Category: Design Styles

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Elements of Transitional Styles

Transitional Styles

This is a broad category of styles that seeks to combine elements of traditional with contemporary together.

Features clean lines and neutral color palette. mix of textures. feels traditional but lighter and brighter color palette.

Look into each specific design style to get a more specific elements that is unique to that design style combination.

Modern Farmhouse

Blend of rustic charm with contemporary elements, resulting in a comfortable and updated look.

Urban Modern

Integration of technology and smart home features to enhance convenience, comfort and efficiency.

Modern Traditional

Modern Bohemian

Combines traditional Bohemian elements with clean lines and simplicity.

Coastal

Relaxed living featuring a fresh light color palette and beach inspired decor.

Shabby Chic

Blending of vintage chic elements with rustic charm

Modern European

Japandi

Merging of traditional Japanese style with contemporary scandinavian style

Gustavian Scandinavian

Combination of shabby chic and scandinavian contemporary design

Wabi Sabi

blend of Japanese simplicity with organic shapes of contemporary design

Modern European Villa

blending of mediterranean chic and rustic elements of country living

French Country

Blending of elegant and refined elements of vintage traditional with rustic elements of country living

Modern Western

Maximilism

Large whole room statement using layered colors, patterns and textures using an intentional color palette. Elements from contemporary and traditional

Eclectic

combination of elements from two or more styles

Grandpa Chic

layered combination of masculine pattern and textures with a traditional time period

Cottage Core

Blend of Traditional and farmhouse

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The Elements of the Mediterranean Style

Photo Source: Architectural Digest

Coastal Mediterranean Style Color Palette

The color palette varies slightly depending on the region around the Mediterranean. Italy loves the earthy color palette of warm tones of brown and terracotta and greens where Greece’s color palette is more connected to the sea and its various hues of blue. There is a strong Moroccan influence in this design style as well. All these areas use vibrant hues along with either pure crisp white or warm neutral walls.

Mediterranean Forms & Line

The bulbous round shapes of pottery

  • curved and organic
  • decorative ornamentation
  • simple
  • arches
photo source: artfasad.com

Mediterranean Style Furniture

A variety of furniture styles can be paired with this design style. Think natural woods and comfort when choosing furniture.  Low profile seating is often seen with this style for a comfortable and easy going aesthetic. Natural materials like this bamboo sofa frame and rattan pendant light pairs well as in this picture from artfasad.com.  Wrought iron accents and vintage pieces are also often used.

photo source: pointstudio.co

Mediterranean Style Architecture

There is a strong architectural statement in this style.  Whether the walls are white or a creamy neutral, the textured stucco or plaster walls create a rustic and inviting atmosphere.  The stone or hardwood floors are often distressed and earthy as if they have stood the test of time where generations have walked. Arched windows and doors abound with their gracious curves.  Colorful tile is often seen in the kitchen and decorative ironwork may be seen.

  • terra cotta tile
  • arched doorways
  • natural exposed wood beams
  • decorative ironwork
  • french doors
  • natural stone
  • colorful tile
  • outdoor spaces for family living
photo source: lightwave laser

Patterns & Prints

This style loves its pattern.  Even though Morocco is on the other side of the sea, it does have its influence.  You may see this influence in the cut metal pattern in the light fixtures which create unique patterns of light on the stark walls. The prints are in delicate balance with the solid neutrals.

  • arabesque
  • moroccan
  • upholstery is often a solid neutral but the pillows can bring in pattern and color
  • repeating geometric
photo source: cheapstairparts.com

Textures, Materials and Finishes

The textures of nature abound in this style offering a cozy atmosphere.

  • natural textures and materials
  • patina
  • rattan
  • wicker
  • bamboo
  • wrought iron
  • terra cotta
  • distressed and weathered woods
  • mosaic and patterned cement, porcelain or ceramic tile
  • clay pots
  • dark metal finishes

Fabrics

Unfussy and natural fibers

  • natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool
  • seagrass
  • rattan
photo source: shippmanndesign

Window Treatments

The architecture offers ample amount of light. Light and airy window treatments keep the rooms bright and airy. Choose fabrics from this style to create window treatments.

  • sheer curtains
  • wood shutters
  • wrought iron grillwork
  • lightweight shades
photo source: pointconcept.co

Lighting

Lots of natural light through large windows and doors.

  • wrought iron chandeliers and glass
  • lanterns
  • sconces
  • woven shades
Photo source: artfasad.com

Art & Decor

In keeping with the connection with the outdoors, green plants are used generously in these neutral rooms. in this example a large potted plant is used along with woven baskets on the wall and on the floor.  A highly textured pillow is thrown on the floor which adds more high texture.  The bed look as if it has natural cotton linens.  A vibrant color was not chosen for this room but they let all the textures be the star.  Even the rug is high in natural texture.

