Transitional design is a term that so many of us use on a regular basis but I forget that there are lots of you out of there that aren’t familiar with exactly what that means. Today I’m exploring this design style as well as how to achieve it and what makes it work.
The simplest way to explain transitional style is to say that it’s a blending of both traditional and contemporary elements. It can look really different depending on the home and the person’s interpretation of the style.
For instance, someone who leans more towards traditional design may have more traditional elements with just a nod to contemporary through artwork and small decor items.
A contemporary lover may utilize sleek modern furniture and work in the traditional elements through more traditional area rugs and light fixtures. The two rooms would look very different but they could both be categorized as transitional.
How to Make Transitional Style Work For You
1/ Embrace Your Home’s Architecture
What age and style is your home? This is the best way to begin when deciding on a design style. The architecture of your home should always lead the way because you can’t fight that. It’s a mistake to stray too far from the home’s origins and it will always look like a fight is taking place between the structure and its contents when you ignore your home’s original architecture.
That means if your home is traditional architecture you’ll primarily follow that design aesthetic while adding in touches of contemporary. If you’re in a modern home, the reverse is true.
One of the important aspects of creating a transitional space is to include a lot of millwork. Think about crown moulding, wall panelling and extensive millwork around the fireplace. This will give the room the traditional backdrop it needs.
2/ Consider The Layout
Transitional style always relies on balance. You’ll be introducing 2 separate design styles and incorporating them into a single space so learning how to balance those 2 styles is integral to success. The layout of the space is an important consideration for this design style. Is your home open concept or is it a traditional style with distinct rooms?
A beautiful way to balance the layout of a contemporary, open concept space is by adding some traditional area rugs to keep the space from leaning too modern. While you may think rugs don’t make much of an overall impact, you’ll be surprised at how significantly they can change a design. There is such a large area of space that’s covered and this sets a definite tone regarding design style. Area rugs also help to define spaces and create strong boundaries between separate spaces.
The layout of your furniture will depend on the shape of your room but try to stick with more traditional layouts. That can look like 2 sofas sitting opposite each other or a single sofa with 2 armchairs. You don’t want to lean too far towards contemporary when arranging your furniture or you may not be able to create the transitional look you’re after.
3/ Introduce The Furniture
Now comes the fun part, adding the furniture. You can blend both traditional and contemporary furniture into a single space but be careful not to lean too far towards one side or the other. This can make it hard to recover and you may end up with a room that looks distinctively traditional or contemporary.
Try to avoid large furniture pieces like sofas that have overstuffed arms or sit way too low to the ground. These are trademarks of their distinctive style. Instead, look for upholstered pieces that look like they could belong anywhere. Think arms that are round or square in a mid-sized width.
When it comes to case goods like tables and cabinets, avoid turned legs and etched details as well as too sleek finishes like high gloss paint or overly shiny metal legs.
Transitional style always incorporates furniture that’s comfortable but use a measured approach and keep balance in mind when selecting furniture.
4/ Colour Palette
A transitional colour palette is primarily neutral. This can be both light neutrals like white, tan and grey as well as dark neutrals like navy, black and brown. It’s the blending of these colours into one palette that matters most.
Brighter, bolder accent colours can be used in moderation but be careful. I wouldn’t suggest strong colours like magenta or yellow as they aren’t generally associated with transitional style.
5/ Don’t Forget to Accessorize
Great accessories are the key to any good design. Transitional design style relies on simplicity and that means you should keep the accessories simple and sparse. Instead of a roomful of small tchotchkes incorporate just a few well-designed pieces that are elegant and sleek. This could be a small potted plant, a few framed photos or a beautiful hand blown glass bowl. Create a strong impact through size and scale as opposed to volume of items. A single oversized vase makes a much more significant impact than using 3 or 4 small items.
You want your accessories to feel like home because this style is all about comfort and ease. Want some help selecting decor items? This post outlines some of the pieces that can make an impact in your space.
6/ Introduce Great Lighting
Avoid using traditional light fixtures as it’s hard to move away from the feeling of traditional design when those are incorporated into a space. Instead, use simple, sleek contemporary pieces that look timeless.
This is one of the areas where contemporary design wins over many other design styles. Contemporary lighting is unobtrusive and can even incorporate a quirkiness that will add some fun to your space.
If you are struggling to create a home you love, reach out to me. I’d love to discuss how I can help create a home that feels like you and makes you feel excited to be home.
