What's Your Style: Traditional vs Transitional Style
Is your interior style traditional or transitional? And do you know the difference?
But this is actually the transitional style – which means it’s an interior scheme with no central conceptual theme. Transitional style is “about meeting in the middle … a balance between contemporary and traditional“. It’s an everyday interior scheme.
Comfortable transitional style
“Transitional style is contemporary style which incorporates traditional elements of design with trends and design ideas which are current,” explains Jas Jhol from Singapore interior design firm Sugarbakers.
It’s comfortable and homey, and perfect for families or those of us who like to collect bits and pieces from all over.
“Transitional style is contemporary style which incorporates traditional elements of design with trends and design ideas which are current,” explains Jas Jhol from Singapore interior design firm Sugarbakers.
It’s comfortable and homey, and perfect for families or those of us who like to collect bits and pieces from all over.
There is also a component of wabi-sabi style in the transitional concept. The use of family furniture and recycled pieces fits with the idea of ‘finding beauty in the used’. Like the vintage table in this kitchen.
Don’t just throw things together though. You need to have some sort of theme that echoes throughout the home – otherwise it will just look like a mess.
In the case of my mother’s house, she has stuck to a simple range of colours – white, black and mid-brown timber. The colour comes from the small decorative items and lots of plants and flowers.
Image: Niki Bruce
Image: Niki Bruce
Nigel TV Console
Get the look:
For a transitional living room, combine inherited furniture with a comfortable sofa and a modern TV console like this one from Castlery.
For a transitional living room, combine inherited furniture with a comfortable sofa and a modern TV console like this one from Castlery.
Stick to lighter colours to maximise the illusion of space. Grey is a great base for darker furniture pieces.
Antique colonial tables
If you haven’t inherited old furniture, head to vintage stores and grab a bit of someone else’s history.
Historical traditional style
A true traditional interior, however, is actually something inspired by 18th and 19th century European decor – Victorian, for the most part in Singapore. “This interior design style has remained popular through the centuries for a reason – its charm and grace come straight from the pages of history. Leaning towards a more formal look, traditional homes have a stateliness and air of success to which many aspire.“
A true traditional interior, however, is actually something inspired by 18th and 19th century European decor – Victorian, for the most part in Singapore. “This interior design style has remained popular through the centuries for a reason – its charm and grace come straight from the pages of history. Leaning towards a more formal look, traditional homes have a stateliness and air of success to which many aspire.“
The colonial style is unique to Singapore and suits our tropical weather.
Singapore’s black and white houses
Singapore’s black and white houses
The traditional shophouse also has a distinctive historical style that is worth exploring. I love the way this Chinese shophouse has been renovated to include a number of traditional features in a modern, useable way.
You can also look at French provincial, British country cottage look, or old Scandinavian for style inspiration.
Get the look:
One feature of the traditional style is the use of a mix of neutral colours with pale or deep red, green and jewel tones as accents. It is also strong on prints and patterns like florals, damasks, stripes and checks.
One feature of the traditional style is the use of a mix of neutral colours with pale or deep red, green and jewel tones as accents. It is also strong on prints and patterns like florals, damasks, stripes and checks.
Curtains
Elaborate curtains, drapes and valances and rugs bring colour and texture to traditional interiors.
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What’s your style? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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TELL US
What’s your style? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
MORE
Read more stories on interior styles
Image: Niki Bruce