period charm of an ornate historic property, for example, is artfully emphasized when juxtaposed with bold, minimalist furniture; the nostalgic appeal of a vintage find becomes all the more apparent when paired with cutting-edge technology; and contemporary artworks set amidst antique furnishings throws the unique beauty of each period into stark relief. In short, it\u2019s all about creating moments that surprise and delight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Just ask London-based designer Sarah Peake, founder of Studio Peake, who is known for crafting richly layered interiors with unexpected details, and combining modern and traditional style with joyful abandon. \u201cIt\u2019s objects that contrast or jar slightly which bring a room to life,\u201d Peake explains. \u201cIt might be a lovely tonal scheme but it\u2019s not finished until you throw in that final oversized lamp or big piece of contemporary art.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>London, England<\/a> | <\/span>United Kingdom Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Stratford Place, a handsome, heritage-listed townhouse in London\u2019s prestigious Marylebone \u2014which is <\/span>currently being offered by United Kingdom Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/span><\/a>\u2014is a remarkable case in point. The original home dates back to the 1770s, and the current owners undertook a full refurbishment when they moved in. The awe-inspiring spaces and exquisite period details\u2014including intricate cornicing and ceiling molding, a grand stair and floor-to-ceiling windows\u2014have been restored, and are complemented with bold contemporary finishes, sculptural lighting and plenty of modern amenities. As prominent collectors, the owners also set striking contemporary art against the period backdrop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStratford Place has a real \u2018wow\u2019 factor and is a great example of a home that retains its historic integrity and period charm, while being up to date with modern standards of living,\u201d says the agent, Zach Madison. \u201cWhen people buy a heritage home like this, they are effectively buying a piece of history. Adding contemporary design features while preserving the period character celebrates that history in a modern way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span>York, New York<\/a> |\u00a0<\/span>Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage<\/a><\/p>\n

The Solarium Penthouse at 555 West End Avenue<\/span><\/a>, New York, meanwhile, is another impressive showcase of how a historic building can be transformed through a contemporary reimagining. The property is a former private school, completed in 1908, and has been meticulously restored and updated by local architecture firm Tamarkin Co. to accommodate 13 luxury residences. The penthouse is a study in how the architecture of historic buildings can be elevated to breathtaking effect, most notably in the original school gymnasium, which has been reimagined as a dramatic living space with soaring 20 ft-high ceilings punctuated by a new steel-framed skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Stratford Place celebrates bold color and unexpected texture, The Solarium takes a different approach with an elegant palette of neutral tones and natural materials that evokes the popular minimalist design trend <\/span>\u201cJapandi\u201d<\/span><\/a>\u2014a portmanteau of Japanese and Scandinavian. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Noto, Italy<\/a> | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a subtle yet dramatic approach, similar to that taken by British architecture practice Bindloss Dawes, which is also known for its sensitive modernization of period buildings. \u201cWhen transforming heritage properties, we should be mindful of a building\u2019s past, protecting them for future generations, but also making them vibrant and freshly relevant for our time,\u201d says director George Dawes. \u201cThis requires a thoughtful balance, at once preserving the essence of the historic fabric while infusing it with innovative design that resonates with modern life.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Properties such as these show how combining historic and contemporary styles can be a catalyst for dramatically different results\u2014but always with the element of surprise that the balance between old and new creates.<\/span><\/p>\n

Searching for the perfect look? Find out how <\/i>Well-Chosen Art Can Enhance a Home<\/i><\/a>
\n<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Crafting the perfect interior often means mixing the old with the new, writes Mandi Keighran Auckland, New Zealand | New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty When it comes to interiors, considered contrast between dramatically different styles and eras can work like magic. The period charm of an ornate historic property, for example, is artfully emphasized when […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64295786,"featured_media":342541,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1399],"tags":[1437,1453,1472,1473,1505],"class_list":["post-342536","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-and-design","tag-england","tag-italy","tag-new-york","tag-new-zealand","tag-united-kingdom"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pf4gbL-1r6M","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":343820,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/what-is-a-perfect-home-for-a-taurus\/","url_meta":{"origin":342536,"position":0},"title":"What is a Perfect Home for a Taurus?","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"April 21, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Our monthly series asks: What decor best suits each zodiac sign? 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Your star sign\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/header-5.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/header-5.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/header-5.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/header-5.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/header-5.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/header-5.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":345833,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/5-stylish-home-resolutions-for-2026\/","url_meta":{"origin":342536,"position":1},"title":"5 Stylish Home Resolutions for 2026","author":"Natalie Davis","date":"January 8, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"A new year invites a more meaningful approach to interior design, with personalized spaces that support your well-being and values, writes Emma Reynolds Austin, Texas | Kuper Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Each new year invites reflection and renewal and much of that begins at home. 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