Story from Chariho Furniture: Traditional and classic furniture makes a comeback (2024)

Tamara J. Collins

Story from Chariho Furniture: Traditional and classic furniture makes a comeback (1)

While some people are going back to offices and spending more time out of the home, others have made working from home and spending more time entertaining and cooking at home a much bigger part of their lives. That’s just one of the reasons traditional and classic furniture are making a comeback, along with the desire to own furniture pieces that can be handed down through generations.

Stephanie Smith is the co-owner and COO of Chariho Furniture in Richmond. She said that traditional furniture has a style all its own, with shapes and design fit for a Queen – Queen Anne or Victoria to be exact, well-made, built to last and comfortable.

“Traditional brings to mind Queen Anne style legs with their gentle curve of the cabriole legs to the soft, rounded corners that elongate into a flat disk resting on the pad feet on the floor.I envision big, rolled arms, deep cherry or rich mahogany woods, and skirted sofas,” said Smith. “Contemporary furniture is clean lines, light wood.”

Smith, who holds certifications in Furniture Product Knowledge and Interior Design from The Furniture Training Company in North Logan, Utah joined the family businesses, Chariho Furniture in 2012 as part of the sales team while earning her degree in Psychology from Rhode Island College. She said that while the more contemporary Mid Century Modern furniture had its roots from 1940, Traditional and Classic furniture has time ranges or periods of time associated with them, dating back from hundreds of years ago to just before contemporary times. The two styles and periods can mix, however.

“People are mixingin that traditional and classic, like Queen Anne highboys with their contemporary, so they have a skirt on their sofa, but it will have a little bit of a flare on its arms,” said Smith. “Traditional and Classic Furniture is coming back.”

Due to the pandemic, furniture and home decorating trends have shifted away from the simplicity and sleekness of modern for a return to comfort and coziness and furniture that lasts a lifetime and isn’t replaced half a dozen times.

“I think people are going back to their roots. Not to say that contemporary is stark or unhomey because obviously, you can make that homey, but big, rolled arms make it so you can kind of snuggle in a little bit more. When you think of a dining table, these glossy or Queen Anne legs are exquisite designs that are hard to find nowadays.”

Story from Chariho Furniture: Traditional and classic furniture makes a comeback (2)

Smith noted a trend toward buying more comfortable, homey-looking traditional furniture.

“Especially with the pandemic, even in-home office, we have a lot of live edges, really contemporary metal bases, but people are looking for the double pedestal, kind of bigger, more traditional desks. Again, something homier because everyone's at home.”

Many people have opted to shift to fully remote or hybrid remote positions, which means they are reevaluating their home workspaces and deciding to upgrade to more sturdy, robust, and more solid-looking, substantial piecesof furniture.

“They want the big accent, leather chairs even in the offices, with nail heads that are typically more traditional as well and kind of leaves or lends itself better to that traditional look.”

While millennials might prefer the look of clean lines and modern sleekness over their family heirlooms, zoomers are into eco-friendly furniture, hand-me-downs from family, and searching flea markets, garage, and yard sales, and antique stores to find more traditional and classic furniture that is both comfy and environmentally friendly.

“I'm in my late twenties, and a lot of people my age either don't like the stuff that's being handed down or don't quite understand the quality of it,” says Smith. “I think this upcoming generation (Generation Z) is really aware of eco-friendly and the long-term effects of buying one desk instead of six desks, with the landfills. And I think having some history too, being able to say, this is my great-grandmother's dining table.”

Cherry, Oak and Walnut are just some of the traditional and classic furniture wood species that Chariho Furniture carries.

“We have a lot of different woods here and a lot of exotic woods, but Cherry doesn't go out of style. Whether it's a desk, a dining table, a bedroom, an end table, it really lends itself to that traditional look,” said Smith. “Mahogany is harder to find. And we do have that. We also have walnut, which has seen a peak. It’s a a darker wood, which lends itself nicely to traditional furniture as well.”

Story from Chariho Furniture: Traditional and classic furniture makes a comeback (3)

Gold, beige and browns are neutral colors associated with Classic and Traditional furniture upholstery. Jewel tones like Emerald Green, Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red, Amethyst Purple is the bold and beautiful colors associated with the frames.

