apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

It would be great if we could get some learning from the designer about how and why exactly one mixture of traditional, modernist, and contemporary pieces is to be viewed as more 'classic' or 'modern' than the other. To my eye, the very act of mixing makes both designs modern, as opposed to traditional, though not in the calcified MCM sense that draws so many fans to the term 'modern.'

Neither one screams "modern" nor "classic." The two photos are almost interchangeable. Both have a mix of old and new; hard and soft, etc.

Which one is which? There seems to be more modern accessories in the "classic" room. Honestly, this whole series seems a bit of a farce so far.

I had a hard time deciding my vote --- I really like them both. Though clearly there are lots of modern elements in the classic picture. Interesting that the window is blocked in both styles.

Like 'em both. Had no clue which one was Modern, which one was Classic.

This whole series is kind of ridiculous.

I agree

honestly, there's not enough difference here. modern desk with more traditional side table or the other way around. and then we'll change a rug. same chair, photos, lamp.....and more importantly, same ridiculous idea of blocking the window with drapes and an oversized mirror and propped photo.

too similar

i like them both about the same...not at all.

the difference is so obvious people: one is a modern classics, while the other is classicly modern

you mean if i move my lamp to the other side of the desk i can enter another dimension?

apologies for the sarcasm but this is naff!

O_o

They didn't even bother to change the chair.

Agree! are you just doing this series to annoy us?
and what kind of designer puts pics or mirror or whatever that is in front of a window?

have to agree with general consensus here... the title should read more like, "one space, 1.5 different ways..."

i would deem the office chair as a very important piece in determining the general "theme" of an office... for the classic office, I would like to have seen a solid wood, swivel office chair paired with that gorgeous desk. The desk lamp does not look very "classic" to me, either... and the barcelona ottoman?!?! Also couldn't imagine sitting in that position long enough to get any work done. Sorry.

David, I love this idea so much. I just wish the styles in the pictures were actually different!
Also, why do they keep putting things in front of the windows?

Wait, I'm completely confused. A Mies Barcelona ottoman is LESS MODERN than a (forgive my ignorance here) chinoiserie (??) stool? Either way, that desk chair looks like an achey back waiting to happen.

Still, I love the idea of styling two spaces differently. Maybe this could be AT's next reader contest, along the lines of the "colors" or "small cool" contests?

I didn't see much difference between the two styles either. My vote was based on practicality. The classic desk had storage drawers, the modern one lacked storage. The classic office also had an additional chair and an ottoman. I don't understand why the windows are blocked by a mirror and artwork.

I have to agree with all.

I actually could not tell which was modern, and which was classic.

These posts are a great idea, I just wish a bit more time was spent in execution.

I love both - even if they are similar.

Neither. An office is for work, not showing off my splendid design sense.

I like being able to reach the keyboard without putting two NY phonebooks on the chair. I like having a place to file papers near the desktop. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I like having a printer/copier/fax near-by. I like being able to work with another human while on the computer: making them perch on the books/glass top thingy would be awkward - what if I needed a book or the glass broke?

I guess I prefer the one on the right, but I agree with everyone else- they're way too similar. And I'm not sure which is modern and which is classic. The left one has the modern desk, while the right one has the modern stool/settee... and I don't consider the rug on the left to be either modern or classic.

Whoops, I just noticed that the poll tells you which is which.

Which is supposed to be which - Is it based on the desk?

I'd choose elements of both for my room (Chrome Desk, Wing Chair, Cowhide Rug) - but one thing I would definitely NOT choose is that chair for the desk!

I thought I was going to find out it was only me who couldn't tell which was which. The change looks very subtle. I know if you changed my desk and my view (albeit blocked), I would definitely sense a change more noticeably than looking at it. The flowers, the side table, and the rug, and the slightly different curtain, and the pictures - maybe they are not the same pictures, but they are b/w in the same or almost same frames. Just what is the exercise here?

I disagree with the comment about an office not being for show. Some people, clients or superiors or subordinates, will see your office, and it will communicate a lot about you and/or the company you represent. I do agree that it shouldn't be a pile of accessories, but rather have what's needed, but there's no reason to restrict yourself to functional junk. I like a nice picture on the wall or a stylish lamp, I don't see what's wrong with that.

I fancy the idea of this post. This should be a weekly read on AT (assign a day or something like "Two Styles Tuesday")
Mix it up, and make the styles a little more opposite on the design spectrum.
It doesn't necessarily need to be the exact same space either. Stick to a similar kitchen, loft, living room layout etc.

Dear AT -- people are obsessing on the style names assigned to the pix instead of comparing the rooms. Please label them "left" and "right" or "1" and "2". Then maybe people will talk about the furnishings, not what "classic" and "modern" might or might not mean!!!

I don't care for either room here -- too cluttered, too non-functional as an office space. So I didn't vote. If forced to choose, I guess in this case I like the "classic" desk better, but only slightly and mainly because it looks like you could use it. I never was a fan of excess chrome... The rest of the room/s are a wash.

They are both equally awful and not really much different. The last example was much better.

Plus, who would put a mirror in front of a window! (rather look at yourself then outside?) And then add a picture! It's suppose to be an office but I guess this office doesnt see much work done.

ps: enough with the cows and zebras on the floor.

Modern but with the rug from the classic arrangement. I don't think that chair looks like is very functional for work, the pitch makes you lean way too far back to work comfortably.

I'm going w/the "(Modern?) - above left"...honestly don't even remember which distinction it bears, as they both share identical elements. I prefer the animal print rug and the little side table (which, if "modern", to my view would be very well suited also to "classic"). Other than those changes...I'm frankly confused. For my own home office needs, I really need a keyboard situated lower than a standard desk top...and that chair seems a bit too reclined for an efficient desk chair.