The Modern Traditionalist Approach to Decorating Your Home

Trends can be fleeting but crafting a home that's timeless yet still feels fresh will always be in style. If you are stuck on just how to achieve this delicate balance, take note from designer Kendall Simmons. She is giving us the scoop on designing a space perfect for the modern traditionalist.

From Kendall...Tired of design trends that feel fleeting? Just because your taste in interiors leans toward the traditional, doesn't mean that your home needs to feel like it's full of your grandmother's hand-me-downs! Use the following tips to embrace your inner Traditionalist, no matter your age!

Embrace High Gloss Paint, But Keep It Bright White High sheen is chic, no matter who you are. But if you're traditionally inclined, restrict the high gloss paint to shades of white. Use high gloss paint on ceiling beams, wainscoting, or fireplace mantles to add instant high-style.

Dress Your Drapery With Trim, But Keep It Tailored Follow your dream of dressing up your drapery with decorative trims, but keep them simple and tailored in order to prevent them from looking fussy. (Read: tassels and fringe.) My personal favorite is always a wide decorative tape trim in a contrasting color. The teal Greek Key trim on this Family Room drapery did the trick! Designer Tip: Line the inside or "leading" edges of your drapery panels with decorative trim, top to bottom. I usually like to set my trim back about 1 inch from the edge to give it more room to shine!

Choose Classic Fabrics That Have Been Reinvented in Fresh Colors There's nothing wrong with embracing toile, check, damask, or chintz fabrics. If anything, these traditional fabric patterns are experiencing a renaissance! But, consider purchasing your favorite classic patterns in fresh colors that have been updated to suite a younger aesthetic. Buy toile wallpaper, but mix it up by buying it in a chic shade of purple or teal! For example, the Schumacher check pillow fabric in this Family Room has been reinvented in a punchy wine color, and the Jim Thompson floral urn pillow fabric has a new life in bright yellow!

Nail the Nailhead Detail Nailhead trim is a staple in traditional design. Be sure to incorporate this important tactile detail into your home. Consider using nailheads in a cool fresh way, like the X detail on each side of the custom square ottomans in this light and bright Family Room

Ignore the Newest Trends When Kitting Out Your Kitchen When designing your kitchen, stick with perennial favorites for your permanent fixtures, then punch it up with your accessories and decor. Classic white painted cabinetry, bridge faucet, farmhouse sink and white marble tile are long-time favorites that have longevity and go a long way in making your design feel established and grounded in traditional design. Once your traditional base is set, then you can layer on the fresh and colorful art, accessories and little details to make your Kitchen feel young and fun!

Photography: Catherine Truman | Art and Vases on Kitchen Counters: Target | Artwork near Stairs: Minted | Benches under Windows: Ballard Designs | Black and White Hex Boxes: West Elm | Blue Garden Stools: Wisteria Faux Bois Mirror | Blue and White Table Lamps: Shades of Light | Buffalo Check Throws: Ugg Brand | Copper and Wood Planters: Target | Grey Swivel Chairs: Rowe Furniture | Interior Design: Kendall Simmons | Large Woven Basket: Pottery Barn | Round Woven Tray With Handles: Ballard Designs | Sofas: Century Furniture | Striped Ceramic Vase: Target | Teal Chain Link Fabric: Jim Thompson No. 9 | Wine Check Pillow Fabric: Schumacher | Wood and Metal Counter Stools: Target | Yellow Urn Pillow Fabric: Jim Thompson