“We have emeralds -- green is hot right now, sapphire --I'd say any jewel tones tend to be more popular with the traditional frames. And that's if someone wants to have some fun; otherwise, it would be more of like a goldish-beige or brown.”

Smith said that there are some rules when mixing traditional and classic furniture with something more modern.

“I don't want to say there are no rules because there are some rules. If it’s done properly, you can get away with a lot. When you're more eclectic and pairing new and old pieces together or traditional,” said Stephanie. “They have transitional right now, which is, you have your traditional skirted sofa, but maybe with a flared arm or a wood-framed chair that is a little bit more straight-lined instead of Martha Washington Style. So, I'm not too fond of pigeonholing. I think we're all pretty eclectic and open-minded to meshing things together.”

Smith recommends Millcraft, one of their Amish lines, which is particularly exciting right now because they are a blend of the original traditional with some contemporary.

“Millcraft is one of our Amish lines that, they do have some contemporary in there, but they still have your original Queen Elizabeth and Victoria. They have the Windsor beds, and they have many different options that I feel are hard to find with a lot of our other vendors right now. I feel like a lot of people are still a straight line, shaker, more contemporary, where they have a lot of different options.”

Smith said that traditional classic furniture is built to last because it's made properly. One example is a Windsor chair, which was used both indoors and outdoors in inns, taverns, libraries and meeting rooms in the mid-1700s.

“If it's done well, then it lasts a very long time because it's historically correct. We also have some Windsor chairs on our floor are made in the original style. When you have a Windsor chair, it has three different wood species. You have the steam bending, the scoop seat; everything is made how it should be. They are not cutting any corners there.”

Find furniture to fit any style at family-ownedChariho Furniture in Richmond, Rhode Island.Their expert design specialists can show you the pieces that will best suit your taste or help you design custom pieces to meet your tastes and needs.

AtChariho Furniture, you’ll explore American-made, solid wood furniture in a 25,000-square-foot, three-story showroom. Find us at 10 Richmond Townhouse Road, Richmond, Rhode Island. Call us at 401-539-9043 or contact us at info@charihofurniture.com to arrange for professional, complimentary, in-home interior design services.

Story from Chariho Furniture: Traditional and classic furniture makes a comeback (2024)

FAQs

Is traditional furniture coming back? ›

That's right: traditional interior design is officially back, but with a welcome, much-needed playful twist. Unlike the stuffy, wallpaper-encased sitting rooms of the 1940s and 50s, today's take on the trend has a distinctly modern touch.

What is traditional furniture style? ›

Traditional style combines ornate details, warm colors and architectural design elements to bring a piece to life. From turned legs to classic crown molding, traditional style pays great attention to all detail. Bold, rich and timeless colors are used to complement the elegant design features.

How do you mix modern and traditional furniture? ›

Modern lighting and art can help you incorporate more traditionally styled pieces into a modern interior. A contemporary light sitting on an antique desk for example, can make a dynamic combination. A vintage dresser with a modern painting hung above will help the two styles come together.

Is brown wood furniture coming back? ›

Here's the good news: Unlike some interior design trends, brown will be in “forever,” Sikes says. Concludes Colding: “It is one of those colors that will always be back.

What furniture style is trending 2022? ›

For furniture design trends in 2022, look for curves, texture, and comfort. You'll see lots of curved chairs, sofas with gently sloping arms, and round poufs in velvet, linen, and nubby boucle fabrics. In addition to natural wood tones and vintage pieces, we'll also see a return of black accent pieces.

Is traditional furniture out of style? ›

Traditional Interior Design Style - The Timeless Classic. Traditional interior design is a tried and true classic that never seems to go out of style. While traditional design may be rooted in 18th and 19th century European décor, it is not defined or confined to any particular time period or region.

What is the difference between traditional and classic? ›

Differences between Classic and Traditional Styles

Generally speaking, classicism has a refined feel that carries a stronger sense of elegance, while traditional design is more adaptable to everyday living.

What is modern classic furniture? ›

Modern Classic style, also known as Modern Traditional, is the perfect blend of modern + traditional… aka timeless! This style features the sleek, simple, contemporary lines of the modern design style paired with traditional furniture, finishes, and accessories to take what was "then" and make it "now".

