Interior Design Styletraditional Vs Transitional Style

Are you looking to upgrade your home with a rich, layered look but aren’t sure how to define the difference between traditional and transitional styles? Because these two design styles share a similar core design message, let’s take a look at what defines them so that you can bring them into your home with a thoughtful sense of authority.

If you compare the two side by side, you are sure to find significant similarities and differences between them. For the final breakdown, we asked the designers at Décor Aid to do the two so you could better understand the core fundamentals of the two and advocate for a transitional style versus traditional style.

Traditional style

Let’s start by defining a traditional style. A traditional room is characterized by ornate interiors inspired by a 17th or 18th century European country house. The look is often warm and inviting and luxurious.

These rooms are usually decorated with furniture and fixtures that have curved shapes and a more exquisite design. The traditional style is also known for its elegant fittings, ornate wood designs, rich tones, heavy drapes and varied patterns. This is a perfect route for those who want to add some old world glamor to their homes, as the traditional style interior is sure to bring something.

Traditional style characteristics

To best compare traditional with transitional interior design, here are the main features that define the traditional decorating style:

• European Influences – Traditional style interior design is usually inspired by 18th and 19th century European decor. It’s a timeless style synonymous with comfort and elegance, characterized by antiques and classic works of art. The traditional decorating style prides itself on its approachable and harmonious charm.
• Dark and rich colors – if you are into dark woods and rich tones, the traditional style is perfect for you. These rooms often have brown, red and green tones as accent colors. Paisleys, flowers, damask, and plaids are also common in traditional interiors.
• Majestic Furniture – Traditional style is far from minimal and its decor is no exception. Most of the traditional houses have extensive fabrications and luxurious furniture. You will notice lots of tufted sofas, claw foot chairs, carved furniture, and furniture with metallic details.
• Elegant furniture – the traditional decoration style is about the finest details. You will find that a room is full of great gestures such as elegant porcelain cabinets, grandiose chandeliers, decorative pillows, sconces, mirrors, vases and candle holders. It is also common for the traditional style interior design to have a touch of metallic hits in each of its accessories, adding sophistication and drama to any room.

Transition style

A transitional style decor goes well with contemporary and traditional styles. Traditional rooms are known for their neutral primers in cream, beige, and gray. The transition style combines a combination of classic and modern furniture and surfaces.

Since the transition style relies more on contemporary design, the look is less tight and a little more relaxed. Textiles, wood tones and other decorative textures add depth to these rooms. The color and pattern for the transition style are more subtle.

If you admire the combination of classic and modern looks against a neutral background, the transition style is best for you.

Properties of the transition style

It might be confusing to differentiate between traditional and transitional styles, but when you know the key features of each design, it is easier to distinguish each look with ease. Here are common characteristics of the transition style:

• Combination of classic curves and modern lines – Transitional style interior is a combination of modern lines and classic curves in a neutral setting. However, it cannot be overlooked that there is a lack of color as accessories come to life while the focus is on a minimal, neutral palette.
• Comfortable furniture and soft lines – the transition decor style includes soft lines and comfortable furniture, but without fussy styling. The color palette used is similar to contemporary design and is usually kept to a minimum.
• Elegant and timeless design motifs – the transition style captivates with an elegant and timeless look that combines the old with the new and the feminine with the masculine – in a fresh way.
• Solids remain cautious – solids are often depicted in a transitional space, while patterns are mostly subtle.

Traditional vs transitional style

To further illustrate the differences between traditional and transitional designs, let’s compare their key elements.

• The transition style often consists of a mixture of wood tones in a single room. There may also be detailed mill work, but it doesn’t necessarily define the overall feel. In traditional interiors, these decor elements are usually toned down by adding modern lines that contrast perfectly with wood tones.
• Transitional decorating style tends to mix different textures to create depth. In a traditional or transitional kitchen, the transitional style interior design kitchen features wood tones and subtle geometric patterns to create a warm and welcoming feel. A traditional style kitchen is cozy too, but the colors and patterns are more varied, creating a more luxurious feel.
• Transitional style interior design is usually recognized for its neutral background without sacrificing color. If a bold tone is used it is usually repeated for consistency. A transition space can be symmetrical, although it can also violate this rule. However, there is often a mix of patterns and colors in a traditional room. One is braver and the other remains neutral. Symmetry is the key to traditional interior design.
• Although the transitional decorating style has its roots in traditional ways of thinking, it usually incorporates modern trends in interior design. Its contemporary side makes it possible to effortlessly implement other trends in interior design, for example a modern lamp. On the flip side, traditional-style rooms stick with vintage or ornate-looking furniture and fixtures.
• The transitional kitchens are modern. In a traditional or transitional kitchen, you’ll notice modern touches in a transitional kitchen, such as: B. modern wall decoration. A traditional kitchen area, however, would feature classically designed woodwork and art.
• The tone and colors of a traditional room are more intense and saturated, while a transition room is mostly made up of neutral colors with some soft pastel tones. In addition, a transition room feels light and airy, while a traditional room exudes a warm and heavy feeling.

Which style suits you best?

We hope that now you have a better idea of ​​the differences between traditional and transitional designs. The definitions and descriptions above are key in deciding between a transition style and a traditional setting for your home.

Ultimately, choosing a traditional or a transition style is a personal choice based on your lifestyle. If you love classic and vintage pieces with a low-key look, traditional style interiors may be your best option. However, if you want to infuse other interior design trends into a traditional space, opt for a mix of contemporary furniture and furnishings, as transitional interior design is about a creative combination of design styles.

It is important to remember that there really aren’t any hard and fast rules when it comes to interior styles.

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