Blending heritage elements with modern designs is a trend that’s becoming increasingly popular. But retaining culture and traditions while achieving a contemporary aesthetic is a task that needs to be approached with care. Creating comfortable, convenient spaces while celebrating history is no easy feat but if done correctly, it creates a space that is both functional and fresh. If you are looking to incorporate heritage elements into a modern design scheme, here’s everything you need to know.
Antique Furniture
One of the easiest ways to incorporate heritage touches to a modern design is through furniture. Consider statement tables, cupboards, coffee tables or armchairs that will act as focal points in an otherwise contemporary, minimalist space. You could even look to upcycle certain pieces such as adding modern fabrics to an antique chair. This will add a unique touch to your home, drawing upon the beauty of history without overwhelming the space. With modern designs often bringing smooth surfaces and clean lines, antique furniture adds texture, tone and depth.
Traditional Patterns
Traditional patterns are a fantastic way to blend heritage into your designs. You could create cushions, blankets, rugs and other soft furnishings, placing them strategically throughout your space. You can include these patterns throughout your entire home, from living areas to bedrooms, no matter whether your heritage uses traditional weaving patterns, floral designs or other. Remember, the key is to use these patterns sparingly as a subtle nod to heritage without completely transforming an otherwise modern design. A modern design is based on minimalism; blending clean lines and functionality with comfort. To incorporate traditional patterns successfully, you should approach the task with restraint and a less-is-more mindset.
Colour Pallette
A subtle way that you can infuse your space with heritage elements is through your colour palette. Modern design leans towards neutral colours whereas the heritage that you’re looking to touch upon could be bolder and brighter. This is where you can get creative. By finding heritage colours and tones that match a neutral pallette, you can create a beautiful balance. This colour could come in the form of accent walls, or in more subtle touches such as light shades and soft furnishings. Remember, that you don’t have to blend entire colour pallettes. For a soft, effective result, you could look to include a single colour from your heritage in an otherwise neutral scheme.
Local Materials
If your heritage is based on specific materials, you can look to add these into your home where possible. This could be hard materials such as woods, stones or metal, or decorative materials such as glasswork, papers and linen. If the heritage elements you’re looking to incorporate have Asian roots, you might include a bamboo armchair or jade ornaments. If your heritage is Australian, you might like to incorporate native timbers such as Red Cedar or Tasmanian Oak for furniture or other decorative elements. These materials help to bring your heritage to life, adding texture and energy to an otherwise sleek space.
Cultural References
Incorporating cultural references is a perfect way to blend heritage into your modern design scheme. If there are symbols, images or text that are significant in your culture, you could use these as pieces of art, ornamental pieces or create soft furnishings. By considering the colour, size and positioning, they can create a fantastic balance between traditional heritage and modern day living.
Preserving Architecture
If the home that you are renovating already contains heritage elements, you could accentuate these through your design. From original timber beams to exposed brick walls, ceramic tiles to fireplaces, there are many elements that you could turn into focal pieces. These heritage elements tell a story about your property and are things that you should lean upon instead of trying to cover up. If you are able to preserve this architecture successfully, you’ll enjoy a seamless blend between the old and the new.
Introducing Nature
When you think about heritage elements, often you think of both hard and soft furnishings. Introducing a touch of nature to your space is a great way to blend modernity and heritage. You can utilise greenery in both your interior and exterior, incorporating plants that are significant in your culture. For example, if you are looking to add touches of Japanese heritage, you could consider a bonsai tree. If your heritage is Native American, you could consider cacti as a symbol of the connection to the land and ancestors. With a plethora of plant life available, there is something for every heritage.
Ensuring a Perfect Balance
Incorporating heritage elements into a modern design scheme is something that takes both care and skill. Not every blend will be successful; the key is to be selective with the elements you introduce and the ideas outlined above are great places to start. But if you want to ensure a perfect balance, you should speak to the experts. Architectural designers have the knowledge, experience and skill needed to effectively draw elements from your favourite cultures.
Their role in home renovation has you covered. Going far beyond a simple sketch or design, they can assist with sourcing materials, fixtures, furnishings, furniture and much more. If you have a vision on how you might like to incorporate heritage elements, they can work to achieve it. Perhaps you long for an antique armchair in your living space. Maybe you dream of incorporating heritage artwork into your home. No matter your vision, an architectural designer can help.
Call in the Experts Today
Want to learn more about how an architect can create a seamless blend between heritage and contemporary living? Get in touch with the team at BY Projects Architecture today. Let’s discuss your project and achieve that perfect balance between the old and the new.
Get in touch by calling us on 03 9663 8331, emailing us at projects@byarchitecture.com.au or completing our online enquiry form today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
I highly recommmend the team at BY Architecture.
Barbara, Howard and the team designed a wonderful extension to my late 1960s Melbourne home, ran the tender process to find me a builder, and superintended the build contract.
The design process that Barbara took me through was comprehensive, well-considered and highly collaborative, and the resulting extension and renovation was incredibly well-tailored to my specific needs and desires.