What is the difference between modern and classic furniture? ›

Both modern and classic furniture can be beautiful additions to a home, they're not the same. Classic furniture tends to be a celebration of ornate styles while contemporary furniture leans towards understated. Classic styles offer elegance while contemporary are more subtle and urban.

Is it OK to mix modern and traditional furniture? ›

Combining traditional and modern furniture may seem like a challenging blend to perfection. However, when done correctly, the mixture creates a unique, multi-layered space. One of the perks of blending traditional and modern interior design styles is developing a personal style that you won't see in other homes.

What is the difference between modern and traditional furniture? ›

Modern architectural design uses lighter wood, linen, and leather. Some pieces may also use polished metal and even plastic. Modern furniture is more contemporary with a structured, clean design. It doesn't have the adornments that come with traditional furniture and are uncomplicated in that way.

Is dark wood furniture out of style 2022? ›

Lotta Lundaas, Founder and CEO of Norse Interiors says that darker wood pieces will be popular in 2022. She suggests pairing wood with clear furniture, light fixtures, and vases.

Is brown coming back in style 2022? ›

As a minimalist favorite, brown is upstaging black in fashion shows for 2022.

Is gray out of style 2022? ›

Navy and gray are on the way out

The report also highlighted a declining interest in navy (down 43%), mustard yellow (down 27%), and light gray (down 25%). Yes, while gray has seen an uninterrupted reign over recent paint trends, its reign may conclude in 2022.

What is the color of the year 2022 for furniture? ›

Gentle Olive by Minwax. Minwax selected a rich green stain called Gentle Olive as its color of the year 2022. A soft sage with subtle gray undertones, it highlights the natural beauty of the wood when applied to furniture, cabinetry, shelving, decorative items, and more.

What is the color of 2022 for furniture? ›

Sherwin Williams 2022 Color Of The Year - Evergreen Fog

It's a simple but sophisticated wash of beautiful, organic color for spaces that crave a subtle yet stunning statement shade.” Evergreen fog pairs well with other natural color schemes such as wicker, beige, white, and soft golds.

What style is coming back in 2022? ›

2022 Fashion Trend: Voluminous Silhouettes

From oversize shirting to ballooned silhouettes and a continuation of the puff sleeve trend, dresses and tops will retain their volume through the end of the year. If anything, the latter will spice up all the soft pants you'll probably still be rocking on the bottom.

What is new traditional style? ›

New traditional style seeks formal furniture with a focus on comfort and a sleeker look. There is a freedom to mix finishes and periods. New traditional has a more personal feel with classic seating plans except for a larger more family friendly scale.

What is classic design style? ›

Classic style includes well-made furniture with detailing such as inlay and carved or turned legs, as well as pieces with ornate detailing, sometimes with a floral or fauna influence. Fabrics that have texture and subtle patterns, and stripes mixed with block colours, are popular choices.

What style of furniture is popular today? ›

Contemporary: Contemporary style furniture refers to furniture that is popular today.

What is the classic meaning? ›

Classic means 'high quality'. In particular, we use it to mean something that is valued because it has a traditional style: … Classic: noun. We can use a classic and the classics to refer to the greatest and most famous works of literature from the past: … Classical: adjective.

Why is it called a classic? ›

Etymology. The word classics is derived from the Latin adjective classicus, meaning "belonging to the highest class of citizens." The word was originally used to describe the members of the Patricians, the highest class in ancient Rome.

What is a classic example? ›

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] A classic example of a thing or situation has all the features which you expect such a thing or situation to have.

Why modern furniture is better? ›

It has more visual weight and can make a smaller space seem crowded. If you're looking to decorate a small lobby or a condo, traditional furniture may make the space seem too busy and unnatural. Modern furniture, with its thin lines, is great for smaller spaces while still providing comfort and style.

What is modern and classic? ›

Classic is typically associated with sophistication and timelessness, so if you prefer this style, then you need to make decisions that meet its requirements. A modern design, on the other hand, can be trendy and minimalist, with all technologies, such as TVs or DVD players, plain in sight.

What is a modern day classic? ›

What Is a Modern Classic Book? A modern classic book is typically written after World War I, and possibly after World War II. This is because these two events marked the emergence of new ideas and ways of thinking, such as ideologies about gender, race, and class.

