Modern is at home with some splashes of traditional in this sleek bedroom. (Courtesy of Cheryll Gillespie)

We used to call it eclectic - a little of this, a little of that. Today we simply call it home.

Picture this; a low backed chenille or velvet sofa and a pair of sexy alligator-upholstered club chairs. Add a rustic pine armoire or rough plank coffee table to the mix and you have the chicest room around.

For years, I have been adding a little traditional to every modern space I designed. Too much modern is too hard, too cold and simply uncomfortable so…if you throw in a little antique piece, something that has a handmade rustic quality, you bring style and warmth to the space making it much more livable.

On the floor imagine hand-scraped wide plank hardwood with an oiled finish (better for air quality and durability) in either a driftwood or ebony shade. A sensual area carpets of natural wool shag or cow hides underfoot. Walls can be coated to look like concrete or a low sheen metallic for that sexy New York loft-feel. Alternatively you could opt to hang some of the fabulous new wallpapers available that sizzle with texture.

Remember that texture will create as much visual excitement in a room as colour will. Speaking of colour, use a tone on tone neutral palette of taupe, cream, white, charcoal and ebony for a luxurious and elegant space or add some colour to the palette for a more relaxed environment.

For lighting, you simply can not resist one of the new ‘drippy’ chandeliers. Traditional with a twist, they can be black on black or black on copper. The new chandeliers often have a shade around the crystals and they simply drip with both traditional and modern inspiration. But don’t use too many in any one space, one or two is more than enough.

On the wall be sure to add a sconce or two. The new sconces employ traditional candle light so there is no wiring involved, just a whole lot of ambience.

Keep your accessories to a minimum, less is truly more (and think of all the money you will save). Toss a couple of lambs wool pillows on the sofa, a velvet throw over the arm of a favourite chair and some great oversized frames on the wall.

And don’t forget the window coverings. It’s nearly Spring (I actually noticed the lilies and tulips up about three inches today) so for the windows, I’m using fabulous sheer fabrics on the windows and if you need drapes, opt for elegant raw silk panels to frame the view.