The Beauty of Contrast: Traditional Art in Contemporary Rooms

Spaces with exclusively modern furniture and furnishings can sometimes feel sterile and uninspired, lacking in character and individuality. An effective way to add personality, history and visual interest to a modern space is through the addition of traditional artwork.

Consider all the traditional mediums, including painting, drawing and sculpture, and the cultures and eras that you can draw from. Whether you anchor your modern space with a gilt-framed painting or accessorize with tribal sculpture, a bit of tradition can add much to a contemporary home.

In this sleek and monochromatic wood-paneled dining area, traditional pastoral paintings in ornate gold frames introduce nature, color and depth.


A pair of intricate antique Southeast Asian figures in illuminated nooks flank a hallway in this modern foyer, setting a sophisticated and culturally rich tone.



With its metallic walls and tiger skin rug, this luxuriously eclectic modern living room isn’t lacking for personality; it’s all about drama. The large traditional painting takes center stage, adding a layer of history and intrigue.


Old drawings of classic architectural features in gold frames add a sense of history, playing off the Carrara marble, a historically classic material used here in a modern way.


In this modern gray-toned living room, a traditional still life painting adds nostalgic charm and introduces a warm color palette, which is echoed in the pillows.


A classical Western-style female figure interacts with this Asian elements in this modern space, creating an interesting dialogue between old and new, East and West.



An idyllic watercolor landscape painting brings the outdoors in, breathing fresh air, color and charm into this white-walled, sparsely furnished space.



A pair of antique Chinese portraits introduces color and life to this understated, neutral-palette bedroom, while subtly reinforcing the Asian-inspired modern design.


A solemn antique horse head against the warm and passionate Gustav Klimt painting is an interesting juxtaposition, adding color, texture and mood to this crisp, modern bedroom.


In this minimally furnished, bright white modern bedroom, a collection of ethnic vases and tribal artifacts in a neutral palette imbues the space with form, texture and cultural interest.

More: The Beauty of Contrast: Modern Art in Traditional Rooms

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