What is traditional classic style? ›

Traditional style often includes silk, linen and velvet upholstery and window coverings in damask, florals, stripes and plaids with ornately detailed dark wood, inspired by 18th and 19th century designs. Layered in color and texture, traditional style interiors bring a sense of history and glamour to a space.

What is the history of furniture? ›

Archaeological research shows that from around 30,000 years ago, people started to construct and carve their own furniture, using wood, stone, and animal bones. Early furniture from this period is known from artwork such as a Venus figurine found in Russia, depicting the goddess on a throne.

What makes a good furniture? ›

A good quality piece of furniture should be structurally sound, solid and well-built to ensure its prolonged use over the years. You should feel safe when sitting in, or leaning on the piece, and you shouldn't be able to recognize any sway, give or flex in it.

Does all furniture have to match house? ›

The short answer is no, you don't need to match your furniture in your living room, and matching it all won't necessarily make it better. Want the long answer? Then keep reading! By the end of this article, you'll know how to create a cohesive space in your living room.

How do I change my traditional home to modern? ›

How to Modernize a Traditional Home
  1. Mismatched furniture helps keep a space light. ...
  2. Leave some bare space to keep the look clean. ...
  3. Use color to highlight architecture. ...
  4. Use contrasting colors to create sharper lines. ...
  5. Choose one piece of art for more visual impact. ...
  6. Ditch heavy drapes for sheer or natural textiles.
Jun 13, 2022

Is it OK to mix different styles of furniture? ›

If so, the good news is that you can easily mix different styles to create a stunning room. In fact, a home that's layered in different furniture styles, as well as several time periods, can be downright interesting. However, it won't be that dynamic if your furniture pieces aren't tied together.

What is the difference between traditional and modern value? ›

Traditional values stress collectivism, submissive self-restriction, preservation of traditional practices, protection, and stability. Modern values represent motivations to pursue one's own success and dominance over others or gratification for oneself.

What does modern traditional look like? ›

A modern traditional home marries classical architecture and furnishings with a relaxed, contemporary lifestyle for an inviting space you're happy to come home to. This design style is refined but unfussy and tells the story of your home through curated collections, fabric selections, millwork and more.

What is the difference between traditional and modern life? ›

Traditional and modern societies are two different ideas. Traditional societies are the way communities are ruled by the predominant norms and practices. Whereas, modern societies refer to the present world we are living.

What is the most popular sofa color for 2022? ›

The most popular, perhaps unsurprisingly, is gray. Ben White, design and trade specialist at Swyft Home, explained why gray topped the list: “Gray is a likely a slightly more popular sofa color choice as it's the most versatile of all the neutral colors.

What is the new decorating color for 2022? ›

Leading paint companies Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Sherwin-Williams all agree: 2022 is the year for gray-green. The sophisticated hue symbolizes balance and harmony often seen in the natural world.

What color wood furniture is timeless? ›

STAIN COLOUR: While it might not be TRENDY (right now), a medium-toned wood stain (oak in particular) is the most timeless look.

What color brown is in style 2022? ›

The shades of brown identified by Pantone for spring/summer 2022 are: Coca Mocha this tasty Coca Mocha hue refreshes the spirit. Sudan Brown is a dark, earthy brown with naturally rich tones linked to fantastic outdoor environments.
...
Drap 070149.
100% SE
141 cm210 g / m

What is the hair color for fall 2022? ›

Copper hair can be the perfect option for autumn, with its shades echoing the hues of orange sunsets and that perfect lighting of golden hour. "The copper hair trend exploded after Kendall Jenner's Prada autumn/winter 2022 show appearance and generated 123 million views on TikTok," says the experts at Hey Discount.

What is the most popular interior paint color for 2022? ›

Each year paint firms offer up their top pick for the color of the year that will freshen up interiors and exteriors. The overwhelming favorite hue for 2022: Green—all shades of it. Besides the greens, some paint firms chose bold color pops to add more memorable marks on an interior.

Is gray or beige in for 2022? ›

It's not just a rumor, it's true. Beige is back. This warm neutral, which ranges from sandy cream tones, to bone colors, to nearly tan shades is replacing cooler gray as the versatile neutral of the moment.

