Featured Image Photographed by Angie Seckinger
Popular design styles are constantly changing and evolving; it’s one of the great things about design. Traditional and Transitional styles are two timeless styles that never go out of fashion. These styles remain current because they are constantly evolving due to trend influences as well as a homeowners’ or designer’s personal preferences. There is so much you can do when it comes to these styles. With that in mind, let’s explore a few design styles.
Traditional Design
Traditional Design is a timeless style that utilizes classic furniture forms and stunning textiles, fixtures and accents to create a cozy, comfortable, and stylish space. The classic style became popular in the 20th century as people were looking to model their homes after 18th and 19th century interiors. They were mostly influenced by French and English design. The layouts of these spaces are usually symmetrical as it creates a harmonious feel to a space and is also functional. The classic color scheme included neutrals while also utilizing dark woods, which were wildly popular at the time. Nowadays you can see an increase in color in these traditional spaces. Traditional style often has a very curated look to give the space a lived-in charm that is comfortable and elegant.
A couple of years ago, we designed this beautiful traditional living room for our clients. They had some amazing antique furniture pieces, artwork, and accents that we paired with some classic furniture forms and textiles. The subtle blue and yellow color scheme really compliments the dark wood of their baby grand piano which is balanced in the space with dark wood side tables and a stunning mirrored folding screen.
Traditional interiors today definitely have a more contemporary twist. Designers nowadays tend to use bolder colors and mix traditional and contemporary forms and accents together with antiques and curated items. The transitional style that is ever so popular is actually a variation of traditional that has become a design style of its own.
Transitional Design
Transitional style is probably the most widely used style today – you can see it everywhere, from homes to hotels. The reason that transitional is so popular is because of its versatility. Transitional combines the cozy and comfortable aspects of traditional design with updated forms and details that lean more modern and contemporary. An important element of transitional design is balance- the traditional and contemporary elements need to complement each other to create a cohesive design.
The Living Room we designed below is a great example of a transitional space that borders on traditional. This space still utilizes the traditional design principles of symmetry, features classic furniture silhouettes and dark wood tones, but also features more contemporary elements such as the color scheme and textiles, the coffee and side tables, and the modernized molding details on the walls.
This space below is a transitional design that leans more contemporary with glam accents. The kitchen we designed is clean and modern, which dictates the design style for the rest of the space due to the open floorplan. The color scheme is very subdued with pops of blues and greens which is a common trait of transitional interiors. The dining table and chairs leans more traditional in its design, but the surrounding elements and accents really ties it in with the rest of the space. The living area has a very simple sectional with a wide track arm which grounds the space and really lets the sleek coffee table stand out.
There is a reason that these two design styles have stood the test of time. Both are easily adaptable and allow ample room for creativity! Stay tuned to learn about some of our other favorite design styles.
Stay Inspired!
The Margery Wedderburn Interiors Team