  • ceramics
  • mosaics
  • vibrant colored rugs
  • jute or sisal rugs
  • woven baskets
  • pottery
  • minimal wall decor

This video from Suzie Anderson Home does a fabulous job explaining the Mediterranean style with lots of pictures.

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IDEAS FOR DECORATING IN TRADITIONAL STYLE

Traditional Style

Traditional Design Styles

Rustic Farmhouse

simple functional homes of rural areas. cozy and warm atmosphere. natural materials. weathered look

Rustic

English Cottage

Coastal Mediterranean

Victorian

Bohemian

Vintage Cottage

Arts and Crafts

Late 1800s. Lots of wood with craftsmanship

Traditional Style Color Palette

The Traditional Style color palette is warm.  Warm neutrals, off white, tans, beige and ivory are the foundation to the Traditional Style.  Rich warm hues of deep reds, blues, and greens are introduced in a balanced and thoughtful way. Even the soft pastels are often used in this style.

Traditional Style Furniture
Photo Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Furniture in the Traditional Style

Some features of Traditional Style furniture might include:

  • Upholstered seating with carved or turned wood frames
  • Skirted upholstery
  • rolled arms with decorative trim or nails
  • button tufting
  • dark woods like mahogany and cherry

Examples of Traditional Style Furniture:
(Look for the above features in the following pieces)

  • upholstered wing back chairs
  • upholstered chaise lounges
  • upholstered loveseats
  • upholstered club chairs
  • upholstered sofa
  • wood framed occasional chairs
  • secretaries
  • hutches
  • chests
  • wooden benches
  • wooden stools
  • vintage pieces

Architectural Influences in the Traditional Style

Photo Source: The Brass Pine

Archiectural Features abound and may include:

  • Built ins
  • paneling and wainscoting
  • crown molding and trim moldings
  • hardwood floors of oak, walnut, cherry, maple or mahogany
  • coffered ceilings
  • arches
  • chair rails
  • columns and pillars
  • detailed ballusters
  • defined rooms rather than an open floor  plan
  • strong symmetry in window placement
Patterns & Prints in the Traditional Style

Patterns and Prints in the Traditional Style

Look for these patterns and prints in the Traditional warm color palette

  • Florals
  • Solid Colors
  • Stripes
  • Plaids
  • Small prints
  • damasks
  • brocades
  • chevron
Photo Source: Luxdeco

Form & Line

This picture from Luxdeco demonstrates the soft curved lines in Traditional Style furniture seen in the stuffed upholstery, furniture arms and carved wooden legs often contrast with the crisp linen lamp shades and straight lines of the room’s architectural features.  The tall vertical lines in the draperies and architecture draw the eye up and give a sense of grandeur.  The symmetrical placement of furniture also offers straight lines toward a focal point.

The Traditional  style is all about balance of  form and line.

Photo Source: sofaandstuff.com

Textures, Materials & Finishes

Look for using natural materials, smooth textures, warm metal finishes and finishing details

  • natural materials like wood, brick, glass and stone
  • dark polished woods
  • button tufting and piping
  • brass
  • nickel
  • bronze
  • copper
  • glossy ceramic
  • antique finishes like gilded frames
  • polished surfaces
  • smooth and luxurious
  • braided trims
  • tassels

Fabrics

Fabrics in the Traditional Style are made from natural fibers with smooth lustre finishes like chintz, brocade and toile

  • velvet
  • silk
  • linen
  • cotton
  • wool
  • chintz
  • toile
  • leather
  • brocade
  • lace
Photo Source: Anne Wagoner Interiors
Photo Source: Anne Wagoner Interiors

Window Treatments

Look to use the Traditional Style fabrics in the following treatments:

  • pinched pleated full length draperies
  • valances
  • cornices
  • light weight sheer curtains
  • fabric roman shades
  • wooden plantation blinds
  • use of trim embellishments like pull backs, tassels and ribbon
Photo Source: The Ivory Lane

Lighting

  • crystal chandeliers
  • candelabras
  • lantern style
  • picture lights
  • fabric lamp shades
  • urn table lamps
  • candlestick table lamps
  • wall sconces
Photo Source: Anne Wagoner Interiors

Art and Decor

Look for antique finishes like gilded frames  or carved wood for your artwork

  • Vintage pieces
  • sculptures
  • framed botanicals
  • gilded frames
  • porcelain pieces
  • mantle clock
  • decorative globe
  • leather bound books
  • boxwood topiary
  • fiddle leaf fig
  • english roses
  • hydrangeas
  • orchids
  • china
  • carved wood
  • abundant pillows
  • plants and flowers
  • landscape art
  • floral art
  • collections
  • portraits
  • still life paintings
  • oriental rugs
  • tapestries
  • wall to wall carpet
  • sunburst mirror

… Variations of the Traditional Style

Do you like the balanced and layered look of the Traditional Style but don’t like the colors? Or perhaps you like other materials or finishes?

Check out some of the styles within the Transitional Category.  They combine traditional and contemporary or more modern styles.

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