The tender process was similarly well-run, and we ended up choosing a builder that Barbara had worked with many times before and recommended. The recommendation was a great one and the entire build ran very smoothly, with the many quirks arising in a typical renovation being dealt with intelligently and with no fuss.
During the entire time I worked with them, Barbara and her team went over-and-above to keep me happy. As a result of their attention to detail and their focus on customer service, they ensured that what can often be a stressful time was actually a pleasure. I cannot thank them enough and would work with them again in a heartbeat.
Barbara, Howard and the team designed a wonderful extension to my late 1960s Melbourne home, ran the tender process to find me a builder, and superintended the build contract.
The design process that Barbara took me through was comprehensive, well-considered and highly collaborative, and the resulting extension and renovation was incredibly well-tailored to my specific needs and desires.
The tender process was similarly well-run, and we ended up choosing a builder that Barbara had worked with many times before and recommended. The recommendation was a great one and the entire build ran very smoothly, with the many quirks arising in a typical renovation being dealt with intelligently and with no fuss.
During the entire time I worked with them, Barbara and her team went over-and-above to keep me happy. As a result of their attention to detail and their focus on customer service, they ensured that what can often be a stressful time was actually a pleasure. I cannot thank them enough and would work with them again in a heartbeat.
Barbara is very friendly and easy to work with. Thank you for the great advices.
Response from the owner 23:14 17 Jun 24
thank you Arik. Happy to be helpful 
Barbara and the BY Projects team were fantastic to work with for our knockdown-rebuild. We had no idea what we were doing or getting ourselves in for, and through every stage of the process Barbara explained everything and was supportive and transparent.
She drew plans for a beautiful house for us which fulfilled everything we wanted while adding such flair and style that we never could have imagined ourselves.
I was so glad to have her and her team on my side throughout the build process, as we would have struggled to advocate for ourselves (or even notice) mistakes or defects by the builder.
Overall, we just couldn’t be happier with the final result.
She drew plans for a beautiful house for us which fulfilled everything we wanted while adding such flair and style that we never could have imagined ourselves.
I was so glad to have her and her team on my side throughout the build process, as we would have struggled to advocate for ourselves (or even notice) mistakes or defects by the builder.
Overall, we just couldn’t be happier with the final result.
Response from the owner 06:53 31 May 24
Thank you for your enthusiasm Emily. And thank you for trusting us with your dream Home. It's been a pleasure working with you and your family, and we trust you will enjoy your home for the years to come. 
We recently had the pleasure of carrying out a renovation for Barbara and BY Projects Architecture.
The project ran very smoothly from receiving the plans, to handover day.
Barbara pays very close attention to detail and takes great pride in her work.
We look forward to working with BY again on future projects.
The project ran very smoothly from receiving the plans, to handover day.
Barbara pays very close attention to detail and takes great pride in her work.
We look forward to working with BY again on future projects.
Response from the owner 22:11 30 Mar 21
Thank you Koray. It was a pleasure working with AMCON Homes, we look forward to working with you again in the future. 
Barbara provided excellent professional advice regarding Town planning and approval process by the Council. She went out of her way to find the right information and help me. Will surely use their services again when necessary.
I would highly recommend them.
I would highly recommend them.
Response from the owner 01:37 16 Feb 21
Thank you Jarardhan. We do hope you find a more suitable site soon to build your dream homeBarbara 
We were in a very difficult position after a VCAT rejection. Barbara came into our project and reimagined what was possible with our property. Going from a house with three shops with significantly reduced value to a development with two town houses, a cafe and all able to be subdivided into three separate properties. Barbara was positive, enthusiastic, charming at planning meeting and all in all kept us positive and hopeful. Barbara went through the whole process with us and I would say went above and beyond what would generally be expected. She worked well with our development team, working out strategies for planning challenges. We are very thankful for her time and energy.
We engaged Barbara and her team many times over many years for our Building Development Projects, including Multi Residential, Child Care and Mixed Use. Most recently for a couple of houses in Port Melbourne with complex Heritage Overlay requirements.
Barbara worked with us closely to ensure all design requirements were achieved to exceed market expectations. All permit requirements were managed in a professional and timely manner, and all processes were met on time and on budget.
The finished buildings were outstanding and the realized sales well above market expectations.
We highly recommend BY Projects Architecture for their Design sense and construction experience.
Barbara worked with us closely to ensure all design requirements were achieved to exceed market expectations. All permit requirements were managed in a professional and timely manner, and all processes were met on time and on budget.
The finished buildings were outstanding and the realized sales well above market expectations.
We highly recommend BY Projects Architecture for their Design sense and construction experience.
I have worked with Barbara and the team at BY Projects on a number of projects now. Its hard to think how you could get better value for money. They are great architects - that goes without saying. But its the extra mile they go to on your behalf in order to secure the very best for you that makes all the difference. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them for your next project.
Response from the owner 06:02 24 May 19
Thank you Virginia for your kind words. It is always a pleasure working with you. 
