AD May 2013 Cover

How We Design Today: Contrasting Styles in Architectural Digest

Is there a defining design style today?  The latest AD cover actually sums it up:

AD May 2013 Cover
Courtesy Architectural Digest

Look carefully, and you’ll notice a traditional chandelier:

AD May 2013 Cover Chanedelier
Courtesy Architectural Digest

On top of a very sleek, modern coffee table:

AD May 2013 Cover Coffee Table
Courtesy Architectural Digest

You see small bursts of exoticism and color, but the primary design is neutral and comfortable

AD May 2013 Cover Chairs
Courtesy Architectural Digest

Lest you take this for granted, take a look at what was on the cover of AD in 1970:

AD Cover November 1970
Courtesy CoverBrowser.com and Architectural Digest

and 1971:

AD Cover March 1971
Courtesy CoverBrowser.com and Architectural Digest

Back then, we had sharply divided design styles.  You were either a Traditionalist or Modernist, and there was no mixing of the two styles.  Neither style seemed very comfortable either — could you imagine hopping onto either silk or leather couch on these covers?

In contrast, today’s design has finally balanced both traditional and modern elements and made it all the more comfortable.