Transitional Design Style

Transitional design style is a blended style of traditional and modern design. I am exploring in this article how can we navigate the nuances of this chic and timeless style.

I like this style because it makes the home feel classic but with a modern edge. This design style came into existence in the 1940s and 50s when new concepts emerged in design and modern design became popular. The traditional style was getting mixed with the new modern pieces. The transitional design style is popular today with designers. They like to mix and match the old and new to create a sophisticated look.

How to achieve a transitional style?

We need to look at the shapes of furniture and details here. Traditional pieces of décor mix with clean lines of modern design. History meats present. Transitional Design Style is a holy grail of styles when you want your home to never date. Bringing the modern element to the space is making it timeless.

Traditional Style	Modern
Classic details	Sharp, clean lines
Symmetrical furniture placement	Asymmetrical
18th and 19th century European Decor	Light wood
Wingback couches	Modern materials glass, plastic, metal
Tufted upholstery	No ornates
Dark Wood	Minimalism
Queen Anne, Chippendale, Sheraton style
Silk, velvet, leather
Chandeliers
Ornate architectural details
Fireplaces

Main Characteristics

The transitional style is a mix of traditional and modern furniture pieces. It requires a careful and curated approach to achieve an effortless style.

• Use furniture and décor to make a statement. For example large comfortable sofas with timeless silhouettes
• Embrace traditional ornamentation in architectural details like crown molding and trims
• Aim for interest through shapes and textures
• Traditional style is the base that you can use to mix another modern interior design style. Think about the proportions and balance between them
• Find a piece of furniture or décor that you love and build your scheme around it
• Keep the mixed pieces of furniture in the medium spectrum of design and not in extremes
• Play with furniture placement
• Use accent furniture from different eras of design
• Use modern art on a wallpapered wall
• Keep pattern mixing to a minimum as we are trying to achieve balance

I love this quote:

“Think of this as a capsule wardrobe for your living room: invest in classic, quality pieces you can keep for years, then layer in some contemporary fun on top.”

https://www.mydomaine.com/transitional-interior-design-5193036

Materials to use

Use a mix of materials:

• Metal
• Glass
• Wood
• Leather
• Rattan
• Lacquer
• Fabric

Transitional Colour Palette

• A neutral colour scheme is a base for the transitional design style(greys, tans, white, and brown). Pops of colour can complement the scheme in a harmonized way. Apply the monochrome scheme, soft subtle shades of blue and green are good choices for the pop of colour.
• A neutral palette is visually calming and can act as a backdrop. It allows for the exposition of key pieces.

What is different about Transitional style?

The transitional style embraces the juxtaposition of antique pieces and modern pieces. It also thrives on contrast of shapes and textures to give the space a character. It gives the freedom for experimentation and play. Mix and match the lines, for example round sofa with a square table or the other way around.