What Colour is replacing GREY? ›

White on white paint combinations for entire room are nothing new in the design world. We've seen this color scheme around for decades in plenty of modern and contemporary spaces. But today's whites feel softer, and more cozy. Making them a perfect option for everyday living spaces.

Is antique furniture coming back in style 2022? ›

Introducing a historical, heirloom, antique, or vintage piece can quickly change the mood of a room, imbuing it with depth and a focal point—which may be why this trend has lasting appeal in 2022.

Is antique furniture coming back in style? ›

Antique furniture is making a comeback. The same is true for antique jewelry. The styles are timeless. If you have an older home, would like to remember someone special, or find that the modern doesn't quite do it for you, then you, too, can rediscover the classics.

Is 70s furniture coming back? ›

Oh, yes. Among the avant-garde, 1970s interior design trends are making a definitive comeback. “Earth tones and fun multi-color concepts are current trends now, as well as low slung soft furniture,” McKinley says.

Is traditional home still being published? ›

Launched in 1989 under the direction of founding editor Karol DeWulf Nickell, Traditional Home was published eight times a year until 2017 when it was redesigned to produce six volumes per year.
...
Traditional Home.
EditorAnn Maine
Founded1989
Final issueFall/Winter 2019
CompanyMeredith
CountryUnited States
8 more rows

What antiques are selling well in 2022? ›

  • Jewellery.
  • Watches.
  • Paintings.
  • Asian Art.
  • Furniture.
  • Silver & Objects of Virtue.
  • Decorative Arts.
  • Ceramics & Glass.
Dec 15, 2021

What color wood furniture is in for 2022? ›

Shades of Light

After several years of dark grays and white washes, the natural warm colored light woods are taking their turn in the spotlight. Light wood finishes are trending all over the place and look exceptional when teamed up with darker colors like black and navy.

Is Oak furniture coming back in style? ›

However, oak cabinets are currently in the middle of making a comeback. There are several possible reasons for this. First, homeowners are looking for warmth and authenticity in their kitchens. Natural wood checks all the boxes.

Why are antiques not popular anymore? ›

Dealers, auctioneers and designers point to a number of reasons for the declining interest in antiques and rapid rise of contemporary design. More homes have open-concept, casual living spaces rather than formal dining rooms and studies, which reduces the need for stately mahogany dining tables, chairs and cabinets.

What are the hottest antiques right now? ›

Here, you'll find a list of the most popular vintage items that are currently in demand.
  • Records. Records are a popular collectible item among various age groups. ...
  • Vintage Advertising Signage. ...
  • Vintage Books. ...
  • Automobilia/Petroliana. ...
  • Vintage Toys. ...
  • Jewelry. ...
  • Mid-Century Modern. ...
  • Art Deco.
Mar 1, 2022

Is 80s furniture coming back? ›

Hold on to your floral sofas and tessellated stone tables, the 1980s are back. After a decade or so of minimalism, the more-is-more aesthetic of the MTV Era has returned. Here are some of the decade's top decor trends along with items that will bring retro 80s style into your home.

What is 70s style furniture called? ›

When designers, manufacturers, and customers speak about retro furniture, they are often referring to a style of furniture that pays homage to styles that were popular years ago. Namely, retro furniture was popular in the decades of 1950s, 1960s, 1970s.

What is the meaning of traditional home? ›

What Is a Traditional-Style Home? A traditional-style home is the most popular style of home in the U.S. today. The style is a mix of classic elements pulled from homes past with modern elements of home design. Common elements of this style include symmetrically placed windows, simple rooflines, and modest details.

How do you style a traditional house? ›

Traditional-style decor uses some color on walls, but does so conservatively. Choose paint colors in mellow tones such as neutral grays and beiges, along with light yellows, greens and blues. Use bolder colors in accessories.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jeremiah Abshire

Last Updated:

Views: 5692

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jeremiah Abshire

Birthday: 1993-09-14

Address: Apt. 425 92748 Jannie Centers, Port Nikitaville, VT 82110

Phone: +8096210939894

Job: Lead Healthcare Manager

Hobby: Watching movies, Watching movies, Knapping, LARPing, Coffee roasting, Lacemaking, Gaming

Introduction: My name is Jeremiah Abshire, I am a outstanding, kind, clever, hilarious, curious, hilarious, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.