Decorating Guides
Transitional Style: A Marriage of Modern and Traditional
Balance old and new with a mix of simple lines, neutrals, warmth and light
When defining your design style, is modern too sleek? Traditional too stodgy? Your borderline style may be “transitional.”
Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and modern furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics. The result is an elegant, enduring design that is both comfortable and classic.
Whereas traditional and modern schemes may introduce a few opposing elements in their designs, transitional style strikes the perfect balance between the two. Through its simple lines, neutral colour scheme, use of light and warmth, transitional style joins the best of both the traditional and modern worlds. Here are some beautiful examples:
Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and modern furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics. The result is an elegant, enduring design that is both comfortable and classic.
Whereas traditional and modern schemes may introduce a few opposing elements in their designs, transitional style strikes the perfect balance between the two. Through its simple lines, neutral colour scheme, use of light and warmth, transitional style joins the best of both the traditional and modern worlds. Here are some beautiful examples:
A signature light fixture accented with warm woods, off-white walls and a blend of contemporary and traditional accessories suits any transitional room.
Warm brown to chocolate wood tones are typically the only deep tones used in transitional designs.
Learn how to work with brown colour
Warm brown to chocolate wood tones are typically the only deep tones used in transitional designs.
Learn how to work with brown colour
With transitional design, flooring is neutral; soft-coloured carpets or wood floors in warm tones are generally used. Because flooring is neutral, the texture in the carpets or rugs is important.
Traditional bar stools surround an island with more modern lines and finishes. The combination creates a transitional kitchen.
Wondering how to choose the perfect kitchen & bar stools?
Wondering how to choose the perfect kitchen & bar stools?
Organic elements, an antique dresser and contemporary lighting and doors blend into a beautifully transitional area.
Rich brown wall colour warms up a sleek vanity, blurring the line between traditional and modern design.
Tip: Select a darker grout colour and set subway tile with a staggered joint, as shown here, to soften a contemporary look into a transitional one.
Tip: Select a darker grout colour and set subway tile with a staggered joint, as shown here, to soften a contemporary look into a transitional one.
A brushed nickel faucet helps dark woods and a warm coloured countertop work with these silver light fixtures and white walls. Warmly coloured rectangular glass tiles provide the perfect mix of modern and traditional elements.
Take a look at these 5 trending faucets
Take a look at these 5 trending faucets
Harmonious shades of colour ranging from white to chocolate brown impart a soothing calmness to this living room. Wooden elements add an informal note but complement the colour scheme.
Natural elements such as stone, granite and wood are good choices for transitional design because they can play a significant role in both traditional and contemporary styles.
Transitional tip: Make sure your space has a natural flow by repeating colours and materials from one room to another. Use wall paint in the same tone and fabrics in similar colours and varying textures.
Neutral tones and non-patterned fabrics create a sense of comfort in transitional spaces.
Window treatments are most often modest, solid-colour drapes that are shirred onto unadorned metal or wood rods. When blinds or shades are used, they are either clean-line Roman shades or texture-rich woven-wood blinds.
Tip: Window coverings don’t have as much importance as window styling in this family room.
These 6 window treatments will change your perspective
Window treatments are most often modest, solid-colour drapes that are shirred onto unadorned metal or wood rods. When blinds or shades are used, they are either clean-line Roman shades or texture-rich woven-wood blinds.
Tip: Window coverings don’t have as much importance as window styling in this family room.
These 6 window treatments will change your perspective
Pairing white herringbone backsplash tiles with orb-like lighting, an antique armoire and rattan bar stools shows how “transitional” can be simply pulled off in a kitchen.
A wooden ceiling, that provides the interest in this room’s composition blends traditional tiles and furniture with a modern flair.
Tip: Conceal clutter in baskets to provide texture and a clean, consistent look.
Tip: Conceal clutter in baskets to provide texture and a clean, consistent look.
Tasteful signature pieces are displayed without much fanfare. Display artwork and photos in an understated way, with basic white mats and simple frames with clean lines.
A mix of textures, including a concrete countertop and wooden cabinet, provides interest in this room’s composition, which blends traditional items with a modern flair.
Simple lines and white walls are softened by repurposed furnishings, knit fabrics and daylight for a comfortably transitional living space.
Read more:
Houzz Quiz: What’s Your Decorating Style?
Tell us:
What style are you? Tell us in the Comments below.
Read more:
Houzz Quiz: What’s Your Decorating Style?
Tell us:
What style are you? Tell us in the Comments below.
This inviting space is perfect for a world traveler. The neutral wall colour serves as the backdrop that ties together the treasures on display.