The Art of Contrast
15.07.2025
Happy Tuesday! Today, for our weekly design tip, we're exploring the power of contrast, not just in colour and texture, but in artfully placing different styles and eras together. At Claroscuro, we believe creating fresh, timeless spaces is about embracing the beauty of design from various periods.
Imagine a room where a sleek, modern sofa sits comfortably with an ornate, antique chest, or where a vibrant contemporary artwork hangs above a classic console. This isn't a clash; it's a harmonious dance, a conversation between past and present that gives a space character and soul.
We often think 'cosy' means uniformity, but true comfort comes from a lived-in feel. By introducing elements from different eras, you avoid a sterile look and instead create a story of evolution and personal taste. A cherished vintage armchair, perhaps from a grandparent, placed next to a modern floor lamp, adds layers of history and warmth.
Elegance too, benefits from contrast. A room designed purely in one period can feel rigid. However, by introducing opposing styles, you create visual interest and a sophisticated tension. The clean lines of modern design can highlight the intricate details of a classic piece, and vice versa, drawing the eye and fostering appreciation for each element's unique beauty.
Ultimately, this approach leads to a truly tasteful interior. It shows thoughtful curation, a willingness to look beyond passing trends, and an appreciation for enduring design. It's about collecting pieces that resonate with you, no matter when they were made.
To show you what we mean, let's look at two incredible spaces featured in Architectural Digest in the late 1970s, both fine examples of intentional contrast:
First, consider the Greenwich Village studio loft of Argentinian painter Ronaldo de Juan. Here, within exposed brick and beams, we see a masterful blend. The sleek lines of a Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer, an icon of early modernism, sit alongside the commanding presence of a New Guinea sculpture. A crisp, modern steel and glass table provides a clean anchor, setting the stage for a fascinating global collection: a bold 1976 de Juan painting, a sophisticated red lacquer tray from India, and earthy Mexican pottery. Lush plants and warm lighting further soften the industrial shell, creating a rich, deeply personal, and wonderfully cosy atmosphere.
Then, we turn to the New York apartment of Marilynn and Ivan Karp. In their studio corner, you'll see a dramatic interplay of eras. A vibrant, almost explosive, John Chamberlain metal sculpture, clearly modern and dynamic, finds surprising balance among Peter Saari's contemporary Pompeian Fresco, a classical head of the Roman Emperor Balbinus, and a collection of American salt-glaze stoneware. This mix, from ancient classical to avant-garde and folk art, demonstrates a confident boldness, proving that coherence isn't about matching, but about a compelling dialogue between different forms.
These two examples, from the same era but with distinct approaches, show that a captivating interior isn't about strictly following one style. It's about masterfully blending elements that might, at first glance, seem disparate.
So, when planning your own spaces, don't shy away from mixing. Seek out pieces that speak to you, whether they're vintage finds or contemporary creations. Embrace those unexpected combinations.
We know that acquiring original artworks by famous artists or rare antiques, like those shown in these historic features, can be incredibly expensive. But here at Claroscuro, we believe the beauty of contrasting styles, and the depth they bring to an interior, should be available to everyone. That's why we carefully source pieces that offer the same aesthetic and practical value, helping you create a cosy, elegant, and tasteful home without breaking the bank.
It is in these thoughtful contrasts that you will discover the secret to creating a truly timeless home, a true testament to the art of Claroscuro.
Photos by Elizabeth Heyert for Arquitectural Digest (Issues January/February & October 1978).