It’s hard not to love some of the latest trends in home design. Beautiful lighting that could pass as art, textured tiles and geometric shapes have been finding their spots in homes. Even Long Islanders, who seem to lean more towards a traditional style, are having a hard time resisting modern design elements. Though modern design can sometimes seem cold or unwelcoming, when blended with traditional craft it can create a stylish, elegant and eclectic design. Get ready to transform your traditional home into a sophisticated hub.

Break From Tradition with New Concepts in Lighting

A linear chandelier is old school glamour with a modern twist (credit: AMi Designs)

Modern Chandelier

Old school glamour with a twist. Unlike its round and ornate ancestor, the modern chandelier feature is organized on a linear axis. Low-voltage LED lights shine down from the ceiling and onto the candles, allowing light to reflect off its surface, and the backdrop of metallic vinyl mirrored wall coverings enhances the light reflection. The candles are suspended from thin clear wires for a clean and refined look. We found this Windfall Lighting chandelier from N&S Electric in Huntington Station.

A sculptural light in an entryway brings the drama (credit: AMi Designs)

Lighting as Art

The idea of using an elaborate lighting feature to highlight a grand entryway is not new to design, but modern lighting fixtures look like they should be included in next year’s ArtHamptons. The organic curves of this foyer chandelier create an engaging sculptural look while the round lamp shades offer a pop of color against the traditional trim work. Aqua Creations has some gorgeous lighting choices that are as functional as they are on-trend.

A gray-toned kitchen is sleek and modern (credit: AMi Designs).

Darker Tones: Not to Be Feared

Gray-Tone Kitchen

We know, dark gray is an unexpected choice for a kitchen. Stay with us here. A traditional design with darker tones, like dark gray cabinetry that can be found at local favorite Bellagio Cabinetry accented with nickel hardware, gives a kitchen a sleek and modern look. The stainless steel appliances and hood contrast the darker cabinetry while keeping the city-sleek vibe. Instead of the traditional granite countertop, try a linear gray-toned quartz, like this one made with material by Antolini.  

Texture Brings Tactile Sensation to Traditional Design

Dramatic Surface Dimensions

To add interest and reflect light in a room, opt for a metallic-textured tile. Rather than traditional flat wall coverings, a textured wall creates depth and can act as a space’s statement feature. The unity of Phillip Jeffires’s mica-covered wall and the three dimensional pattern of the metallic tiles from Fiorano Tile in this bathroom bridge traditional and modern designs.

Incorporating Modern Geometry

Freeform Sink Basin

Bring trendy geometry into your classic space. The curvilinear shape of the sink basin from Stone Forest Sinks is organic and accented by the twisted curved steel of the faucets. Instead of the traditional pedestal sink, this contemporary sink basin rests on top of the square cabinet below. The metal has a shiny finish on the inside and a rougher, more natural surface on the outside.